UG Prospectus 2025

168 WhyDCU? − Take a global perspective onwhat makes society work and how its various actors interact with one another − Apply your study and research skills to amajor independent project − Gain the skills employers are looking for – such as communication, critical thinking and teamwork − Choose to spend a year studying abroad or undergoing an internship as part of your course − DCU is a leading centre for expertise in International Relations, with lecturers involved inwork on global issues such as security, peace and environmental justice About You Do you have an interest inmajor world and global justics?Would you like to knowmore about howpolitics, economics and security work in contemporary societies? If you are keen to learn, to analyse and to understand current affairs across theworld, then you will enjoy the challenge of this course. Additional Requirements The general entry requirements for admission to theUniversity apply (see page 174). If youwish to register for one of the language streams, then aminimumof H4 in French, German or Spanish is required. Understanding: International Relations Youwill explore a variety of issues and debates in global politics, andwill find out about the forces that shape contemporary societies nationally and transnationally. Youwill learn about such issues as peace, security, political violence globalisation, international law, third-world debt and the foreign policy of states andworld regions. Youwill also study contemporary global governance, multilateral affairs, and international organisations such as the EuropeanUnion and theUnitedNations. By the end of this unique and innovative course, youwill have learned about international politics, development and regional studies froma global perspective, andwill have developed oral andwritten communication skills, teamwork skills, research techniques, and ability in analytical and critical thinking. Course Structure The variety of optional modules available gives you plenty of flexibility inwhat you choose to study alongside the core elements. Optional modules start in Year 1, so you can choose to take either themain or the language stream (choose from intermediate French, German or Spanish. The streamyou choosewill then run for each of the 3 years of your course. This is normally a 3 year course. However, youmay elect to spend an extra year abroad in one of our partner universities in China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Turkey or theUSA. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance educational and social experience at first hand. You then complete the final year of your course at DCU. INTRAWork Placement This year-longwork placement will give you a unique opportunity to enhance your CV, increase your employability and apply your knowledge and skills in the real world. This option is competitive and subject to the availability of placements. For more information, please visit dcu.ie/intra WhatWill I Study? Year 1 Introduction to International Relations and Security | Introduction to Politics | Introduction to European Integration | Climate Change and International Politics | Introduction to International Political Economy | Introduction to Development | Introduction toGlobal Governance | The Role of International Law in International Relations Optional Modules: International Relations Stream: Introduction toUSHistory and Politics Contemporary Cultural Debates Language Stream(one language): French Language (intermediate) | German Language (intermediate) | Spanish Language (intermediate) BA in International Relations If you have an interest inmajor world issues, this is the coursewith global career opportunities for you