University College Cork: University College Cork (UCC) is a prestigious public research university located in Cork, Ireland. Established in 1845, UCC is known for its academic excellence, innovative research, and vibrant campus life. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various fields, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, medicine, and law. UCC is committed to providing a supportive learning environment, fostering critical thinking, and preparing students for successful careers and global citizenship.

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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. Show less

Year 1 Core Modules

GV1102 Introduction to Government and Politics (5 credits)
GV1202 Politics of the European Union (5 credits)
GV1204 Democracy, Ideology and Utopia (5 credits)
GV1207 Politics and Government of Ireland (5 credits)
GV1215 Local Government and Politics of Ireland (5 credits)
GV1216 Analytical Thinking Skills in Political Science (5 credits)
GV1218 International Politics (5 credits)
LW1316 Public Law (5 credits)
MG1010 Public and Private Management (5 credits)
SS1302 Social Policy Analysis (5 credits)
Year 1 Elective Modules (choose 10 credits)

AC1100 Introduction to Accounting (5 credits)
CH1001 Chinese Language (Mandarin) I (10 credits)
EC1203 Macroeconomic Context and Business (5 credits)
FE1400 Local Development and Public Health (5 credits)
FR0105 Introduction to French (5 credits)
FR1005 French for Near Beginners (5 credits)
FR1105 Threshold French (5 credits)
FR1107 French for Reading Purposes I (5 credits)
GA1002 Ceart na Gaeilge idir Scríobh agus Labhairt (10 credits)
GE0005 German Language (CEFR-Level A2.1) (5 credits)
GE0008 German Language (CEFR-Level A2.2) (5 credits)
HS0028 Spanish Language (Beginner Level) (10 credits)
HS0128 Spanish Language (Improver Level) (10 credits)
IS1106 Introduction to Information Systems (5 credits)
IS1107 Information Systems for the Networked Enterprise (5 credits)
¹IT1102 Non-Beginners' Written and Spoken Italian (10 credits)
²IT1109 Introduction to Written and Spoken Italian (10 credits)
MG1004 Principles of Management and Organization (5 credits)
Year 2 Core Modules

Economic Reasoning for Business
Citizen Participation
European Government and Politics
Public Management
International Politics
International Securities
Year 3 Core Modules

Work Placement
Conflict and Conflict Resolution
Political Economy - Trade and Finance
Elections and Voting
Politics of the United States of America
Year 4 Core Modules

Research Dissertation
Contemporary Debates and Issues in Ireland
Contemporary Debates in the EU
See the College Calendar and the Book of Modules for more detailed information.

Course Practicalities
This course involves about 12 hours of lectures each week, as well as tutorials, field trips, and guest lectures.

Assessment

Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment including essays, oral presentations, submissions to government, letters to editors, and poster design.

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You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

How to book:

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it

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