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1. Study
2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Masters
5. International Relations

Course Fact File

Code	MAINTR
Duration	1 Year Full-time; 2 Years Part-time
Teaching Mode	Full-time
Qualifications	MA
NFQ Level	Level 9
Closing Date	Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing Date	Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date	8 September 2025

Course Outline

The MA in International Relations is a one-year comprehensive programme based at the School of History in UCC. The programme draws on international relations, conflict/peace studies and international history; it explores issues such as war and peace, the international order, international crises, counter-insurgency, terrorism and foreign policy.

Our MA course combines an exploration of the contemporary world with a study of the past. It is a field of study that considers the subtleties of diplomacy together with the stark realities of state interactions and looks at how these interactions impact our world. This field of study is of immense importance in today’s richly connected complex world and consequently, individuals skilled in navigating these international relations are prized by potential employers.

Modules

Students take modules to the value of 90 credits comprising taught modules to the value of 45 credits (Part I) and a dissertation to the value of 45 credits (Part II). 

Part I 

• HI6026 US Foreign Policy and Contemporary History (10 credits)
• HI6056 Issues in World Politics (5 credits)
• HI6092 International Relations Theories and Approaches (10 credits)
• HI6035 Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Case Studies in Crises and Decision-making (10 credits) 

Plus 10 credits from:

• HI6045 War and Peace: the European State System from 1648 to 1990 (10 credits)
• HI6060 The Politics of Terrorism (10 credits)
• GV6115 European Security (10 Credits)
• LW6633 Public International (5 Credits)* and
• LW6566 Contemporary Issues in Public International Law (5 credits)*
• HI6063 Work Placement and Portfolio (10 Credits)

Part II 

• HI6100 History Dissertation (45 credits): A dissertation of a maximum of 20,000 words must be submitted by a specified date in September. Your thesis will be on a relevant topic within the broad areas of international relations, including international history and conflict/peace studies.

*The two 5-credit LW modules (LW6633 & LW6566) must be studied as a 10-credit package.

Note: All electives are chosen in consultation with the programme director and are subject to availability and timetable requirements.

Postgraduate Certificate in History (International Relations): Students who pass at least 30 credits of taught modules may opt to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in History (International Relations). 

Course Practicalities

The Masters in International Relations is a full-time, taught programme running for 12 months or part-time over 24 months from the date of first registration for the programmes. The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years. In total, you will attend 144 lecture/seminar hours at UCC.

The taught half of the course is centred on continuous assessment such as long and short essays, the compilation of portfolios, policy papers, in-class exercises, analysis of international texts, class participation, and oral presentations. There is one formal written examination. The 50% weighting for the thesis reflects the importance of independent research.

Who teaches on the programme

• Dr David FitzGerald
• Dr Detmar Klein
• Dr Mervyn O’Driscoll
• Professor David Ryan
• Dr Jérôme aan de Wiel

Why Choose This Course

This is one of the first MA courses in Ireland to offer you the opportunity to expand your knowledge of international relations. The course has a very successful track record and has produced many high-calibre graduates who have gone on to enter the worlds of international diplomacy, academia, government, and business. It offers a unique combination of contemporary and historical approaches to analysing international relations.

Connected Curriculum

Our learning approach reflects our commitment to the Connected Curriculum where we emphasise the connection between students, learning, research and leadership through our vision for a Connected University. Our staff are at the forefront of this integrative approach to learning and will support you in making meaningful connections within and between topics such as history, politics, law, conflict, society, and policy.

Available Scholarships

At UCC we support our student community by offering scholarships and prizes to prospective and current students. Please see the Scholarships & Prizes page for more information. See also the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences postgraduate study page.

Skills and Careers Information

Past graduates of our course have gone on to further study, academia, diplomatic service, international organisations, the EU, international think tanks, non-governmental organisations and public service. Others have embarked on careers in multinational companies, as well as in traditional sectors such as teaching, journalism, and the civil service.

Postgraduate research

The School of History at UCC is a leading international centre for postgraduate research in history, international relations, and European studies. Consult our PhD page for areas of potential PhD supervision in the field of international relations.

Requirements

To be considered for registration an applicant will normally have a primary degree of at least Second Class Honours Grade I level in a suitable subject or the equivalent.

Applications from students with a Second Class Honours Grade II degree in a suitable subject may also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). These applicants may be requested to submit a proposal and/or attend an interview.

All applicants must satisfy a Selection Committee which may request applicants to provide letters of reference.

Fees and Costs

How To Apply

Additional requirements for all applicants

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• Briefly describe a research proposal that may form the basis of your thesis.
• Please submit a copy of a short analytical/critical/report/creative writing sample or essay (1,000 words approx.).

Before completing the online application, intending applicants must consult with the relevant course coordinator or prospective supervisor to discuss/confirm their proposed research area. The School of History may ask applicants to provide letters of reference if necessary when considering applications. 

Course Coordinator

• Dr Mervyn O'Driscoll, School of History, University College Cork 

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

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