How to Apply
How to Apply
In this section you will find information on:
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for the MSc International Public Policy and Diplomacy are as follows:
- The minimum requirement for applicants is a 2.1 honours degree in any subject;
- Consideration may be given to applicants who do not meet the above criteria but who have sufficient relevant professional experience, subject to approval by the programme director and the Faculty of Commerce;
- All applicants whose first language is not English are required to sit either an IELTS test or a recognised equivalent test as approved by Faculty. The minimum requirement is an IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual section lower than 6.0.
An exception may be granted where a candidate has been awarded a university degree where the overall content has been delivered in the English language.
As places are limited, all eligible candidates are not guaranteed a place on the programme.
Participants will be selected on the basis of the information supplied in their application.
For further information on IELTS and TOEFL for applicants whose first language is not English, see:
http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/international/noneu-pg/ielts/
Application Procedure
Applications must be made on-line through UCC's application system.
The PAC course code for the MSc International Public Policy and Diplomacy is CKD56 (full-time) and/or CKD57 (part-time).
Applicants must also submit:
- A Personal Statement
This should be a one-to-two page statement indicating why you are interested in taking the MSc International Public Policy and Diplomacy and why you think you would be suited to the programme.
The statement can summarise your academic qualifications, your areas of interest, work/professional experience, research projects you have undertaken, voluntary activities, etc. - Two references
One of which should ideally be from someone who can comment on your academic track-record/qualifications.
Note: you need to submit a completed reference, the name and address of a referee is not sufficient.
There is no form or standard format for the references. References should take the form of a short letter or statement signed by the referee.
References are also required for those who are current students or graduates of UCC.
Please note: the personal statement and the references must be sent directly to PAC.
Applications will not be considered without the personal statement and the references. However, if you are waiting for references, please submit your application and personal statement and forward the references as soon as possible.
Further details on how to apply via PAC are available at: http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/how/apply-taught/
Application Deadline
There is no specific deadline for applications.
Applications will be reviewed on a regular basis and we will make offers or conditional offers of places on the programme on an on-going basis from January 2018.
The programme will take approximately 20-30 students – applications will be assessed on the quality of the applicants and their applications (including personal statements and references).
Fees
The fees for the MSc International Public Policy and Diplomacy are as follows:
EU students: €7,500
Non EU students: €15,000
For further information see UCC Fees Office
Funding Information
While funding for taught Masters programmes is limited, many governments and charitable organisations offer financial support to students with specific profiles and you are encouraged to contact your government and political representatives to see if they can offer information on funding for your particular circumstances.
Funding opportunities for International Students:
The George J Mitchell Scholarship
The Mitchell Scholarship Program offers tuition and accommodation fees, and a living and international travel stipend to students from the United States who wish to study a one year post-graduate programme in higher education institutions in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Named after Senator George Mitchell in recognition of the role he played in the Northern Ireland peace process the aim of the scholarship is to foster relations between future leaders of Ireland and the United States. Up to 12 Mitchell Scholarships are awarded each year to candidates between the ages of 18 and 30.
The application deadline is usually the October prior to the relevant academic year. (e.g. the deadline for applicants intending to enrol in a postgraduate programme in 2014-2014 is October 2013). For further details please see the George J Mitchell Scholarship website
The Fulbright US Student Award
The Fulbright US Student Awards (approximately €16,000) support U.S citizens to study for one academic year in Ireland. Applicants must apply through the Institute of International Education and applicants are advised to contact the Fulbright Commission for advise prior to submitting an application. Deadlines for applications are usually the October prior to the relevant academic year with decisions announced in either March or May. All academic disciplines are eligible for the Fulbright Awards. For more information see the Fulbright US Student Award website
Irish Aid
Irish Aid offers a number of fellowships to mid-career professionals who are working in civil society organisations or in ministries in partner countries. The purpose of these scholarships is build capacity in its partner countries by facilitating the development of specialist knowledge in an area that corresponds with Irish Aid’s programme. There are specific nationality requirements for these scholarships. For more information please see;
Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme
Eligible countries: Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Palestine, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia
The Courtney Fellowship for Burundi
For students from Burundi only
The awards are administered by the Irish Council of International Students on behalf of Irish Aid. Please see Irish Council of International Students and Irish Aid Fellowships for more details.
Further Information
For more information on potential scholarships please consult the following websites:
UCC Offices
College of Business and Law Graduate School
External Resources