	Details
	Our Politics programme was launched in 2007 as a new and innovative approach to the subject. We combine the traditional study of political institutions (parties, parliaments, elections, policy-making and more) with political sociology (examining the relationship between politics and society and how they shape each other). A focus on active citizenship is the key distinguishing feature of Politics at Maynooth University. We provide students with opportunities to be active participants in their own learning, both on and off campus. We encourage students to engage in social movements and issue-based campaigning, as well as involvement with political parties and human rights work. The Network on Power, Politics and Society (PPS) and the Maynooth University Centre for European and Eurasian Studies (MUCEES) are both important parts of the Department of Sociology, and their research work and public engagement provide opportunities for extending the breadth and range of political studies here.

Details

Our Politics programme was launched in 2007 as a new and innovative approach to the subject. We combine the traditional study of political institutions (parties, parliaments, elections, policy-making and more) with political sociology (examining the relationship between politics and society and how they shape each other).

A focus on active citizenship is the key distinguishing feature of Politics at Maynooth University. We provide students with opportunities to be active participants in their own learning, both on and off campus. We encourage students to engage in social movements and issue-based campaigning, as well as involvement with political parties and human rights work.

The Network on Power, Politics and Society (PPS) and the Maynooth University Centre for European and Eurasian Studies (MUCEES) are both important parts of the Department of Sociology, and their research work and public engagement provide opportunities for extending the breadth and range of political studies here.

	Additional information
	Applicants are required to have a minimum of six subjects in the Irish Leaving Certificate including 2HC3 and 4OD3/4HD3.

Additional information

	How to apply
	The application process to our undergraduate degree programmes depends on the category to which you belong. School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students) Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21) EU/EFTA students International students from countries outside the EU QQI/FETAC (Further Education) students Visit How to Apply for further details. If you are unsure about anything, just contact us.

How to apply

	Course structure
	In the politics programme you will explore the way politics shapes our lives, the different forms that politics can take, and how politics is organised in different countries. As a student, you will examine the nature of active citizenship, international issues and the tensions between democracy, power and injustice. You will explore Irish and international politics, including a focus on Europe, the US or Latin America. You will also have an opportunity to carry out research into political life, developing analytical and presentation skills. Politics is taken with two or three other subjects in first year and with one other in second and third year. Politics can be taken with the following subjects (maximum one per group): Group 1: Geography, German, Law, Philosophy Group 2: Business (Management), Business (Marketing), Greek, History Group 3: English, International Development, Mathematical Studies Group 4: Anthropology, Economics, Finance, Latin, Nua-Ghaeilge Group 5: Computer Science, Music, Sociology, Spanish You will spend part of your second semester of second year in an experiential learning opportunity shadowing power in a political organisation of your choice (a political party, a local council, a new social movement, a non-government organisation or a social partner). Students who take modules on European politics have the option of participating in a one week fieldtrip to Brussels to experience how the EU works first hand. In the final year students have the opportunity to work on their own piece of investigative research culminating in a BA thesis project. Switch to the BA International and take one year abroad, extending the duration of your degree to four years. Duration: 3 years (BA) or 4 years (BA International) Disclaimer The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study. The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually. Please check periodically for updates. Courses / Abort Toggle Print Eco-Print \| Abort One of the following errors has occurred: The application is currently under maintenance. Please try again later. You do not have the right privileges to display the page. The page requested does not exist. The communication was corrupted. Please try again. If the problem persists please contact <admissions@mu.ie>

Course structure

In the politics programme you will explore the way politics shapes our lives, the different forms that politics can take, and how politics is organised in different countries. As a student, you will examine the nature of active citizenship, international issues and the tensions between democracy, power and injustice. You will explore Irish and international politics, including a focus on Europe, the US or Latin America. You will also have an opportunity to carry out research into political life, developing analytical and presentation skills.

Politics is taken with two or three other subjects in first year and with one other in second and third year.

Politics can be taken with the following subjects (maximum one per group):

Group 1: Geography, German, Law, Philosophy

Group 2: Business (Management), Business (Marketing), Greek, History

Group 3: English, International Development, Mathematical Studies

Group 4: Anthropology, Economics, Finance, Latin, Nua-Ghaeilge

Group 5: Computer Science, Music, Sociology, Spanish

You will spend part of your second semester of second year in an experiential learning opportunity shadowing power in a political organisation of your choice (a political party, a local council, a new social movement, a non-government organisation or a social partner).

Students who take modules on European politics have the option of participating in a one week fieldtrip to Brussels to experience how the EU works first hand.

In the final year students have the opportunity to work on their own piece of investigative research culminating in a BA thesis project.

Switch to the BA International and take one year abroad, extending the duration of your degree to four years.

Duration: 3 years (BA) or 4 years (BA International)

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually. Please check periodically for updates.

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	Career and postgraduate options
	Career options: Politics students acquire useful skills such as the ability to understand topical issues, investigative and research capabilities, and strong communication skills – all of which open up a wide variety of career options. While some graduates may enter electoral and party politics, many more will work in areas such as public policy, the media, international affairs, the European Union, human rights, community work, political activism and business and management. Other pathways taken by former students include: Media, film critic, film making, political activism, political organising, social movements, public representative, advisory roles, human relations, social entrepreneurship, social innovation, primary and secondary teaching (CSPE and new subject ‘Politics and Society’ piloting 2016). Postgraduate options: MA in Community Education, Equality and Social Activism MLitt PhD For further information on Postgraduate options please go to the Graduate Studies site

Career and postgraduate options

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