Contact: Dr
Michael Doherty michael.doherty@dcu.ie
Tel: +353 1 700 7814 Room: C227
Fee information
Do you have an interest in major world issues? Would you like to know more about the social structure and political systems of contemporary societies? By the end of the course you will not only have learned more about politics, development and area studies from a global perspective but you will have developed oral and written communication skills, critical thinking and analysis, team work and research techniques.
Understand the major issues and debates in contemporary global politics. By studying the BA in International Relations (IR) not only will you discover more about a variety of issues and debates in global politics, you will find out about the forces which shape contemporary societies. You will learn about such issues as globalisation, third-world debt, American foreign policy and will be provided with an understanding of institutions including the European Union and the United Nations.
Combined with the extensive elective modules available, you will have plenty of flexibility in what you choose to study, alongside the core elements. Elective modules start in Year 1, so you can choose an elective from either intermediate French, ab-initio (beginner level), intermediate German or Spanish, American studies, or intercultural studies. This elective module will run for each of the three years.
IR is normally a three year course. However, you can also elect to spend an extra year abroad in one of our partner universities - in the US, France, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Denmark and Sweden. This is an excellent opportunity to experience first hand another society. You then complete the final year of your course in DCU.
Leaving Certificate
There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from
the general entry
requirements for admission to the university.
GCE A Level
There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from
the general entry requirements
for admission to the university.
FETAC Level 2
Students must present any award with distinctions in five modules
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
Non-native English speakers may be eligible to apply to the International Foundation Certificate (IFC) course, which will help you to achieve the English language requirements necessary for entry to this course as well as preparing you for adjustment to university learning in the Irish context. For further information on international applications click here.
EU School Leavers/FETAC Level 2
Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st
May
EU Mature Applicants
Apply through the CAO by 1st February
EU Transfer Applicants
Apply directly to DCU by the 1st July
All Non-EU Candidates
Apply directly to DCU by 15th February. Applications may also be taken up
to the 1st July if places have not been allotted.
Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at http://www.cao.ie/ Candidates required to apply directly to DCU can download, print and complete a direct application form by clicking here
As a graduate of this course you will be particularly well qualified for careers with public or private organisations, and agencies concerned with politics and conflict. The valuable flexibility of mind that you possess and the wide range of knowledge acquired through multidisciplinary study means you will be ideally suited to work with international, governmental or non-governmental institutions interested in global issues. Postgraduate courses in the humanities and social sciences are also available, which will increase your employment prospects as a result.
"With a varied content ranging from the study of political terrorism to women in politics, I feel my course has something to offer everyone and, due to its structure, each student gets to study the areas that most interest them. The BA in International Relations is one of DCU’s newest and most exciting courses, and this is one of the best experiences of my life."
“If you're interested in global politics, international trade, human rights or the causes of war then the BA in International Relations is definitely the course for you! There's no course like it anywhere else in Ireland. The lecturers are always on hand to provide great advice and up-to-date information on whatever subjects interest you, and DCU offers a unique learning environment for all its students. It's definitely one of a kind that has so much to offer even the most demanding of students.”
UK Representative Briefs Correspondents
