International Relations
The International Relations degree will give you insight into the major world issues that challenge and fascinate us today. You’ll examine the forces that shape contemporary societies, such as globalisation, international law, third-world debt and American foreign policy. You’ll also study key institutions like the European Union and the United Nations.
You’ll learn from staff with expertise in areas such as Terrorism and Counter-terrorism, European Union studies, Middle-Eastern studies, International Security and Conflict Studies, International Law and Aid, and Development Studies.
The programme also prepares you for the work force by imparting broader abilities, such as oral and written communication skills, the capacity to think analytically, teamwork skills, and research techniques.
The wide range of courses on offer in the International Relations degree allows you to explore interests you already have, and discover an interest in subjects you may not have thought about. Lecturers are always approachable, friendly and available. The opportunity to study abroad in third year was one of the best experiences I have ever had.
Why this programme?
- Set yourself apart with the only BA dedicated to International Relations in Ireland
- Investigate the organisation and interaction of modern societies
- Avail of the opportunity to study abroad or undertake an INTRA work placement
- Be part of a School known for its expertise in Governance and International Relations
- Benefit from the skills and experience of our dedicated, supportive and highly qualified academic team
- Develop a range of multidisciplinary skills in high demand by employers
About this Course
Combined with the extensive optional modules available, you’ll have plenty of flexibility in what you choose to study alongside the core elements.
This programme has two streams: the International Relations stream and the Language stream. The international relations stream offers a wide range of optional modules. The second stream is the Language stream, students who choose to take the Language stream can take intermediate French, German or Spanish as optional modules and should also satisfy the entry requirements (minimum H4 in Leaving Cert or Level C in GCE A Level C).
The BA in International Relations is normally a three-year course. However, you may elect to spend an extra year abroad in one of our partner universities in in China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the USA. This is an excellent opportunity to experience another society at first hand. After you complete the year abroad, you’ll return to DCU for your final year.
View the current course structure
We have a unique and vibrant culture on our modern campus close to Dublin city centre. We provide state-of-the-art study facilities for all our courses and everything else you need for a healthy, fun and active student life.
Exceptional Facilities
DCU students enjoy exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our 3 academic campuses. These include modern learning theatres, research centres, television and sound studios, classrooms, computer suites and advanced laboratories in the areas of languages, engineering, physics, chemistry and biotechnology, as well as a sports performance centre and a virtual hospital ward.
A Vibrant, Dynamic Social Environment
Student facilities include a superb sports complex with a 25 metre pool, two libraries and The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre. In 2016 we announced plans to invest over €230m in developing new, world-class facilities across our three academic campuses. Already building has begun on an exciting, new €14m Student Centre that will be home to the more than one hundred and twenty student clubs and societies. This commitment to student facilities means that our world-class learning experiences are complemented by a vibrant, dynamic social environment.
The wide range of courses on offer in the International Relations degree allows you to explore interests you already have, and discover an interest in subjects you may not have thought about. Lecturers are always approachable, friendly and available. The opportunity to study abroad in third year was one of the best experiences I have ever had.
DCU student Beryl Boemer talks about her experience in the International Relations undergrad course.
International Relations is a diverse field that is extremely relevant in the increasingly globalised world we live in. Graduates from our BA in International Relations will be ideally suited to a number of roles especially when combined with work experience abroad and foreign language skills. With deep insight into global politics, cultures and the ability to identify and analyse global issues, graduates of International Relations are well placed to pursue careers with governmental and non-governmental organisations, both national and international, like the United Nations and European Union, diplomatic services, as well as with major international corporations.
Career Areas:
- International civil service
- Diplomatic services
- International aid
- Policy evaluation and research
- International commerce
- Journalism
- Politics
- Armed forces
- Public Affairs
- Public Policy Education
Requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.
Once admitted to the programme, students choose, at the point of registration, whether to study a language and register for 10 credits in their chosen language. They must continue with this language throughout years two and three of the programme.
If students wishes to choose the language stream, they must meet the following language requirements
Minimum of H4 in French if they wish to register for Intermediate French
Minimum of H4 in German if they wish to register for Intermediate German
Minimum of H4 in Spanish if they wish to register for Intermediate Spanish
There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.
Once admitted to the programme, students choose, at the point of registration, whether to study a language and register for 10 credits in their chosen language. They must continue with this language throughout years two and three of the programme.
If students wishes to choose the language stream, they must meet the following language requirements;
Minimum of GCE A Level C in French if they wish to register for Intermediate French
Minimum of GCE A Level C in German if they wish to register for Intermediate German
Minimum of GCE A Level C in Spanish if they wish to register for Intermediate Spanish
For details of QQI requirements and relevant codes please click here. Simply enter the DC code for the programme you are interested in or if you are not sure of the code enter DC in the Select by Institution option, then click on Go.
Applications are welcomed from student who have studied at Level 6, Level 7 and Level 8 in relevant areas. Such transfer students may be exempt from certain 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. For further information on international applications click here.
