Students of the four-year BSc Government 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

• Politics of the EU
• International Politics
• Introduction to Theories and Ideologies
• Irish Politics
• Analytical Thinking Skills in Political Science
• Public Law
• Public and Private Management
• Social Policy Analysis

Year 2 Modules:

Core

• Economic Reasoning for Business
• Citizen Participation
• European Government and Politics
• Public Management
• International Politics
• International Securities

Year 3 Modules:

Core

• Work Placement
• Conflict and Conflict Resolution
• Political Economy - Trade and Finance
• Elections and Voting
• Politics of the United States of America

Year 4 Modules:

Core 

• Research Dissertation
• Contemporary Debates and Issues in Ireland
• Contemporary Debates in the EU

See the College Calendar for more detailed information on the programme and the Book of Modules for a more detailed description of programme modules.

Leaving Certificate entry requirements:

H5 in two subjects, and O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate from Irish, English, another language, Mathematics and two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Mature students:

Applicants should apply directly through the CAO, include a statement of interest and may be called for interview. Leaving Certificate Maths is recommended and applicants must have an interest in current affairs/politics. Approximately seven places are available on this programme for mature applicants.

International Students should visit the International Education website.

FETAC Requirements.

EU Applicants: Application to Year 1 of the degree programme is made directly through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Applicants should apply online at www.cao.ie. The normal closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of entry.

Non-EU Applicants.

Mature Applicants:  Application is made through the CAO and the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of proposed entry.

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

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, poster design.