International courses

About International Relations (ma) in University College Cork

The MA in International Relations is a one-year comprehensive course. It draws on international relations, conflict/peace studies and international history. The course explores issues such as war and peace, the international order, international crises, counterinsurgency, terrorism and foreign policy. It combines an exploration of the contemporary world with a study of the past. This one-year master’s course has both taught and research phases.

A brochure outlining structure, modules, thesis and library resources available here CKE45 brochure (3,382kB) 

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.

Brochure outlining structure, modules, thesis and library resources available here CKE45 brochure (3,382kB)

Skills and Careers Information

Past graduates of the course over the last decade 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.

Laura Cashman, MA International Relations Graduate

"I became interested in the UCC School of History International Relations MA when completing my Bachelor of Arts History undergrad in UCC. I had gained an insight and interest in international relations while doing my undergrad and this coupled with my positive experience within the school encouraged me to apply for the MA. My MA programme has helped me both professionally and personally in many ways. The course is broad enough to ensure you get a good feel for all the relevant topics but have the freedom to work on the areas that interest you. In hindsight, I realize that this aided my professional development and the work placement opportunities given to me opened my eyes to many possibilities after college. I was heavily involved in extracurricular activities in UCC throughout my four years. This experience pushed me to reach my full potential and aim high both inside and outside of the classroom. The support I received from the university was second to none throughout my time in UCC and having this positive experience as well as a stimulating academic life has given me the initiative needed to excel in my professional life.

During my MA I applied for the Washington Ireland Program. WIP is a six-month program of personal and professional development that brings outstanding university students from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to Washington, DC for summer work placements and leadership training. Through an intense eight-week schedule, WIP participants are formed into a team and challenged to develop their vision for the future of post-conflict Ireland. I completed my placement in a congressional office on Capitol Hill in the summer of 2014. My MA prepared me for this experience by honing my research skills and improving my research and presentation confidence. I believe my MA was a factor in my acceptance on to the programme as it had encouraged me to re-evaluate my career choices and my vision for the future. This drive and passion is something WIP encourages. My academic experience in UCC has been exceptional but it is these opportunities outside the classroom, that it has offered, enabled me to realise my potential and to succeed. I am currently finishing my thesis for my MA and working with Suas Educational Development- an NGO that uses education as a tool for international development. These experiences, accompanied my MA, have added to my UCC experience.”

Academic qualification equivalents

• Applicants should have an honours degree in a related subject.
• Indian applicants will normally be required to achieve a first class/first division mark in their undergraduate programme at a good institution of higher education in India. At the discretion of academic departments, students with degrees awarded by top universities such as the University of Mumbai, University of Delhi, University of Calcutta, and the University of Pune, may be accepted with high second class/high second division marks. 

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: 6.5  Minimum individual sections 5.5
• TOEFL: TOEFL 90  Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing 17
• PTE: 63 Minimum individual sections 51

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