About Political Science
Political science, often known as political science or politology, is a branch of social science that focuses on the study of political ideas and political theory's applications, as well as political behavior and systems. Students who choose to major in political science will study both the theory and practice of government as part of their social science education. Political theory, international relations, comparative politics, and other relevant areas will all be covered by majors. Students should have a solid understanding of political theories and concerns by the time they earn their degrees, as well as the ability to approach research subjects with confidence. Political science is a subfield of the social sciences. It is made up of the findings of investigations into the phenomenon of politics in society using scientific methodology or philosophical analysis. These investigations seek to provide scientific explanations, critical thinking, understanding, evaluation, and criticism of this phenomenon. We can categorize political science studies into three categories: formal models, which are not based on pure observation, or which consist of theorems derived from the basis of assumption (axiom or postulate) based on mathematical logic, or philosophical studies intended to create no conclusions at all. Empirical studies are defined by the systematic observation of facts that we can detect with our five senses.
Studying Political Science in Ireland
Ireland is a member of the EU and has a young population. Particularly in the areas of finance, engineering, humanities, and social sciences, the nation is expanding quickly. Additionally, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit's Quality of Life record, the nation has the greatest standard of living in the whole world. Ireland tops the list of the world's nicest nations, according to research by the Lonely Planet travel control conference. The top 1% of educational institutions worldwide include Irish schools. As a result, you have a fantastic opportunity to take part in studies that expand knowledge and improve people's lives all around the world.
Advantages of Study Political Science in Ireland
Every student wishes to have a successful career after graduation and the chance to work overseas, but in most nations, these advantages are not available. Students who have finished their university studies in Ireland are eligible for a "post-study visa" from the nation. Students who attended school in Ireland now have the option of living here for the rest of their lives rather than having to relocate. Ireland also succeeds in ranking among the most popular nations in the world because of its universities. For instance, Trinity College Dublin is listed as one of Ireland's and Europe's top institutions. It is ranked 101st among universities worldwide. The process's most crucial component, scholarships significantly reduce the cost of a student's education. In this regard, Irish university students are quite fortunate. For instance, NCI Galway and Trinity College Dublin each give grants of €5,000, while UCD offers a 50% or 100% tuition price discount, nearly half a student's costs.
Career Paths for Political Science Degree Majors
A degree in political science may be used in many different situations. It may serve as a launching pad for a career in government service, charitable work, commerce, the media, or education. Political science students develop research, communication, and data analysis abilities that are widely used in both the public and commercial sectors. Majors in political science hold jobs in the government, business, and nonprofit worlds. They may work in state/local government or federal government as a policy analyst, staff member, press assistant, or an assistant to the legislature. Additionally, they could work as a diplomat or an advisor to a global NGO on the subject of foreign affairs. Moreover, they might work as reporters, editors, market researchers, etc. in the media or the marketing sector. However, due to the degree's wide range of specializations, graduates may find employment in industries including education, business, government, or non-profit organizations. Even while some of these occupations immediately apply their expertise to politics and policy, political science education may prepare students for a variety of careers by teaching them both hard and soft skills.
What Skills Do I Need to Pursue a Political Science Degree?
To prepare for professions in fields including government, industry, and charitable organizations, political science students must gain a wide variety of abilities. Political scientists require communication abilities for things such as presenting ideas clearly both in verbal and nonverbal communication, debating efficiently, and listening critically. Understanding the components of complicated problems, interpreting data, seeing problems from a variety of angles, rationally solving them, and thinking globally all require analytical skills. In addition to organizing information and people, as well as conceptualizing and carrying out initiatives, one needs planning and development skills. Also, for tasks like creating research designs and models, utilizing survey research techniques, and comparing and contrasting ideas and information, research and quantitative skills are required. When it comes to finding a job employers look for job candidates that have a strong work ethic, outstanding verbal and written communication abilities, collaboration and interpersonal skills, initiative, and these qualities.
Is Political Science Right for Me?
A political science major might be a good fit for you if you want to develop powerful tools for comprehending, promoting, and debating political arguments as well as if you enjoy examining the state of international governments, fusing past events with present conflicts, and coming up with innovative new solutions to global problems. Additionally, a variety of issues about both internal and foreign politics will be available for your exploration. It can be the right choice for you if you're more interested in the concepts that shape the political landscape especially if you want to pursue a career in law, public policy, or anything else.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Political Scientist?
Ireland's undergraduate political science programs typically last three years. In some situations, students may be required to complete an additional year of foundational coursework in addition to this time frame. Some colleges may additionally need an additional year for an internship.
The Best Universities to Study Political Science
If you want to study political science in Ireland Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and Dublin City University are the best three universities.
- Trinity College Dublin: Trinity is rated first in Ireland and 98th overall. Additionally, Trinity is among the top 100 universities in the world in 19 topics, and its political science program is ranked 49th in Europe. The political science degree they offer is under the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy. Since 1855, political science has played a significant role in their curriculum. It is now a department with a global reputation for its research on public opinion, comparative politics, the European Union, and international relations. Trinity is the only institution in Ireland with a PPES curriculum, which includes the study of philosophy, political science, economics, and sociology. By studying four areas that are essential to comprehend the social and human world, students may build abilities that apply to a variety of potential professions and activities through this integrated interdisciplinary education in the social sciences and philosophy. Also depending on their course selections, students with dual honors in political science can study two disciplines to the degree level with advanced specialization in either one or both. The Joint Honors program provides a choice of four disciplines, including Geography, History, Law, and Social Policy, that enhance the study of Political Science.
- University College Dublin: The largest and most diversified school of politics and international relations in the nation, University College Dublin's school blends a range of perspectives on all political issues with specialized knowledge in certain fields. The graduates are well-represented in the media, public service, and commercial sectors, as well as at the highest levels of government. Students at UCD have five alternatives for choosing a political science major. They can major in politics only, combine things with politics, study PPE, have politics with a language minor, or study computational social science with politics as a minor. Students may choose one of the following areas to study in conjunction with their political studies as part of a dual major: archaeology, economics, geography, information and communication studies, philosophy, sociology, social justice, statistics, and math. In Years 3 and 4, students can also proceed to pursue a single major in Politics & International Relations. The PPE major combines philosophy, politics, and economics. Also, you have the option of studying politics with a language minor in Chinese, French, German, Irish, Italian, or Spanish.
- Dublin City University: The largest Faculty at Dublin City University is the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences which is listed among the top 250 colleges for "social sciences." The Economics, Politics, and Law (EPL) degree program at DCU aims to provide students with a profound grasp of the economic, legal, and political processes that influence society. With this degree, you may study the fundamentals of all three fields, including introductions to political science, constitutional law, and micro- and macroeconomics and it can be completed in 3 years, or you can add a fourth year to your degree if you choose to study abroad or do an INTRA (integrated training) placement. For a degree with many dimensions, pick from a variety of art topics including geography, history, law, world religions, and theology. You can choose to take a year abroad to make your degree four years long and get a Bachelor of Arts (Joint Honors). International in addition to your honors degree in politics. In Year Three, you have the option to apply for a one-year INTRA work placement.
Political Science Admission Requirement
For studying in Ireland success on the university entrance exam is not necessary for admission to the university. High school graduates who travel to the nation to study abroad receive preliminary instruction before being assigned to the department of their choice. Since they did not participate in the educational program known as A Level, individuals of other nationalities who wish to attend a university in Ireland get a preliminary education known as Foundation education. In a sense, this preparatory education serves as a stage in the student's preparation for the department they will select. English language proficiency at a suitable level is a prerequisite for this education. Success in the range of IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80-90 points is expected in order to determine English language proficiency. Students can select the departments they want to study in and begin their university studies in Ireland after completing a year of foundation education. Students who want to complete their university studies in Ireland must submit certain documentation. A reference letter, your certifications, if any, a transcript, your justification for choosing this school, and a statement of purpose outlining your post-training objectives are some of the documents that need to be carefully prepared. Students who have their papers in order will find it much simpler to get an Irish student visa.