Government and Political Science (BSc (Hons)) at University College Cork

Students of the four-year BSc Government and Political Science will be the political and business leaders of tomorrow and a vital part of the generation that shapes the 21st century.

This is one of an exciting new generation of UCC degrees, combining political science with a range of other subjects in business, law, modern languages, social sciences and information technology. It also offers a work placement in Year 3, including a prestigious internship in the New York State Legislature as well as other highly prized placements in international and national institutions.

Now more than ever the study of government and politics is crucial. Politics affects everyone. Aristotle called politics the master science for a reason – he understood that through politics, the future of the world is shaped.

Political science is the study of governments, public policies and political processes, systems and political behaviour. There is no single reason to study politics. You may have an interest in the workings of government, or some questions about the civic nature of our society. Or some event – either domestic or international – may arouse your interest, making you want to know more than you can learn through television or newspapers.

Studying politics means studying the real world and developing the skills to make sense of that world. A degree in political science is not geared to any particular type of job. It will prepare you for many forms of employment or further study. You will gain analytical and practical skills, invaluable in today’s competitive employment market. Political science graduates are recognised as flexible people who can fit into a variety of positions in modern life.

A degree in political science will equip you for all sorts of careers: political activity, management, retail, banking, government departments, local government and international organisations. Political science graduates work in the media and for pressure groups, become consultants and go on to lecturing and research posts at universities. Others become teachers in secondary schools.

Key facts

• The BSc Government and Political Science offers a unique combination of politics, business and law
• Work placement has been an integral part of the degree since it started in 1999. This model has now been followed by many other degree courses in UCC.
• Graduates are equipped for a wide variety of careers in politics, management, retail, banking, government departments, local government, voluntary groups, journalism, and as second-level teaching
• The Department of Government attracts guest speakers from the world of politics including – over the past decade – John Hume, President Mary McAleese, Emily O’Reilly, John Bercow, David Norris, Ivana Bacik and Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

The degree is both intellectually stimulating and practically oriented. Strong emphasis is placed on practice as well as theory throughout the course.

You will undertake a considerable amount of project work that will require you to use your initiative in searching for data and information and in conducting research and analysis. Consequently, you are equipped to contribute in a real work environment.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

A 14-week work placement is an integral part of the BSc Government and Political Science. Students undertake a work placement in Year 3 of the degree, at home or abroad. Recent student placements have included the civil service, government agencies, New York State Assembly, Scottish Parliament, the European Parliament, banks, insurance companies, media organisations, PR companies, humanitarian groups, health boards and local government. See here for more details.

The BSc Government and Political Science also has strong links with the Washington-Ireland Programme (WIP) and the George Mitchell Scholarship Programme.

Skills and Careers Information

The excellent transferable skills acquired on the BSc Government and Political Science open up many career paths. Our graduates work in different fields, including:

• Public service (home and abroad)
• Civil service (home and abroad)
• Journalism
• Television
• Voluntary sector
• Private business
• Legal work.