Frequently Asked Questions

Applications for both the MSc and Postgraduate Diploma pathways are made through the Trinity Direct Application Portals. We recommend reviewing the Admissions Requirements page before beginning your application.

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Yes. The MSc in International Politics can be taken on a part-time basis over two years. Coursework is completed across both years, and the dissertation is submitted at the end of the second year.

Fees are 70% of the standard annual fee for each year (see the Academic Registry website for details). Classes take place during normal working hours, and there is a substantial reading and research commitment. For this reason, it may not be practical to undertake the part-time MSc alongside full-time employment.

The full-time MSc in International Politics is demanding and requires a full-time commitment if students are to get the best out of their education experience. It is not compatible with continuing with paid employment, or any similarly demanding non-academic obligations, even part-time. You will be expected to be available for teaching and other activities from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday during term time. If you wish to continue with paid employment during your postgraduate studies, you may wish to consider the part-time option instead.

For non-EU students, it is possible to stay and work in Ireland following course completion using a Stamp 1G visa; see the Trinity Careers Service and the Department of Justice and Equality websites for details.

No. Students must be resident in Dublin for the duration of the programme and attend all taught classes and related activities in person.

Candidates should have an undergraduate degree from an established college or university. A background in a social science will be an advantage but not a necessity. Applications are expected from candidates with a single or joint honours degree in Political Science, Economics, European Studies, History, Sociology, Business and Law. Other subject areas will also be considered. Students must also fulfil the College entry requirements and international students must also fulfil the international student requirements.

Candidates should normally have achieved an upper second class honour degree, or higher from an established university. GPA scores of at least 3.3 out of 4, or equivalent, will be expected from international applicants. Students whose qualifications do not meet these standards may still choose to apply and the Department will then consider whether such applications demonstrate sufficient preparation for the postgraduate study of Political Science to merit admission. However, the Department cannot enter into a discussion of individual circumstances or qualifications in advance of a formal application being made.

There is no flexibility on the language requirement. Students who do not fulfil the minimum language requirements will not be considered.

The number of MSc students in our programme varies from year to year. In recent years the number of MSc students has varied between 35 and 50, and future cohorts of students may be larger or smaller in upcoming years.

Places are limited and competition is high. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, so early submission is strongly encouraged.

Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through English must meet Trinity’s postgraduate English language requirements. There is no flexibility on this requirement. In exceptional cases, English test results may be submitted after the initial application.

Information on visa requirements can be found on the Citizens Information website. Specific guidance for international students is also available on the Trinity website. Non-EU graduates may be eligible to remain in Ireland to work under the Stamp 1G visa scheme; see the Trinity Careers Service and the Department of Justice and Equality websites for details.

The Department is not in a position to offer scholarships or fee waivers. Applicants are encouraged to explore funding options such as the Student Grant Scheme, Trinity Postgraduate Scholarships, and scholarships available in their home countries. Tax relief on tuition fees may also be available through the Revenue website.

Details about the cost of living in Dublin are available on the Trinity Global Relations website. Actual costs will vary depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.

Your writing sample may be a paper written for a previous course or a chapter from an undergraduate thesis. It should typically be 12–20 pages in length. Academic or research-related writing (e.g. an essay or term paper) is preferred, though professional or technical writing samples are also accepted.

Your letter should be concise - one page is sufficient - outlining your motivation for applying, relevant skills or experience, and plans after graduation.

Technical issues with the Trinity Direct Application portal should be emailed to Academic Registry: academic.registry@tcd.ie

Academic references are preferred, but professional references are also accepted when academic referees are unavailable.

You should email Academic Registry (the department which manages the application process across College), listing contact details for the new referees and requesting that they are emailed the reference template and upload link.

Ensure your application is complete and contact the Associate Course Director, Dr Jiwon Baik (baikj@tcd.ie) with details of your other offer.

Congratulations! You will have three weeks to accept your offer and pay a non-refundable deposit of €500 to secure your place on the programme.

You must submit any missing documents (for example, your final degree transcript) as soon as they become available. Academic Registry will then issue an unconditional offer once all materials are received.

Please contact the Course Administrator (polgrad@tcd.ie) as soon as possible to discuss your situation.

Applications are assessed only after all required materials (including references and writing samples) have been received. Once complete, applications are reviewed in batches and then processed by Academic Registry.

Unfortunately, the Department is not able to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.

The Department hosts a course orientation in mid-September, which all new students must attend. University-wide postgraduate orientation events are also held earlier in September. Classes begin shortly after orientation.

The orientation meeting for MSc in International Politics students takes place in September. Details will be confirmed and communicated to incoming students closer to that time.

The MSc course programme always includes training in research design and quantitative methods, while the topics covered by other modules varies from year to year. See the Module Outlines page for full details.

Yes. Postgraduate students may apply for Teaching Assistant roles within the Department of Political Science. Please note your interest in your cover letter when applying.

The MSc in International Politics course prepares students for a range of careers dealing with European and global issues. This includes students who wish to pursue careers in the public and private sectors, in European Union institutions, non-governmental organizations and the media. For non-EU students, it is possible to stay and work in Ireland following course completion using a Stamp 1G visa; see the Trinity Careers Service and the Department of Justice site for details.

The course is also suitable for students who wish to progress to doctoral research. The graduate testimonials page shows you the experiences of some of our graduates since they completed their masters.