Welcome to the Department of Political Science
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Why Study Political Science at Trinity College Dublin?
Consistently ranked among the top political science departments globally, we offer rigorous and research-led programmes that equip students with the analytical tools to understand political behaviour, public institutions and international affairs in an increasingly complex world.
POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS & EVENTS
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Celebrating Academic Excellence
The School of Social Sciences & Philosophy hosted its Annual Student Prize Ceremony on Dec 8, honouring Political Science prize winners and celebrating student achievement across the School.
09 Dec 2025
News
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PhD Applications Now Open
The Department of Political Science invites applications for four-year fully funded PhD students at Trinity College Dublin. The deadline to apply is 1 April 2026.
14 Nov 2025
News
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Brian Farrell Book Prize Winner!
Congratulations to Dr Matthias Dilling, who has won the PSAI 2025 Brian Farrell Book Prize for his recently published book, 'Parties Under Pressure'.
22 Oct 2025
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Missed our democracy and AI talk? Watch it here!
From deepfakes to algorithmic newsfeeds, AI is shaping how citizens see the world, and how they vote. In Democracy and AI: Navigating the Political Risks, a panel of political scientists from Trinity College Dublin explore how democratic systems can adapt and respond - part of the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy’s Public Autumn Series.
INSIDE THE DEPARTMENT
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Seminar Series 2026
Details of the Monday and Friday Seminar Series for Hilary Term 2026 are now available. See what’s coming up!
What are we working on?
Explore recent publications and research activity from the Department of Political Science.
What comes after an MSc?
Kaley Burg, MSc Applied Social Data Science (2024), now a PhD candidate in Vienna, reflects on her time at Trinity and her path into doctoral research.
Research with global reach
From European courts and governance to data-driven research on conflict and security, explore the Department’s research centres and projects.
Meet the team
Get to know the staff of the Department of Political Science and the people behind our teaching, research and academic life.
Current students
Course handbooks, module outlines, timetables, scholarship exam information and more… Find all the resources you need here!
Values and Multilateralism in World Politics
Dr Ross Gildea. Published in British Journal of Politics and International Relations. May 2025.
Media Influence and Spatial Voting: The Role of Perceived Party Positions
Dr Lucas Paulo da Silva. Published in Political Behaviour. March 2025
Relational equality and the status of animals
Prof Raj Chari. Published in Interest Groups & Advocacy. November 2024
Is Authoritarianism Linked to Religiosity?
Professor Gizem Arikan from the Department of Political Science in Trinity College Dublin breaks down this question in our latest Meet the Expert video.
OUR COURSES
Undergraduate Political Science
Study politics through flexible degree pathways that combine core political analysis with options spanning Irish, European, and global politics.
MSc in Applied Social Data Science
A one-year, full-time programme focused on quantitative methods and data-driven analysis of political and social questions, with a strong research component.
MSc in International Politics
A one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme offering advanced training in international politics, research methods, and independent dissertation work.
PhD in Political Science
A structured doctoral programme combining taught training and original research, preparing students for academic, policy, and research careers.
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