Welcome to the Department of Political Science
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Why Study Political Science at Trinity College Dublin?
Consistently ranked among the top political science departments globally, we offer rigorous and research-led programmes that equip students with the analytical tools to understand political behaviour, public institutions and international affairs in an increasingly complex world.
POLITICAL SCIENCE NEWS & EVENTS
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Dermot McAleese Teaching Assistant Award 2026
Congratulations to Elena Karagianni, PhD reseracher in political science, on winning this year's Dermot McAleese Teaching Assistant Award for the Department of Political Science.
25 May 2026
News
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TCD alumna Silvia Decadri secures tenure-track researcher post at University of Brescia
Trinity College Dublin alumna Dr Silvia Decadri has secured a tenure-track researcher role at the University of Brescia after a competitive national selection.
25 May 2026
News
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Political Science PhD Candidate Lily Rice Presents Research at Major Chicago Political Science Conference
PhD Candidate Lily Rice presented her research at the Midwest Political Science Association conference in Chicago, highlighting her academic work and collaboration with her supervisor and co-author Prof Raj Chari.
05 May 2026
News
Missed our democracy and AI talk? Watch it here!
From deepfakes to algorithmic newsfeeds, AI is shaping how citizens see the world, and how they vote. In Democracy and AI: Navigating the Political Risks, a panel of political scientists from Trinity College Dublin explore how democratic systems can adapt and respond - part of the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy’s Public Autumn Series.
NEW RESEARCH
Do visible Islamic symbols help Muslim immigrants feel at home in cities?
Dr Gizem Arikan et al. Published in Nature Cities. April 2026.
How We Teach Africa Matters
Michelle D’Arcy (chapter). Edited by Afa’anwi Ma’abo Che & Debora V. Malito, March 2026
Democratic dissatisfaction, the far right, and party brand activation
Matthias Dilling and Leonie de Jonge Published in Political Research Exchange. March 2026
INSIDE THE DEPARTMENT
Looking for an Internship?
Details of Summer Internship opportunities in the Department of Political Science have just been announced. See what's available!
What comes after an MSc?
Stefan Keel, MSc Applied Social Data Science (2024), now a Data Scientist in Switzerland, reflects on his time at Trinity and his path since graduating.
What are we working on?
Explore recent publications and research activity from the Department of Political Science.
Research with global reach
From European courts and governance to data-driven research on conflict and security, explore the Department’s research centres and projects.
Meet the team
Get to know the staff of the Department of Political Science and the people behind our teaching, research and academic life.
Current students
Course handbooks, module outlines, timetables, scholarship exam information and more… Find all the resources you need here!
Is Authoritarianism Linked to Religiosity?
Professor Gizem Arikan from the Department of Political Science in Trinity College Dublin breaks down this question in our latest Meet the Expert video.
OUR COURSES
Undergraduate Political Science
Study politics through flexible degree pathways that combine core political analysis with options spanning Irish, European, and global politics.
MSc in Applied Social Data Science
A one-year, full-time programme focused on quantitative methods and data-driven analysis of political and social questions, with a strong research component.
MSc in International Politics
A one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme offering advanced training in international politics, research methods, and independent dissertation work.
PhD in Political Science
A structured doctoral programme combining taught training and original research, preparing students for academic, policy, and research careers.
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