American Studies - American Politics & Foreign Policy

This MA explores both US foreign policy and domestic politics.



During the year you will study US relations with key regions of the world. You will also discuss topical issues such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation, the global economy, and climate changed to name a few. You will also gain an extensive knowledge of the impact of emerging technologies, such as cyber, on international relations and the US place in the world.



Race, gender, elections, and political polarization in the United States will also be addressed.

The programme is composed of 90 credits, 60 of which come from weekly small class seminars and the remaining 30 from a dissertation. Students take 50 credits of core modules taught at the UCD Clinton Institute and the remaining credits are taken from a list of optional modules from other programmes. Students are taught in small group seminars on a weekly basis.

Compulsory modules include, but may vary from year to year:



The Global Politics of Cyber Security

Trump's America

The US and the Middle East

Challenges in US Foreign Policy

Research Skills and Methods



Examples of optional modules include:

Public Diplomacy and Soft Power

Media and US Foreign Policy

Digital Storytelling

Students are also required to complete a thesis of approximately 12,000 words.

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

The following entry routes are available:

MA American Politics & Foreign Policy FT (Z234)

Deadline Rolling *



MA American Politics & Foreign Policy PT (Z235) Duration 2 Years

Deadline Rolling *



* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised.

Z234: 1 year full-time.

Z235: 2 years part-time.

MODE OF DELIVERY: Face-to-Face

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.