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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Public Autumn Series 2026
Join the Department of Political Science on Thursday 8 October for a free public lecture on European security, the future of NATO and what the Trump era means for a small, non-aligned state like Ireland.
08 Oct 2026
Event
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TCD alumnus Miceal Canavan takes up a new post at Queen's University Belfast
Trinity College Dublin alumnus Dr Miceal Canavan has taken up a new role at Queen's University Belfast.
27 Aug 2026
News
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Welcome to Our New Staff Members in the Department
The Department of Political Science is delighted to announce five new Assistant Professors. We look forward to working with our new colleagues and seeing what their fresh perspective and expertise brings to the department.
27 Aug 2026
News
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Can Europe's security still rely on America?
For eight decades, Europe's defence rested on a transatlantic bargain few had reason to question. That assumption no longer holds. Join Dr Jesse Dillon Savage and Dr Thomas Chadefaux as they explore what's driving the shift, and what it means for Europe's choices ahead.
Date: Thursday 08 October, 7-8.30pm
Venue: JM Synge Theatre, Trinity College Dublin test
NEW RESEARCH
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The Long Shadow of The Past
Liam Kneafsey and Miceal Canavan. Published in The British Journal of Politics and International Relations. August 2026.
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Happiness in Political Communication by Men and Women Members of the US Congress
Constantine Boussalis, Mirya Holman, and Travis Coan Published in Political Communication. July 2026.
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Capturing legitimacy in captured states
Michelle D'Arcy and Đorđe Milosav Published in Routledge, Taylor and Francis. June 2026
Does the sound of a politician's voice affect how we vote?
We spoke to Dr Asli Ceren Cinar (Assistant Professor in Political Science) about her research into voting behaviour. She explains the concept of 'voice-pitch bias' and how this may have an influence on the way in which candidates are viewed by a voting body in elections around the world.
INSIDE THE DEPARTMENT
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Module Outlines 2026/27
Module Outlines for the Academic Year 2026/27 are now available. See what's on offer and plan your studies for the year ahead.
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What comes after an MSc?
Stefan Keel, MSc Applied Social Data Science (2024), now a Data Scientist in Switzerland, 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!
Do you know who's lobbying the EU?
Professor Raj Chari examines how far the EU has come on lobbying transparency, from Ireland's 2015 legislation to the EU transparency register, and asks what more is needed for citizens to see who is shaping EU policy. This video is part of the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy's 'Ireland as EU President' series.
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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