Graduate Testimonials

The Department of Political Science has graduated two cohorts from its MSc programmes. Below you can find some reflections from our graduates. In addition, titles of MSc research dissertations can be found on the MSc Graduates page.

Reflection from Clarissa Unger

Class of 2011, M Sc in Comparative European Politics

The decision to do the Masters program in Comparative European Politics at Trinity College was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The professors are brilliant, the coursework is engaging, and the diversity of the other students in the program allowed me to take away more from the experience than I ever thought possible. I instantly felt at home at Trinity, which made it all the easier for me to work hard and perform to my fullest potential throughout the program.

Since finishing the program, I have moved to Washington, D.C. and am the Outreach Director for an organization that brings together progressive leaders and organizations in an effort to collaborate on effective public policy messaging. While my work now is mostly focused on domestic U.S. policy, this course gave me the analytical skills necessary for understanding complex public policy, the confidence to voice my thoughts and opinions on various issues, and the ability to appreciate differing viewpoints of how government institutions should work and function. Trinity's Political Science Department offers a world-class education, and I am very proud to say this is where I received mine.

 
Reflection from Laura Schwirz

Class of 2010, M Sc in Comparative European Politics. Laura is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Science in the Department. Laura is from Germany.

The decision to do a PhD in Political Science at Trinity College Dublin has been based on the superb experience that I gained during my studies for the Masters in Comparative European Politics. Throughout the year, I received substantial support and advice from the department which helped me refine my research question. The variety of courses that were offered as part of the programme have helped me to explore different areas in Political Science and provided me with a substantial overview of the current research in this area.

Having discussed the option of doing a PhD with several members from the Department, I decided to continue doing research on the impact of party leadership evaluations on vote choice. Thanks to several meetings with my supervisor and other members of staff, I was able to develop a clear understanding of the literature on this topic and, more importantly, was able to write a detailed research proposal that allowed me to additionally map out the territory for my own thesis.

Finally, I would like to mention that I thoroughly enjoyed studying European Politics at Trinity College because of its superb teaching and learning environment. Not only was I provided with a detailed account of the literature in key areas of Political Science, I also learned relevant research skills such as writing a good thesis proposal and acquiring quantitative research skills.

Reflection from William Quill

Class of 2010, M Sc in Comparative European Politics. William is presently a political commentator, administrating his blog williamquill.com. William is from Ireland.

The Masters in Comparative European Politics served as a very good education in political science at an advanced level. Through the prism of European Union institutions, it provided a strong framework for the study of political behaviour at both the institutional and individual level. It also prepared us for thesis-writing, which I wrote on the effect of transfers in Irish elections. Since finishing the course, I have been active politically, working on Fine Gael's general election campaign across Dublin, most closely with Eoghan Murphy, since elected as a TD for Dublin South-East. I also blog at williamquill.com.

Reflection from Kali Peterson

Class of 2009, M Sc in Comparative European Politics. Kali is presently pursuing a law degree in International nonprofit law at Fordham University in New York City. Kali is originally from the United States.

The Trinity program granted me an international perspective I would not otherwise have had.  The classes were great, with teachers genuinely devoted to their students and their subjects, and with fellow scholars from every walk of life.  I also appreciated the opportunity to investigate a subject deeply and to produce work of my own.
Now I'm working on a law degree at Fordham University in New York City, focused in international nonprofit law.  I have found my background in Political Science to be invaluable in analyzing laws and policies, and I hope to continue to apply my skills in my internship in Ghana this summer.  My friends from the program find themselves all over the world, working in universities, for governments, for think-tanks and nonprofits, shaping the world in a myriad of ways.  I highly recommend this program.

Reflection from Benjamin Hammer

Class of 2009, M Sc in Comparative European Politics. Benjamin is presently working as a journalist for Germany's international broadcaster Deutsche Welle TV. Benjamin is originally from Germany.

The Department at Trinity has a strong analytical approach to Political Science. With the help of fantastic teachers I soon discovered how fruitful this can be. I was assisted in every stage of my research and I could always rely on the advice of Trinity political scientists. The versatility of topics and methods taught were outstanding. I truly enjoyed it! I now work as a journalist for Germany's international broadcaster Deutsche Welle TV.