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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Europe's Hard Choices at the Autumn Series
On 8 October, the Department of Political Science's Autumn Series lecture examined the choices European countries are being asked to make about their own security. Thanks to everyone who came along to the Synge Theatre.
12 Oct 2026
News
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Professor Raj Chari Meets Newsroom Europe Members
On Wednesday 7 October 2026, Professor Raj Chari met with members of the Newsroom Europe project group to discuss the Presidency of the EU.
08 Oct 2026
News
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A Warm Welcome to Our New PhD Students
The Department of Political Science would like to extend the warmest of welcomes to our new PhD students, who start their research with us this Michaelmas Term.
02 Oct 2026
News
What do the German elections mean for the future of European politics?
Germany's recent state elections have seen unprecedented success for the far-right. What does this mean for the future of German and European politics? Dr Matthias Dilling from the Department of Political Science explores how the government in Germany can potentially bounce back from these losses in our latest Meet the Expert video.
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 Group. 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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Seminar Series 2026/27
Details of the Monday and Friday Seminar Series for Michaelmas Term 2026 are now available. See what’s coming up!
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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!
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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