
Overview
The focus of the Government and Politics is on governance. Government affects our day-to-day lives. It affects the food we eat, the healthcare we receive and the taxes we pay. Modern-day governance occurs at many levels: local, regional, national, European and international.
Key facts
- The Government and Politics at University College Cork uniquely oriented toward vocational skills training, through coursework, and the option to undertake either a work-based dissertation (Work Placement) or a research-based dissertation. We have a dedicated placement officer who sources an internship tailored to each individual student's specific interests. In the majority of cases these internships are paid, although this cannot be guaranteed. The work placement offering builds on the success of this scheme at the undergraduate and postgraduate level in other programmes offered by the Department of Government and Politics, which has been a pioneer in offering internships for students of political science.
- These placements are located in a wide variety of policy organisations, such as the Irish parliament, the Scottish parliament, the Office of the President, the Central Bank and Ervia, in which students will be able to utilise the knowledge learned on the programme and learn invaluable vocational and practical skills.
- The programme will prepare you for positions in government, international organisations, the private, community, and voluntary sectors and PhD research.
- Our graduates have found employment as public affairs consultants, legal officers, parliamentary researchers, journalists, analysts in the banking and IT industries, press officers, and teachers and some have gone on to PhD research.
Get more details
Visit programme websiteProgramme Structure
Courses include:
- European Democracy, Citizenship, Memory and Identity
- EU Political System and Policies
- Political Science Research Methods
- Comparative Political Institutions
- Politics and Gender
- Re-imagining Democratic Politics in a Changing World
- Core Themes in Political Philosophy
Check out the full curriculum
Visit programme websiteKey information
Duration
- Full-time
- 12 months
- Part-time
- 24 months
Start dates & application deadlines
Not running 2025/2026
Language
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Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Philosophy Political Science View 14 other Masters in Philosophy in IrelandExplore more key information
Visit programme websiteAcademic requirements
English requirements
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Student insurance
Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:
- Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
- Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.
Get your student insurance nowStarting 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 Cork and/or in Ireland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.
Other requirements
General requirements
- Applicants should have a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8)or an equivalent academic or professional qualification, in one of the following areas: Social Science, Arts, Commerce, Law or a related discipline or equivalent professional experience as deemed appropriate by the Head of Department of Government Politics and the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Science under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- Applicants may be required to attend for interview or may be short-listed for interview.
- All applicants will be required to submit a 'motivation statement' (indicating why they are interested in taking the MSc Government and Politics, and why they think they would be suited to the programme. Prospective applicants should contact the Department of Government and Politics for further information.
Make sure you meet all requirements
Visit programme websiteTuition Fee
-
International
18130 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 18130 EUR per year during 12 months. -
EU/EEA
8700 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 8700 EUR per year during 12 months.
Living costs for Cork
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Check for any work restrictions
Visit programme websiteIn order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.
Scholarships Information
Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Government and Politics.
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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