International Relations

Dublin City University

Ireland, Dublin

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Dublin City University

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

DC231

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines12-Jan-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 17,300 / year

Next Intake 12-Jan-2026

International Relations

About

Overview

Do you have an interest in major world issues? Would you like to know more about how politics, economics and security work in today’s societies? If you are keen to learn, to analyse and to understand current affairs across the world, then you will enjoy the challenge of DCU’s BA in International Relations. This degree equips you with a real understanding of global issues so you can make a meaningful impact on real world challenges.

Learn about global issues

During this degree, you will learn about issues such as conflict, peace and security, intelligence, terrorism, globalisation, third-world debt and climate change. By the end of this unique and innovative course, you will have learned about international politics, development and regional studies from a global perspective to equip you for careers working with international organisations, institutions and NGOs.

The skills you’ll learn

You will also gain the skills employers are looking for such as oral and written communication skills, teamwork skills, research techniques, and ability in analytical and critical thinking.

Learn from the best

DCU is a leading centre for expertise in International Relations, with lecturers involved in work on global issues such as security, peace studies and climate change.

Three of four year degree

You can complete this degree in three years, or choose to take an extra year either to study abroad or complete an INTRA placement.

Disciplines

School of Law and Government

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Leaving Cert

There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.

Once admitted to the programme, students choose, at the point of registration, whether to study a language and register for 10 credits in their chosen language. They must continue with this language throughout years two and three of the programme.

If students wishes to choose the language stream, they must meet the following language requirements

Minimum of H4 in French if they wish to register for Intermediate French

Minimum of H4 in German if they wish to register for Intermediate German

Minimum of H4 in Spanish if they wish to register for Intermediate Spanish

GCE A Level

There are no additional entry requirements for this programme apart from the general entry requirements for admission to the university.

If students wishes to choose the language stream, they must meet the following language requirements;

Minimum of GCE A Level C in French if they wish to register for Intermediate French
Minimum of GCE A Level C in German if they wish to register for Intermediate German
Minimum of GCE A Level C in Spanish if they wish to register for Intermediate Spanish

FET Level 5

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

Mature Applicants

Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate:

a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for
academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study
an ability to engage and succeed on the programme

All applicants must complete a statement of interest to be considered for the mature application route.

For further guidance on the mature application process please see the CAO Website

Advanced Entry

Applicants that have completed at least one year of study at NFQ Level 6, 7 or 8 at another institution may apply to continue their studies on a similar programme at DCU. There should be substantial overlap in content between the two programmes to be considered for a transfer. Results and other supporting documentation must be submitted to CAO by the closing date of 1st July. This is a competitive application process for a small quota of advanced entry places. Offers are made on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Early application is advised. Please note: Applicants should also consider applying through the appropriate route for first year entry to the programme they are interested in. This application process is only for advanced entry.

International Applications

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

English Program Requirements

Undergraduate Applicants - Minimum English Standards

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language, through their school leaving examination or in a recognised English language test. The minimum standards for entry to DCU are outlined below.

Applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only.

EXAMINATION

Level Required

Irish Leaving Certificate English

O6/H7

GCE A-Level English Language

Grade D

GSCE

Grade C

IELTS ACADEMIC

Composite score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 6.0 in any one component.

*Scores must be achieved in one sitting.

TOEFL

237 (computer-based),
580 (paper-based test)

TOEFL iBT

Total Score of 92

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAP)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP)

Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)

63 (with a minimum of 59 in all components)

Duolingo

Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore. Please ensure the verification link is provided when submitting this evidence and you share your results with DCU.

Additional Information

Your English language certificate must be awarded within the two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.
English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.
Scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.

Alternative Requirements/Evidence of Competency

In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language. This may include non-native speakers of English who have completed their education through the medium of English in a country where English is the official language. Please include the details of any English language examinations and proof of successful completion when applying to DCU.

For further details about DCU English Language Requirements, please contact DCU Admissions.

Career

Careers & Further Options

Careers

International Relations is a diverse field that is extremely relevant in the increasingly globalised world we live in.

Graduates from our BA in International Relations will be ideally suited to a number of roles especially when combined with experience abroad and foreign language skills.

With deep insight into global politics, cultures and the ability to identify and analyse global issues, graduates of International Relations are well placed to pursue careers with governmental and non-governmental organisations, both national and international, like the United Nations and European Union, diplomatic services, as well as with major international corporations.

For instance, after this degree you may want to promote human rights, work in counterterrorism or help develop policy on environmental issues.

Career Areas

International civil service
Diplomatic services
International aid
Policy evaluation and research
International commerce
Journalism
Politics
Armed forces
Public Affairs
Public Policy
Education
NGO sector

Career Prospects

Diplomat

Politician

Journalist

Policy Manager

Research and Policy Coordinator

Advocacy Officer

Communications and Public Affairs Officer

International Aid Worker

Analyst

International Business Consultant

Academic

DCU Career Services

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.