Overview

The European Politics and Policy M.Sc. at University College Dublin offers students a rigorous academic foundation in the complexities of modern European governance and international relations. This programme is designed to equip graduates with the analytical tools required to evaluate contemporary policy debates within an increasingly globalised political landscape.

Why European Politics and Policy at University College Dublin?

Students benefit from joining the oldest and largest school of politics in Ireland, which is ranked within the global top 100 by the QS World University Rankings. The faculty consists of world-renowned experts who provide a multidisciplinary approach to political science and public policy. The curriculum balances theoretical learning with practical applications, fostering an environment where students can pursue specific research interests while receiving high-quality academic support.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: EUR 22600 per year
European fee: EUR 10350 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on developing methodological expertise alongside subject-specific knowledge. Modules may include:

Politics of European Governance
Comparative European Politics
Qualitative Research Methods for Political Science
Statistics
Thesis
Law and Governance of the EU
Politics of Human Rights
Peace & Conflict Studies
Gender & the Political System

Careers with European Politics and Policy

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse professional paths within major international organisations and government bodies. Many alumni secure roles in the European Union, the United Nations, and the IMF. The programme develops the essential skills needed to compete for specialised positions such as Government Social Researchers, Diplomatic Advisors, and Public Affairs Consultants. Additionally, the degree provides a strong foundation for those wishing to work with non-governmental organisations or private-sector employers operating on a global scale.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Thesis
Research Design
Statistics
Politics of European Governance
Qualitative Research Methods for Political Science
The Global Political Economy of Europe

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months
- Flexible

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

UCD operates a rolling admissions policy for Graduate Taught Courses, with decisions being taken as soon as possible after receipt of completed applications.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

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TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

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PTE Academic

65

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OTE

140

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

90 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dublin, Ireland

Disciplines

International Relations European Studies Political Science View 23 other Masters in Political Science in Ireland

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

65

Schedule a PTE test!

OTE

140

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A primary degree with at least Second Class Honours Grade 1 (2H1) in a relevant subject such as political science, international relations, social science, sociology, history, geography, economics, global studies, public policy, development studies, EU studies, law. 2H1 is equivalent to 60 per cent, B minus or 3.08 GPA - in American system: B or 3.00 GPA.
Your application will be considered on its individual merits and relevant professional experience will also be taken into account.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University College Dublin and/or in Ireland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

22600 EUR / year

≈ 22600 EUR / year
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

10350 EUR / year

≈ 10350 EUR / year

Additional Details

The displayed fees are for 2024. Fees for 2025 will be updated soon.

Living costs

Dublin

Ireland

1100 - 1800 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for European Politics and Policy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Dublin

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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