Overview
DCU’s MA in International Relations, the oldest of its kind in Ireland, is known for its dedicated staff with a wide range of expertise and its diverse student body. We welcome students from around the world, with various career backgrounds and different undergraduate degrees. Our approach is inclusive, considering international relations as a combination of different theories, disciplines, and global perspectives.
In the first semester, you'll have small classes to introduce core subjects, giving you the intellectual skills you'll need for the entire programme and helping you connect with fellow students.
In the second semester, you can choose from a range of elective courses specifically tailored for the MA in International Relations. You can also select modules from related programmes like international security studies, public policy, and law.
The optional modules cover topics such as international politics, human rights, the economy, communication, trade, regional studies and environmental protection. In addition, you'll work on a dissertation of up to 15,000 words on the topic of your choice, receiving support from the beginning of the programme, including one-on-one supervision.
Students have two options for completing the MA programme: full-time in 12 months or part-time over two years.
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Careers & Further Options
Careers
The MA in International Relations appeals to a broad range of individuals, including recent college graduates and those who are already established in their careers. This programme is suitable for students with diverse academic backgrounds, spanning disciplines like politics, law, history, languages, business, and the sciences.
The knowledge and skills you gain from this programme are highly valued by various sectors, including government agencies, research organisations, national and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as inter-governmental organisations (IGOs).
Upon graduation, many students pursue careers in government departments such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of An Taoiseach and the Department of Justice.
Others find opportunities with international organisations like the European Union and the United Nations. Some may choose to work for NGOs such as Trócaire, Amnesty International, Concern and Oxfam, or in major multinational corporations, financial services firms, or as journalists for media organisations.
"DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.
DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path."
Entry Requirements
For admission to the MA in International Relations, successful applicants will have:
• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent
• If the applicant has not yet completed their degree, then conditional offer may be made on basis of most recent grades and pending the achievement of no less than a H2.2 degree,
• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.
Programme Structure
Students have two choices for completing this MA programme. You can finish it in one year if you go full-time, or you can opt for the part-time route, which takes two years.
If you go full-time, you'll take three core modules and a research methodology class in the first semester, with the academic year beginning in September. In the second semester, you'll select three modules on a variety of topics. Additionally, you’ll work on a 15,000-word dissertation due in September.
For part-time students, you'll spread out all the modules (three core, a research methodology class, and three electives) over two years, taking one or two modules per semester. The mandatory modules and popular electives are typically taught during one afternoon or evening per week, between 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Depending on your choice of elective modules, part-time students usually won't have any scheduled activities outside of this time frame.
Just like full-time students, you'll also complete a 15,000-word dissertation, due in September of your second year.
This programme includes seminars and presentations by guest speakers, such as politicians, officials, academics, and diplomats. These events will encourage you to explore important issues in international politics, security, and development, and provide opportunities to connect with key professionals in the field.
- Integrates theory, policy, and practical application to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of international relations.
- Provide top-notch academic education in international relations.
- Foster a critical comprehension of various theories and frameworks in the field of international studies.
- Improve participants' practical skills in research, communication, policy analysis, and programme/project management.
- Path to Further Studies: DCU opens opportunities for postgraduate studies in various fields, including International Development, Environmental Studies, Political Science, International Relations and Security Studies.
- Pioneering Programme: DCU's MA in International Relations was the first of its kind in Ireland and remains the country's top programme in this field.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: The programme offers a diverse, small class environment with students from around the world, making it a truly multidisciplinary experience.
- Interactive Teaching: You can expect an engaging and participatory teaching style with a wide range of modules to choose from.
- Accessible Faculty: The lecturers at DCU are readily available to students and possess genuine expertise in their respective disciplines.
- Leading Department: The School of Law and Government at DCU is recognised as Ireland's premier academic department for International Relations and Security studies.
Fees and Funding
Fees
How To Apply
To apply for this programme:
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application:
- Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
- If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
- Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025.
- Closing date for EU applicants is 30th August 2025.
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.
If you are a non EU applicant and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie
Commencement of Programme
The programme commences in September 2025.
Life On Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
DCU Glasnevin Campus
FAQs
Is DCU all one campus?
DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.
Click here to see maps of all of our campuses
If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
Does DCU provide accommodation?
DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.
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