Government & Political Science BSc | University College Cork | UCC | Ireland | Undergraduate Degree

Smiling student with long dark hair holding up a certificate for the camera. — UCC Undergraduate courses

Government & Political Science

Student Stories: Read about Sarah's experience as a New York Assembly Intern
**Government & Political Science**

Sarah Collins ~ New York Assembly Intern

"This course offers one of the most prestigious placement opportunities available."

"I was initially attracted to the Government and Political Science degree due to an avid interest in politics, and the opportunities this programme provides. Having not gotten the chance to study politics in secondary school, I knew that this was an area that I wanted to pursue and explore in third-level education. Additionally, the opportunity to intern in the New York State Assembly was of huge interest to me, and this was ultimately what solidified my decision.

There is not a single aspect of the course that I don’t find thoroughly enjoyable. This degree is so versatile; you are given the opportunity to delve into areas such as business, law, political theory and international relations. It is the perfect programme for anyone with a curiosity about the ways in which our world and governments work. The coursework provides you with so many opportunities to expand your knowledge and understanding, and the Department and lecturers are endlessly informative and supportive. This course also offers one of the most prestigious placement opportunities available, and the connections to be made are fantastic.

This year I have interned in the New York State Assembly in the United States. Having been attracted to this degree initially by this work placement, I am so grateful to have been granted the opportunity to embark on this journey. This placement is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I have interned in the office of Assemblywoman Deborah J. Glick and have gotten the opportunity to put to practice all that I have learned during the course of my undergraduate degree. I have met prominent lawmakers and public figures, contributed to the creation of laws that will be incorporated into the New York State Constitution, and now have first-hand knowledge of American politics. In addition, it has given me the opportunity to travel extensively; I have visited Washington D.C. where I toured the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Libraries of Congress, and the White House. This opportunity has invigorated my passion for the career I am pursuing and has given me the opportunity to expand my political and cultural experiences.

I also leave this experience as a published author; in addition to receiving an award for my paper which was written as a part of this coursework, it has been chosen for publication by the New York State Assembly Intern Programme. This placement has been life-changing, and I leave it so thankful that I chose the BSc Government and Political Science undergraduate degree.

I would recommend this programme to any student who has an interest in politics, society, or international affairs, regardless of former experience in politics. I entered this degree with very little educational background in politics, trusting that my passion and interest would be enough to help me excel, and I was correct. I now receive top grades in my course and have interned in the New York State Assembly for six months.

This degree is accessible to anyone, regardless of prior experience, and will enable you to fully expand your knowledge in an endlessly interesting area of study. This degree is unique in so many aspects, from coursework to work placement opportunities. The Government and Political Science undergraduate degree fully enables you to pursue a career in the political sphere. It allows you to recognise your interests through the broad range of modules available, and every aspect of the course is designed to help you succeed."

**Sarah Collins, Student,** **Government & Political Science**
Student Stories: Listen to Diandra ~ UN Youth Delegate for Ireland

Course Outline
Course Practicalities
Why Choose This Course
Requirements
Fees and Costs
How To Apply

Course Fact File
Code	CK122
Duration	4 Years
Teaching Mode	Full-time
Qualifications	BSc (Hons)
NFQ Level	Level 8
CAO Points	2024: 323
CAO Points Range	2024: 323-625

Course Outline

Students of the four-year BSc Government and Political Science will be the political and business leaders of tomorrow and a vital part of the generation that shapes the 21st century.

This is one of an exciting new generation of UCC degrees, combining political science with a range of other subjects in business, law, modern languages, social sciences and information technology. It also offers a work placement in Year 3, including a prestigious internship in the New York State Legislature as well as other highly prized placements in international and national institutions.

Now more than ever the study of government and politics is crucial. Politics affects everyone. Aristotle called politics the master science for a reason – he understood that through politics, the future of the world is shaped.

Political science is the study of governments, public policies and political processes, systems and political behaviour. There is no single reason to study politics. You may have an interest in the workings of government or some questions about the civic nature of our society. Or some event – either domestic or international – may arouse your interest, making you want to know more than you can learn through television or newspapers.

Studying politics means studying the real world and developing the skills to make sense of that world. A degree in political science is not geared to any particular type of job. It will prepare you for many forms of employment or further study. You will gain analytical and practical skills, invaluable in today’s competitive employment market. Political science graduates are recognised as flexible people who can fit into a variety of positions in modern life.

A degree in political science will equip you for all sorts of careers: political activity, management, retail, banking, government departments, local government and international organisations. Political science graduates work in the media and for pressure groups, become consultants and go on to lecturing and research posts at universities. Others become teachers in secondary schools.

Studying political science provides you with many choices when you graduate.

Year 1 Modules

Core Modules

GV1202 Politics of the European Union (5 credits)
GV1204 Democracy, Ideology and Utopia (5 credits)
GV1207 Politics and Government of Ireland (5 credits)
GV1215 Local Government and Politics of Ireland (5 credits)
GV1216 Analytical Thinking Skills in Political Science (5 credits)
GV1217 Introduction to Political Science (5 credits)
GV1218 International Politics (5 credits)
LW1316 Public Law (5 credits)
MG1010 Public and Private Management (5 credits)
SS1302 Social Policy Analysis (5 credits)

Elective Modules (choose 10 credits)

AC1100 Introduction to Accounting (5 credits)
CH1001 Chinese Language (Mandarin) I (10 credits)
EC1203 Macroeconomic Context and Business (5 credits)
FE1024 Introduction to Development Economics (5 credits)
FE1400 Local Development and Public Health (5 credits)
FR0105 Introduction to French (5 credits)
FR1005 French for Near Beginners (5 credits)
FR1105 Threshold French (5 credits)
FR1107 French for Reading Purposes I (5 credits)
GA1002 Ceart na Gaeilge idir Scríobh agus Labhairt (10 credits)
GE0003 German Language (Beginner Level A1) Part 1 (5 credits)
plus GE0004 German Language (Beginner Level A1) Part 2 (5 credits)
GE0005 German Language (CEFR-Level A2.1) (5 credits)
GE0008 German Language (CEFR-Level A2.2) (5 credits)
HS0028 Spanish Language (Beginner Level) (10 credits)
HS0128 Spanish Language (Improver Level) (10 credits)
IS1106 Introduction to Information Systems (5 credits)
IS1107 Information Systems for the Networked Enterprise (5 credits)
IT1102 Non-Beginners' Written and Spoken Italian (10 credits)
IT1109 Introduction to Written and Spoken Italian (10 credits)
MG1004 Principles of Management and Organization (5 credits)

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

This course involves about 12 hours of lectures each week, as well as tutorials, field trips, and guest lectures.

Assessment

Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment including essays, oral presentations, submissions to government, letters to editors, and poster design.

Why Choose This Course

Young man in a light-coloured suit poses in front of an ornate building. — For my work placement, I spent five months as a political intern at the New York State Assembly. It was the single most rewarding, inspiring, and educating experience of my life.

Samuel Milner, Student
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"Having previously attended college for a different degree, I knew I enjoyed education and learning but it took me longer than most to find my passion. When I was 22, I spent time travelling the world. And realised that everything is determined by politics. From the price of fruit to the macroeconomics of the economy, right down to the individual social issues that each country faces, there is always a political level to every issue. UCC is a prestigious institution, and the feedback I had received from other people who had taken the course spoke so highly of it I knew I had to see for myself and have never looked back since.

Meeting other young people who have the same interests as I do is my favourite part of the course. From the debates we have in class, to the guest speakers who come to talk to us, to the freedom of choice we have with the assignments makes the Government and Political Science course a perfect fit for me.

For my work placement, I spent five months as a political intern at the New York State Assembly. It was the single most rewarding, inspiring, and educating experience of my life. I met people from all walks of life who have allowed me better to understand how I want to shape my career. I thought as an intern I would be responsible for menial office tasks. However, I was given significant responsibilities such as chairing meetings with lobbying groups, advocates, constituents and much more. I was responsible for bill tracking, liaising with other political officers and attending events. The experience allowed me to witness how politics works in the real world and allowed me to narrow my options as to what exactly I would like to do when I finish my course at UCC.

If you have an interest in politics but are unsure as to what avenue you want to specialise in, then this is the course for you. This course is so broad that it gives you an insight into all areas of politics, and even into the private sector. We undertake modules that will prepare you to work for private or public sector modules, so this is a well-rounded course that will allow you to experience all aspects of what politics has to offer and then give you the opportunity to specialise in certain areas as the course progresses. Also, the work placement options are incredible, as I can attest to have spent time in the New York State Assembly."

Man wearing dark-rimmed glasses, in dark suit, with white collar and dark tie, stands in a steel and marble corridor, facing the camera with his hands crossed. — The Government BSc really opened my eyes to the importance of institutions in our lives. In particular, how politics, policy, and economics happens within and are framed by our institutions...

Diarmuid Angland, Graduate
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"The Government BSc really opened my eyes to the importance of institutions in our lives. In particular, how politics, policy and economics happens within and are framed by our institutions. It led me to focus more on political economy and ultimately work in the Central Bank of Ireland (plus secondments in Europe) - an important institution where economics and policy combine!"

During my BSc Government degree, I had the opportunity to participate in the Model United Nations in Boston and interned in the New York State Assembly...

Michelle Healy, Mines Advisory Group

Overall, I found the BSc in Government & Political Science provided me with a fantastic academic experience and prepared me well for my career in IDA Ireland, where I have worked since graduating...

Conor Sheehy, Graduate

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Smiling student in a dark suit holding up a certificate for the camera — Participating in this programme has been a dream come true...

Danny Sheehy, Student & New York Assembly Intern
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"Participating in this programme has been a dream come true. I enjoy how wide-ranging the modules are. There is a brilliant mix of political theory, social science, and contemporary affairs among others. It feels as though you get to study the process of politics as well as its impact on citizens.

I love how close and accessible the department is for students, you get to know and build relationships with lecturers easily and this is a huge help for our learning experience.

I participated in the New York State Assembly internship, this has been a phenomenal experience. The internship programme is tailor-made to build up student's professional experience and portfolio. There has been a clear link between what lessons we learn in class and applying them to the internship. You are able to tackle issues through your understanding of them through classes and applying the skills you learned in the internship."

The BSc in Government and Political Science offers a unique combination of politics, business, and law.
Work placement has been an integral part of the degree since its establishment in 1999. This model has now been followed by many other degree courses at UCC.
Graduates are equipped for a wide variety of careers in politics, management, retail, banking, government departments, local government, voluntary groups, journalism, and as second-level teaching.
The Department of Government attracts guest speakers from the world of politics including – over the past decade – John Hume, President Mary McAleese, Emily O’Reilly, John Bercow, David Norris, Ivana Bacik, and former Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

The degree is both intellectually stimulating and practically oriented. We place a strong emphasis on practice as well as theory throughout the course.

You will undertake a considerable amount of project work that will require you to use your initiative in searching for data and information and in conducting research and analysis. Consequently, you are equipped to contribute in a real work environment.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

A 14-week work placement is an integral part of the BSc Government and Political Science. Students undertake a work placement in Year 3 of the degree, at home or abroad. Recent student placements have included the civil service, government agencies, New York State Assembly, Scottish Parliament, the European Parliament, banks, insurance companies, media organisations, PR companies, humanitarian groups, health boards, and local government. See our Workplace Alumni page for more details.

The BSc Government and Political Science also has strong links with the Washington-Ireland Programme (WIP) and the George Mitchell Scholarship Programme.

Skills and Careers Information

The BSc Government fed my passion for politics & set the groundwork for my subsequent career. I gained a conceptual understanding of politics & business and an abundance of transferable skills... Brian Crowley, Graduate & Former MEP

The excellent transferable skills acquired in the BSc Government and Political Science open up many career paths. Our graduates work in different fields, including:

Public service (home and abroad)
Civil service (home and abroad)
Journalism
Television
Voluntary sector
Private business
Legal work

Requirements

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements

At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.

Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:

English	Irish	Other Language
O6/H7	O6/H7	O6/H7

EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications

EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.

Mature Students

To compete through the mature entry route, applicants must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the application year and apply online via the CAO by 1 February. The application should include a statement of interest, and prospective students must also apply for and sit the Mature Student Evaluation (MSE) test. Applicants may also be called for interview. Candidates must have an interest in current affairs/politics.

Further information on applying as a mature student is available on the Mature Applicants and Mature Student Entry support pages.

QQI FET Entry

Applicants who meet the required level of distinctions in required subjects can apply for entry to this course using specific QQI FET qualifications. Please review the Programme Requirements on our Information for QQI FET Applicants page for information on related QQI courses, and visit Access UCC’s QQI/FET Entry section for further support.

Non-EU Applicants

Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.

Fees and Costs

Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.

How To Apply

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.

QQI/FET Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process.

Non-EU Applicants

If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information.

For queries regarding course content or timetables please contact

t.reidy@ucc.ie

Admissions Office Iontrálacha