Government - Law and

The law plays a fundamental role in society since it is the responsibility of the legal system to promote and uphold laws that ensure equality and justice. In Irish society these laws are created and overseen by politicians, civil servants and people working in the legal system whose job it is to ensure that the laws are as fair as possible. Law has always been a respectable career choice. It is a stimulating and varied career area with a wealth of professional opportunities. It demands high standards but rewards abundantly.

Government careers are generally less structured with different areas ranging from practical courses in community development to theoretical research into the minutiae of political theory and discourse. Accordingly, the different careers within the government sector and politics can span everything from fisheries management, to sport administration, to economic policy. This means that applicants with backgrounds in many different undergraduate areas are welcome within postgraduate government and politics departments.

Entry Requirements

Postgraduate courses in government and politics generally require at least a second-class honours primary degree. A primary degree in most disciplines can usually secure entry onto more general social studies or politics courses.

However, most postgraduate programmes in the legal studies area require a good undergraduate degree in law for admission, as competition for places can be tough. Candidates who have an undergraduate qualification in another subject have the option of taking a postgraduate diploma in legal studies in order to enter the legal arena.

Courses Available

There are many postgraduate courses available to students interested in further study in law, government and politics. Taught postgraduate courses are available in traditionally important areas like law and political science, as well as in topical areas of interest such as ethnic conflict and political Islam.

Courses are often interdisciplinary, taking modules from a number of academic departments within a university.

Postgraduate law can involve a great deal of specialisation. Students generally study a number of core courses such as criminal & civil law and then choose a number of optional subjects which might be drawn from areas of law such as arbitration, contract, company, human rights, commercial, children’s, employment, European, international trade, and so on.

Politics and related disciplines are also common areas for postgraduate study. Courses on offer approach global and local issues from different perspectives and include development studies, European studies, international peace studies and political communication & public affairs.

Research Areas

Law, government and politics offer the potential postgraduate research student a wealth of opportunities. Many institutions offer dedicated research centres, and access to staff with a vast collection of subject interests ranging from relatively arcane areas of Irish case law to the study of social changes brought about by globalisation.

The possibilities for postgraduate legal research are boundless. You can focus on a particular aspect of Irish law, European law, or international law.

Politics is also a fruitful area for postgraduate research, with students able to choose from a wide range of potential research topics – from European integration to international relations.

Another area that offers potential postgraduate research opportunities is social policy and social change. Irish universities are keen to study the recent developments in Irish society and postgraduate research in areas such as social exclusion, social partnership and social policy are all encouraged.

Each institution has its own areas of expertise, specialised staff and close links with local institutions and public bodies. There are also government and public sector funding opportunities for research students in this area.

Career Paths

As careers in law and government are important and influential, a postgraduate qualification is often a necessary requirement, even for entry-level positions.

People with postgraduate degrees in legal and government disciplines should have no shortage of career possibilities in areas as diverse as business, the media, industry and the NGO (Non-Governmental Organisations) sector as well as in the political world. Graduates hoping to work for a TD or in the European Parliament as aides or researchers may first have to work in unpaid or lowly-paid internships before gradually becoming accepted into the system.

A postgraduate degree is also of high importance for gaining entry to certain higher level grades within the Irish Civil Service.