Course Summary
Public affairs and political communication is a specialisation within strategic communication, focussing on aspects of politics from managing election and referendum campaigns, to party branding strategies, to working for NGOs, charities and not for profit organisations on advocacy and issues-led campaigns.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
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.
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.
Application Details
Applications for courses commencing in September 2025 will open in November 2024.
Commencement Date: September 2025
Fees
Fees (Non-EU) €13,500 Total Fee
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
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.
Duration
Mode of Study: Full Time
Method of Delivery: On-Campus
Schedule
Lectures take place on Mondays and Thursdays in East Quad, City Campus. The internship with a member of the Oireachtas takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in semester one and two.