Graduate Testimonials
Rebecca Kilbane
PPES Graduate, June 2012
I graduated from PPES in June 2012. One of the main reasons I was attracted to PPES as a course was the opportunity to study in the politics department in Trinity. First year provides a broad introduction to Political Science so you can get an excellent overview of the discipline. Having a broad knowledge of politics complemented my study of the three other disciplines I was studying. In second read I took International Relations and History of Political Thought, which allowed me to study the greatest historical and modern political scientists. The Politics Department also allows you to choose from a number of great international universities where you can spend a year or semester abroad. I studied in the University of Copenhagen taking masters level classes in international ethics and peace & conflict studies. If you take politics with you until fourth year you must take Contemporary Politics Issues. This two-hour seminar allows students to make presentations on political issues they are passionate about helping students to develop strong communication skills. In fourth year students develop strong relationships with their lecturers who have weekly open room session to answer your questions and give advice and feedback on your work to ensure that you have the best chance of achieving the highest grades. Having a politics as part of my degree has equipped with me strong analytical and problem solving that are very attractive to employers.
Ross O’Mahony
History and Political Science, June 2012 
I thoroughly enjoyed my degree in political science at Trinity College. My four years at Trinity gave me a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of modern political science. From Introduction to Political Science in first year all the way up to my specialist subjects in fourth year I was exposed to the latest research and theories, but also taught how they impacted in the real world. I benefited from great lecturers and teaching assistants who were at the forefront of their respective fields. The combination of lectures and tutorials was particularly beneficial and enjoyable. The smaller classes led by graduate students give you the opportunity to discuss and debate topics from the lectures and to really delve into key issues in political science. They are a great way to not only encourage and facilitate peer learning but also to hone key communication and presentation skills invaluable for any career. My degree also helped me develop strong research and writing skills that I use on a daily basis. I really appreciate the education I received from the Department of Political Science, as a result of my four years I have a thorough grounding in a wide variety of political subjects from international relations to the history of political thought. I was also able to specialise in particular areas of interest such as issues in contemporary politics and African politics. I would definitely recommend a degree in political science at Trinity College to any prospective student.