Every politics, government and international relations programme in Ireland — mapped side by side. CAO codes, 2025 points, dedicated degrees versus Arts pathways, study abroad options, and career routes from Leinster House to the United Nations. From PPES at 588 to Arts entry at 300.
Politics can be studied as a dedicated degree (like UCC's CK122, Galway's GY132, or DCU's DC230/DC231) or as a subject within a broader Arts or Social Sciences degree (Maynooth MH101, Galway GY101, UL LM002). Dedicated degrees typically have higher points and offer deeper immersion from Year 1. Arts pathways offer flexibility — you study politics alongside another subject — but may cover less depth. For competitive postgraduate routes like the Third Secretary competition for the Department of Foreign Affairs or EU concours, either route works as long as your degree result is strong. TCD offers politics through Joint Honours (TR001) and the prestigious PPES (TR015), while UCD embeds politics within their DN700 Social Sciences and DN510 PPE structures.
| CAO Code | Institution | Programme | 2025 R1 Points | Years | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TR015 | Trinity College Dublin | PPES (Philosophy, Political Science, Economics & Sociology) | 588 | 4 | Dedicated |
| TR001 | Trinity College Dublin | Joint Honours — Political Science (+ 2nd subject) | 553–613 | 4 | Joint Hons |
| DN510 | University College Dublin | Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) | 490 | 4 | Dedicated |
| DN700 | University College Dublin | BSc Social Sciences → Politics & International Relations | 488 | 3–4 | Pathway |
| DC230 | Dublin City University | Economics, Politics & Law | 467 | 3–4 | Dedicated |
| GY132 | University of Galway | Government (Politics, Economics & Law) | 412 | 3 | Dedicated |
| CK122 | University College Cork | Government & Political Science | 411 | 3 | Dedicated |
| DC231 | Dublin City University | International Relations | 411 | 3–4 | Dedicated |
| GY113 | University of Galway | Arts with Human Rights | 398 | 3 | Related |
| DC295 | Dublin City University | BA Joint Honours (Politics + 2nd subject) | 387 | 3–4 | Joint Hons |
| GY101 | University of Galway | Arts — Joint Honours (Politics available) | 350 | 3 | Pathway |
| MH107 | Maynooth University | Social Science (Politics pathway) | 348 | 3 | Pathway |
| MH101 | Maynooth University | BA Arts (Politics as Joint Honours subject) | 300 | 3 | Pathway |
| CK101 | University College Cork | Arts (Government & Politics as subject) | 300 | 3 | Pathway |
Points shown are 2025 CAO Round 1. Dedicated = politics-focused from Year 1. Joint Hons = politics studied equally alongside a second subject. Pathway = politics as a subject within a broader degree.
For many top politics careers — diplomacy, EU institutions, senior civil service, policy analysis, academia — a postgraduate qualification is expected or required. All major Irish universities offer MA programmes in Politics, International Relations, Public Policy, European Studies, Human Rights, and related fields. The Department of Foreign Affairs Third Secretary competition (the entry route into the Irish diplomatic service) requires a 2.1 degree and typically attracts graduates with strong academic records and postgraduate study. EU concours competitions have their own qualification requirements. Budget for 4–5 years of study total (3–4 undergraduate + 1 postgraduate) if you're targeting these competitive routes.
Join the Irish civil service as an Executive Officer, Administrative Officer, or graduate entrant. Work across government departments shaping policy on housing, health, climate, and the economy. Clear promotion pathways from EO to Secretary General.
Enter the diplomatic service through the Department of Foreign Affairs Third Secretary competition. Represent Ireland at embassies worldwide, negotiate treaties, and work on EU, UN, and international development issues. Extremely competitive — typically 1,000+ applicants for 10–15 places.
Work at EU institutions (Commission, Parliament, Council), the UN, IMF, World Bank, OSCE, or development agencies. Entry via the EU concours (EPSO) or specific recruitment. Excellent salaries with tax-free EU allowances. Language skills (especially French) are a huge advantage.
Advise businesses, NGOs, and industry bodies on government policy. Draft position papers, monitor legislation, build stakeholder relationships. Dublin's growing public affairs sector includes firms like FTI Consulting, MKC Communications, and Murray. A regulated profession in Ireland.
Cover politics as a journalist, work as a political correspondent, or manage communications for politicians, parties, or government departments. Political knowledge gives you a significant edge over general journalism graduates. Many Irish political journalists hold politics degrees.
Work with NGOs like Trócaire, Concern, Oxfam, Amnesty International, or the Irish Refugee Council on human rights, development, climate, and social justice. Policy research, programme management, campaigning, and fundraising. Can involve overseas postings.
| Career Path | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Officer (Civil Service) | €37k–€41k | €45k–€55k | €57k–€62k |
| Administrative Officer (Graduate) | €41k–€48k | €55k–€70k | €72k–€78k |
| Higher Executive Officer | €59k | €63k–€70k | €72k–€78k |
| Assistant Principal | €82k | €88k–€96k | €99k–€103k |
| Third Secretary / Diplomat | €41k–€48k | €62k–€82k (+ allowances) | €99k–€140k+ |
| EU Administrator (AD5–AD12) | €55k–€60k | €70k–€95k | €100k–€150k+ |
| Public Affairs Consultant | €28k–€35k | €45k–€65k | €70k–€100k+ |
| Political Journalist | €25k–€32k | €40k–€55k | €60k–€80k |
| NGO / Development Worker | €28k–€35k | €40k–€55k | €55k–€75k |
| Academic / Lecturer | €40k–€50k (postdoc) | €60k–€85k | €90k–€120k+ |
| Political Advisor (Oireachtas) | €35k–€50k | €55k–€80k | €85k–€103k |
Civil service scales effective 2025 (PPC rates). EU salaries shown pre-tax but benefit from favourable EU tax treatment. Diplomatic allowances vary significantly by posting location. Private sector salaries vary by firm and location.
The Administrative Officer (AO) competition via publicjobs.ie is the most common graduate entry point for politics graduates into the civil service. Starting at ~€41k with a clear ladder: HEO (€59k–€78k), AP (€82k–€103k), PO (€103k–€118k), and beyond. You don't need a specific degree — any 2.1 honours degree qualifies. The civil service values analytical thinking, policy writing, and communication skills — exactly what a politics degree teaches. Many AOs later transfer into specialist roles in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of the Taoiseach, or Department of Public Expenditure.
If you're certain about politics, dedicated programmes like CK122, GY132, DC230, or DC231 give you deeper expertise and more specialised modules from Day 1. If you're not 100% sure, an Arts pathway (MH101 at 300 points or GY101 at 350) lets you try politics alongside another subject before committing. Both routes lead to the same postgraduate opportunities — your degree class matters more than your programme title.
For EU careers, a second EU language (especially French) is almost essential. The EU concours requires competence in two EU languages. The Department of Foreign Affairs values languages highly. TCD's Joint Honours lets you combine Political Science with a modern language. UCC CK122 offers optional language modules. DCU DC293 combines politics with an international language. Even if your degree doesn't include a language, consider taking one as an elective or independently.
UCC's Albany placement puts you inside the New York State Assembly. UL's Co-Op gives you 8 months of real-world experience. DCU's INTRA is a full year. UCD offers paid internships in the Oireachtas and EU institutions. These aren't just CV boosters — they fundamentally change what employers and postgraduate admissions see in your application. Prioritise programmes that offer structured placements if you can.
Join your university's Political Society, debating society, or Model UN club. Volunteer for political campaigns. Write opinion pieces for the college newspaper. Attend Oireachtas committee hearings (they're public). These experiences demonstrate genuine interest and build the communication, analytical, and networking skills that employers and diplomatic competitions specifically test for. The best politics students are the ones who live and breathe it beyond lectures.
Points change every year based on demand. Always check the CAO website for the most current data. Politics degrees from all Irish universities carry equal standing for civil service, diplomatic, and EU competitions — what matters is your degree class, your skills, and your experience. A 2.1 from Maynooth (300 points entry) opens the same doors as a 2.1 from Trinity (588 points entry).