Welcome to the Department of Political Science
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Why Study Political Science at Trinity College Dublin?
Consistently ranked among the top political science departments globally, we offer rigorous and research-led programmes that equip students with the analytical tools to understand political behaviour, public institutions and international affairs in an increasingly complex world.
POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS & EVENTS
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Who gets left behind in academia?
Two leading experts explore how gender and race shape inclusion in higher education. Join the School EDI team for an event on Thursday 2 April at 2.30pm, Room 3074, Arts Building.
02 Apr 2026
Event
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The School of Social Sciences & Philosophy Renews Athena Swan Award
We are delighted to announce that the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy has renewed its Athena Swan Bronze Award with a new action plan for the years 2025-2030.
04 Mar 2026
News
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Inside Politics podcast.
Prof Gail McElroy and Theresa Reidy join Hugh Linehan on the Inside Politics podcast to discuss research analysing party manifestos in the 2024 general election.
16 Feb 2026
News
Missed our democracy and AI talk? Watch it here!
From deepfakes to algorithmic newsfeeds, AI is shaping how citizens see the world, and how they vote. In Democracy and AI: Navigating the Political Risks, a panel of political scientists from Trinity College Dublin explore how democratic systems can adapt and respond - part of the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy’s Public Autumn Series.
NEW RESEARCH
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How We Teach Africa Matters
Michelle D’Arcy (chapter). Edited by Afa’anwi Ma’abo Che & Debora V. Malito, March 2026
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Democratic dissatisfaction, the far right, and party brand activation
Matthias Dilling and Leonie de Jonge Published in Political Research Exchange. March 2026
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VA real naval “Grandeur”? France and the European Union’s maritime security
Dr Giovanni Parente. Published in Springer Nature: French Politics. January 2026.
INSIDE THE DEPARTMENT
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Looking for an Internship?
Details of Summer Internship opportunities in the Department of Political Science have just been announced. See what's available!
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What comes after an MSc?
Aryan Goyal, MSc Applied Social Data Science (2024), now a Research Associate in Spain, reflects on his time at Trinity and his path since graduating.
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What are we working on?
Explore recent publications and research activity from the Department of Political Science.
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Research with global reach
From European courts and governance to data-driven research on conflict and security, explore the Department’s research centres and projects.
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Meet the team
Get to know the staff of the Department of Political Science and the people behind our teaching, research and academic life.
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Current students
Course handbooks, module outlines, timetables, scholarship exam information and more… Find all the resources you need here!
Is Authoritarianism Linked to Religiosity?
Professor Gizem Arikan from the Department of Political Science in Trinity College Dublin breaks down this question in our latest Meet the Expert video.
OUR COURSES
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Undergraduate Political Science
Study politics through flexible degree pathways that combine core political analysis with options spanning Irish, European, and global politics.
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MSc in Applied Social Data Science
A one-year, full-time programme focused on quantitative methods and data-driven analysis of political and social questions, with a strong research component.
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MSc in International Politics
A one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme offering advanced training in international politics, research methods, and independent dissertation work.
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PhD in Political Science
A structured doctoral programme combining taught training and original research, preparing students for academic, policy, and research careers.
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