Master of Arts in Public Affairs and Political Communications

***CONVERSION COURSE ***

Applications are welcome from holders of an honours bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.2, or equivalent, in any discipline. Applicants in the final year of their degree are also welcome.

The course welcomes applications from mature and other applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree and for whom recognition of prior learning, experience and career history will be taken into consideration.

Applicants for whom English is not their first language and who have not undertaken their undergraduate degree through English, should have a minimum IELTS (Academic) average score of 7.5 with no component below 6.0. If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.

Previous experience of public affairs, politics or related work is not necessary, though we’re always pleased to talk with applicants about it.

Qualified candidates will be called for interviews which take place monthly from January to June.

MAPAPC graduates are highly in demand for their skills, attributes and, having completed an internship under the guidance of a member of the Oireachtas, their understanding of politics from the front line.

They have found employment in virtually every major public affairs consultancy in Ireland, in in-house departments of state and public bodies, political parties, non-governmental organisations, not for profit organisations, and commercial enterprises. Approximately 30 remain in Leinster House as advisers to current members.

A great many more are recognised leaders in specialised fields in the industry – lobbying, electoral strategy, policy formulation, campaign management – not only in Ireland but in EU-related affairs and further afield. Still others have been elected to public office at local and national level.