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MH101 - Politics
Go to Course - Bachelor Of ArtsOverview
Politics is everywhere — from street protests and parliamentary debates to local elections, European treaties and even workplace conflict.
Studying politics at Maynooth University helps you understand how society works, why it sometimes doesn’t, and how political decisions shape our lives.
What you’ll learn
You’ll explore Irish and international politics, examining how political systems are organised, how they’re shaped by society, and how they can chart new paths for the future.
You’ll explore:
- political institutions – parties, parliaments, elections, policymaking and more
- political activity – media and social movements
- political ideologies – liberalism and socialism
- key ideas – justice and freedom
Core skills
During your studies you’ll gain essential skills through:
- Workshops – focusing on active citizenship and simulating ‘real world’ experiences of the issues raised in your studies
- Research – examining political life and developing analytical, communication and presentation skills
Widen your experience
We encourage you to get involved in social movements, issue-based campaigning, political parties and human rights work. We also encourage you to reflect on these experiences too.
The Centre for the Study of Politics (CSOP) and the Maynooth University Centre for European and Eurasian Studies (MUCEES) are important parts of our politics programme.
You’ll also have the chance to spend a year abroad, join staff-led field trips and get involved in the Sociology and Politics Society in Maynooth Students’ Union.
Subject Structure
First year
- 15 credits of Politics (group 6)
- Choose up to 3 other subjects, which may include Critical Skills
- There is an option to take Sociology (group 5) with Politics (group 6) which would provide a 30 credit Sociology-Politics double subject.
Second year and Final year
- Continue with Politics as a Double Major or as a Minor with 1 other first year subject
- Option in summer of second year to engage in exchange with University of Duisburg Essen.
- Optional 10 credit Elective in second year
- Optional Erasmus/Study Abroad after second year
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.
Entry requirements
Leaving Certificate applicants are required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, 3rd language.
Postgraduate
The Department offers a range of postgraduate study options, including a Masters in Social Research and a PhD programme.
Visit the Department website for more information about postgraduate options.
Careers
Taking Politics and/or Sociology to degree level meets the Teaching Council degree subject requirement to teach Politics and Society at post-primary level following a Professional Master of Education (PME).
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
- business and management