Politics and Society explores how our world is organised politically, economically, and socially. It asks fundamental questions about power, justice, democratic representation, and citizenship, while engaging with contemporary global challenges such as climate change, migration, human rights, inequality, and the future of democracy.
Students begin by studying the foundations of politics through Politics and Local Government, Democracy and Political Participation, and Key Themes in Contemporary Politics. As they progress, they explore deeper perspectives on political systems, including International Relations, Comparative Politics, and the Politics of Welfare. In their final year, students examine contemporary challenges in Environmental Politics, Global Politics, Gender and Politics, and International Political Economy.
By studying Politics and Society at SETU, students gain a strong understanding of political systems and processes, while also developing the analytical tools to interrogate contemporary debates and propose new, creative approaches to the future.
| Year 1 |
|---|
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Politics in the Irish Context | Democracy and Political Participation |
| Politics and Local Government | Key Themes in Contemporary Politics |
| Subject 2 Module 1 | Subject 2 Module 3 |
| Subject 2 Module 2 | Subject 2 Module 4 |
| Subject 3 Module 1 | Subject 3 Module 3 |
| Subject 3 Module 2 | Subject 3 Module 4 |
| Year 2 |
|---|
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Political Theory | Comparative Politics |
| Ireland in the European Union | Politics of Welfare |
| Political Research Method | International Relations |
| Subject 2 Module 5 | Subject 2 Module 8 |
| Subject 2 Module 6 | Subject 2 Module 9 |
| Subject 2 Module 7 | Subject 2 Module 10 |
| Final Year |
|---|
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| Global Politics | International Political Studies and Development |
| Environmental Politics | Comparing Social Policies |
| Dissertation 1 OR Gender and Politics | Dissertation 2 OR Legitimation and Crisis Politics |
| Subject 2 Module 11 | Subject 2 Module 14 |
| Subject 2 Module 12 | Subject 2 Module 15 |
| Subject 2 Module 13 | Subject 2 Module 16 |
Studying Politics and Society provides graduates with highly transferable skills, including:
- Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
- Research and data interpretation
- Communication and argumentation skills
- Policy analysis and evaluation
- Intercultural awareness and global citizenship
Graduates are well positioned for careers in:
- Public administration and the civil service
- Political consultancy and advocacy
- Journalism, communications, and public relations
- NGOs and international development organisations
- Education and training
- Community and social policy work
Many graduates also progress to postgraduate study in areas such as political science, international relations, public policy, law, human rights, and social justice. For those considering a teaching career, Politics and Society at SETU provides the subject knowledge required by the Teaching Council to teach this subject at second level. To qualify as a second-level teacher, graduates must then progress to a Postgraduate Master of Education (PME).
Students can choose to add an additional year to their degree by participating in Study Abroad. This international experience allows students to explore politics and society in a new cultural context, graduating with a BA (Hons) International. All students are supported by an Academic Advisor to ensure their study abroad experience complements their degree pathway.
Fpr more information contact us at [email protected]