International Political Economy

MSc International Political Economy - explores the international trade, monetary and finance systems, the processes of globalisation, the impact of emerging economies, and the causes and consequences of economic underdevelopment.



probes the linkages of the global economy with international environmental, human rights, gender and migration issues

includes core modules covering both the ‘British’ and ‘American’ schools of IPE.

includes additional research components and is particularly suitable if you want a career in research or academia.

Module Trimester Credits



Stage 1 Core Modules

POL40950 Introduction to Statistics Autumn 10

POL42530 Politics of International Trade and Investment Autumn 10

POL40370 International Political Economy Spring 10

POL41640 Qualitative Research Methods for Political Science Spring 10

POL42310 Thesis Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A)20CR:

Option Modules

DEV40020 Gender and Development Autumn 10

POL40050 Theories of International Relations Autumn 10

POL40970 Politics of European Governance Autumn 10

POL41020 Politics of Human Rights Autumn 10

POL41510 Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa Autumn 10

POL41980 Peace & Conflict Studies Autumn 10

POL42040 Gender & the Political System Autumn 10

POL42540 Applied Data Wrangling and Visualisation Autumn 5

POL42550 Feminist Theory Autumn 10

POL42570 Connected_Politics 1 Autumn 5

POL40100 Politics of Development Spring 10

POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Spring 10

POL40160 Comparative Public Policy Spring 10

POL40540 Comparative European Politics Spring 10

POL40610 EU Foreign, Security, and Defence Pol. Spring 10

POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring 10

POL41720 Gender, Peace, and Security Spring 10

POL41910 Political Violence Spring 10

POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis Spring 10

POL42060 International Security Spring 10

POL42340 Programming for Soc Scientists Spring 10

POL42350 Connected_Politics 2 Spring 10

POL42430 IR Theory: Conflict and Identity Spring 10

POL42560 AI and Large Language Models Spring 10

A primary degree with at least Second Class Honours Grade 1 (2H1). 2H1 is equivalent to 60 per cent, B minus or 3.08 GPA - in American system: B or 3.00 GPA.



Your application will be considered on its individual merits and relevant professional experience will also be taken into account.



English language requirements: applicants whose first language is not English should have met TOEFL, IELTs, or computer-based TOEFL requirements (600, 6.5, or 250 respectively), or the Cambridge English Test (Certificate in Advanced English at a minimum of Grade B, or Certificate of Proficiency in English at Grade C). Applicants who obtained a previous degree from an English-speaking university may be exempted from this requirement. Click here for further info.



Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/



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. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

W293: 1 year full-time

W294: 2 years part-time

MSc International Political Economy (W293) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 8225

nonEU fee per year - € 19200


MSc International Political Economy (W294) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 5405

nonEU fee per year - € 9600


***Fees are subject to change


Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.


SPIRe operates a Graduate Scholarship programme. To access details, see SPIRe Graduate Scholarship Scheme.

Commencing September 2025

Careers & Employability

Graduates work with international private-sector employers, government agencies and NGOs as:

• Government Social Researcher

• Diplomatic Advisor

• Public Affairs Consultant

• Political Advisor



Recent graduates of UCD School of Politics & International Relations now work in:

• United Nations, New York and Geneva

• World Trade Organisation

• Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taipei

• Asia Development Bank

• IMF

• Dutch-German Chamber of Commerce & Industry

• Korean Foreign Trade Association