Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Politics and International Relations

The study of Politics and International Relations is all about thinking critically and understanding how the world works. If you are interested in national or international current affairs; if you find yourself asking questions about why things are the way they are and how they might change; then Politics and International Relations at UL could be for you. You will learn how to research, how to study and develop your analytical and reasoning skills, and how to apply these skills to the real world. You will learn about Ireland and Europe, their place in the world; how political decisions are made and in whose interest; how states interact in the international system; about what makes a good society and about what doesn’t, and how we might tell the difference between the two.In today’s globalised world, politics must be understood from the broadest possible perspective. Our staff have a particularly wide breath of expertise across the discipline, and the Politics and International Relations programme at UL stands out for the wide range of subject areas covered. As well as gaining a thorough understanding of Irish and EU politics, students will learn about the wider international system, and will have the opportunity to study the politics of different regions of the world. The deeper philosophical questions about how societies and governments should be organised are also addressed.

Minimum grades -Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary level) grades or Four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.Note: Grade F6 in Foundation Mathematics also satisfies the minimum entry requirements. Foundation mathematics is not reckonable for scoring purposes.Subject requirements - In addition, students wishing to study a Language must hold a minimum H4 grade in that language, with the exception of beginners German or beginners Spanish where a H4 grade in a language other than English is required. Specialist requirement in Mathematics for those studying Economics or Mathematics.For certain subjects, additional special qualifications specific to individual subjects or disciplines may be determined by the respective departments in accordance with Academic Council regulations.