Politics & International Relations

People today are much more interested in national and international politics and public affairs. Issues such as democracy, globalisation and the third world debt are significant in the minds of many, and people’s rudimentary knowledge of such subjects is more advanced than it once was. As a result, a growing number of third-level courses are now available that concentrate on these important topics.

Students of Politics and International Relations look at the social, economic and political structure of contemporary societies, examine their historical development and consider ways in which their political and social organisation can be improved.

Politics and International Relations aren’t really vocational courses – you won’t graduate as a fully-fledged politician or Australian cousin. However, they do provide a broad understanding of the way the world works, and graduates can go on to successful careers in a varied range of sectors.

Education

Third-level students usually study Politics alongside another subject such as Economics, Law, History or Social Studies. International Relations is available to study as a subject in its own right, or alongside History and Politics. The required CAO points are in the 400 – 450 range, and if there is a language element to the course you may need to have taken the language at higher level in your Leaving Cert.

Political Science students study different forms of government and look at the development of political ideas such as democracy, freedom and equality. Other subjects encountered on a third-level politics course include Introduction to the Irish Political System, EU Policy and Politics & Globalisation, as well as Economics, History and Sociology classes.

Students choosing International Relations take subjects in Language, Culture & International Communication, Ideology, Politics & Culture in Europe, Public International Law and International Governance, as well as studying a foreign language such as French or German.

Students with an interest in politics and international relations might also consider general arts degrees where they can choose similar subject options, or courses such as European Studies, Social Studies, History or Economics.

Options after Qualification

The flexibility of mind, astute analytical skills and excellent general knowledge provided by politics and international relations courses are sought after in many career areas, including public administration, political research, media, NGOs, charities and education.

The multidisciplinary nature of a Politics or International Relations degree means that graduates can pursue a broad range of postgraduate research or course options. Many people decide to take a focused postgraduate course in subjects like law, journalism or business to further their career prospects.

The Work

Political researchers provide politicians and political parties with information on a variety of political, economic and social issues. They might study research reports, press and journal articles and legal documents to help a TD prepare for a complicated debate in the D·il. Researchers also write speeches and articles, conduct and analyse opinion polls and deal with requests for information from the public and the media.

Local government, along with county and city councils, are responsible for the administration of local services such as health and sanitation, housing, roads and community services. Tasks and responsibilities of local government officers include dealing with planning requests, meeting with local residents’ groups and allocating and monitoring budgets for different infrastructural projects.

Graduates may find work for a national or international organisation, charity or lobby group (e.g., Greenpeace, Oxfam, Goal). These highly desirable positions can require extra experience gained from volunteering and travelling, as well as a third-level qualification. Administrators working for NGOs typically have wide-ranging responsibilities, including the lobbying of governments, alerting the media to issues, fundraising and delivering aid to crisis-hit areas.

You need more than a Politics degree – experience, charisma, contacts, wiles – to become a TD. TDs divide their time between their involvement in central government and their own constituencies, taking part in D·il sessions and helping to formulate policies and make decisions concerning the running of the country. They also run clinics, where local constituents can request assistance with their problems.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment

For success in the political and international relations arenas you will need to be dedicated, enthusiastic and hard-working, as well as having excellent writing, communication and analytical skills.

Most political researchers are based in an office environment, and work fairly regular hours.

The Money

A junior political researcher can expect to earn between €20,000 and €35,000, while the Taoiseach earns over €200,000 per year.

Jargon

Democracy: Government by the people for the people (in theory)

Globalisation: The breaking down of barriers between different countries and cultures

Ideology: A set of beliefs forming the basis of a political, economic or other system

Job Titles

Political Researcher
Local Government Administrator
NGO Worker
Political Aide
Civil Servant
Ideologue
Teachta D·la (TD)

Further Resources

D·il …ireann,
Leinster House
Dublin 2
Phone: 01 618 3000
Web: www.oireachtas.ie
Email: info@oireachtas.ie

The United Nations
www.un.org