Ireland · Master's
University of Limerick
MA International Studies
University of Limerick
Course Overview
University of Limerick's MA International Studies is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences — Ireland's #5 university (QS 2024) — and is a 1-year interdisciplinary postgraduate degree drawing on politics, international relations, history, economics, and area studies. The MA tracks 4 specialisations: International Politics & Diplomacy, Peace & Conflict Studies, European Studies, and Global Development & Cooperation. UL hosts the European Studies Centre and the Limerick School of Peace Studies, with strong research partnerships with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, the Irish Centre for Human Rights (NUI Galway), and the EU's European External Action Service Brussels.
Sri Lankan applicants — typically Arts, Social Sciences, Political Science, History, Law, or Economics Bachelor's holders from Colombo (Faculty of Arts), Peradeniya (Arts), Sri Jayewardenepura, Open University, plus development sector and public sector professionals with 1-3 years' experience at the Sri Lanka Foreign Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IPS Sri Lanka, World Bank Colombo, ADB, JICA, USAID, UN agencies (UNDP, UNICEF, ILO), and major NGOs (Centre for Policy Alternatives, Sarvodaya, Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute) — choose UL MA International Studies over LSE / SOAS / Sciences Po for: lower tuition at €16,000/year (versus £25,000-€30,000 at LSE / SOAS / Sciences Po), the smaller cohort size with strong faculty engagement, Ireland's 2-year post-study Third Level Graduate Programme, the Critical Skills Employment Permit (fast-track to PR within 2 years on qualifying offers), and the academic strength in peace and conflict studies (uniquely relevant for Sri Lankan post-conflict reconciliation careers). Returnees route into the Sri Lanka Foreign Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, policy think-tanks (Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, Centre for Policy Alternatives, IPS), development agencies (UN agencies, World Bank Colombo, ADB, JICA, USAID), plus political journalism, the post-conflict reconciliation NGOs (Centre for Policy Alternatives, Sumithrayo, Family Rehabilitation Centre), and the Big Four Colombo public sector / development practices.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree (Hons) in Political Science, International Relations, History, Sociology, Economics, Law, or closely-related social sciences / humanities discipline — first-class or upper second-class Hons equivalent (Sri Lankan GPA 3.0+).
- check_circle Two academic / professional references, CV, motivation letter (~1,000 words), research statement (~500 words), transcripts.
- check_circle Sri Lankan applicants from Colombo (Arts, Political Science, History, Economics), Peradeniya (Arts), Sri Jayewardenepura (Arts), Open University (Arts), Law degrees from Sri Lanka Law College, plus public sector and NGO professionals with first-class Bachelor's are competitive.
- check_circle Professional experience in diplomacy, public sector, development sector, or research strongly valued.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (no band below 5.5).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 90 Overall.
- check_circle Cambridge English: C1 Advanced.
- check_circle PTE Academic: 61+.
- check_circle Duolingo English Test: 105+.
- check_circle Waived if your bachelor's degree was taught entirely in English — Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium degrees at Colombo, Peradeniya, Sri Jayewardenepura, Open University, plus Sri Lanka Law College submit an MOI letter from their university.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (€) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, non-EU) | €16,000 | Rs. 5,520,000 |
| Living Expenses in Limerick (12 months) | €10,500 | Rs. 3,623,000 |
| Student Visa, Residence Permit & Health Insurance | €1,000 | Rs. 345,000 |
| Books, Travel & Materials | €1,500 | Rs. 518,000 |
| Total Programme Investment | €29,000 | Rs. 10,006,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
UL MA International Studies graduates report ~88% placement within 6 months, with average starting salaries of €32,000-€42,000 in Ireland (higher in EU institutions and consulting roles). Ireland's Third Level Graduate Programme gives up to 2 years post-study work permit; the Critical Skills Employment Permit opens fast-track PR on qualifying offers. Direct employment routes: the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, the European Commission and Council (Dublin liaison), the United Nations (regional offices), the OECD, the World Bank, plus the Big Four (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) public sector and policy advisory practices, McKinsey Public Sector, Accenture Ireland public sector, and the major international NGOs (Concern Worldwide — Dublin HQ, Trócaire, GOAL, Save the Children, Amnesty International). Direct PhD progression at UL, Trinity, UCD, University of Galway. Sri Lankan returnees route into the Sri Lanka Foreign Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, policy think-tanks (Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, Centre for Policy Alternatives, IPS), development agencies (UN agencies, World Bank Colombo, ADB, JICA, USAID), plus political journalism, post-conflict reconciliation NGOs, and Big Four Colombo public sector / development practices.
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