Course Summary
This MA was the first of its kind to be established in Europe and North America providing students with a sophisticated understanding of the United States, its foreign relations, and domestic politics.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
An upper second class honours degree (NFQ Level 8 ), or the international equivalent in the subject areas such as the humanities, politics and international relations but not exclusively. Consideration will be given to students with a lower GPA but they will require an interview (via SKYPE or in person) and maybe asked for additional material
Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS overall 6.5 (with no band less than 6 in each element), or equivalent.
These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Application Details
Online Application
Who Should Apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
Z234 - American Politics & Foreign Policy Master of Arts Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Z235 - American Politics & Foreign Policy Master of Arts Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Fees
MA American Politics & Foreign Policy (Z234) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 9100
nonEU fee per year - € 22600
MA American Politics & Foreign Policy (Z235) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 4550
nonEU fee per year - € 11300
***Fees are subject to change
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
This is an academic programme but is also suited to practitioners/professionals in a related field who wish to gain a broader understanding of processes, policies, and outcomes in the area of American politics and foreign policy, both domestically and within the context of international affairs.
Duration
Z235: 2 years part-time.
Delivery: On Campus
