Politics and Public Policy (M.Sc. / P.Grad. Dip.)
- Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
- Admission Requirements: See bottom of this page
- Closing Date: 31st July 2013
- Course Director(s): Dr Tim Hicks
- Course Email(s): polsci@tcd.ie
- Course Tel(s): +353 1 896 4066
- Course Url: http://www.tcd.ie/Political_Science/postgraduate/msc-political-science/
Apply
To apply, click on the relevant Apply Link below- Politics and Public Policy (M.Sc. / P.Grad. Dip.), 1 Year(s) Full Time
- Politics and Public Policy (M.Sc. / P.Grad. Dip.), 2 Year(s) Part Time
Course Details
The objective of the course is to develop students' knowledge of comparative politics in contemporary Europe. This includes knowledge of the policies, politics of and public opinion in the European Union and its member states. In addition, the course aims to equip students with the research training required to conduct independent political research. Therefore, in addition to substantive modules on various aspects of comparative politics, the course also includes modules on research methods.
The course provides training in substantive topics relating to governance in the European Union, in addition to developing the research and technical skills needed to undertake political science research. It is ideal for those considering a career that deals with European and global issues. The course offers students the opportunity to study in international department with excellence in teaching and research in the area of European politics and governance.
The course is of twelve months duration, on a full time basis. Teachings starts in September and the M.Sc. concludes with the submission of a dissertation the following August.
The course offers a range of modules that will deepen students' knowledge of politics and policies in Europe and the European Union and help them gain new insight into the EU's role in today's world. The M.Sc. course consists of seven modules:
- Government Institutions
- Government and Politics of the EU
- Principles of Comparative Research
- Electoral Behaviour
- International Organisations
- European Union Policies and
- Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods.
All modules are taught around a weekly seminar and assessed on the basis of assignments and exams. In addition, students will complete a dissertaion of approximately 10,000 words in length. Students who fail to achieve a satisfactory mark for the dissertation element may be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Political Science.
Admission Requirements
Candidates should normally have achieved an upper second class honour degree, or higher from an established university. GPA scores of at least 3.5 out of 4, or equivalent, will be expected from international applicants. A background in a social science will be an advantage but not a necessity. Applications are expected from candidates with a single or joint honours degree in Political Science, Economics, European Studies, History, Sociology, Business and Law.
Applicants must, in addition to the College requirement to provide academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation, provide a motivation letter and one piece of written work (for example an undergraduate dissertation or essay).