Economics, Politics and Law for Political Career?

Moromaster

I'm intending to go forward with my long term aspiration of serving in Public Office, and I'm wondering if anyone here does DCU's Economics, Politics and Law course. It's my third choice (After Trinity's BESS and PPS), and it seems like a rather outstanding course.

Does anyone have any experience with it? How heavy is the law section? I'm mildly concerned because I'm not at all interested in becoming a barrister or lawyer or anything along those lines, I'm only concerned with Laws relating to the running of a country, coupled with international law.

Panic, panic, panic and procrastination. Any insight?

PenguinMan

Hey there. I'm a current EPL student so hopefully I can be of some help.

The EPL degree is relatively new and as such there aren't that many years of graduates from it yet. Therefore, it's hard to say exactly what career path it will take you into. That said, it does leave a lot of possibilities open (including at postgraduate level). You would study modules that could be of benefit to someone in public office (Constitutional Law, public finance, micro/macro economics, econometrics, political science, etc). It's also worth noting that Helen McEntee, an EPL graduate, is running in the Meath East by-election this Thursday.

I have no interest in entering the legal field either myself, but I've found the law parts to be very interesting. There's a good bit of reading involved and it can be a bit dense at times, but if you work at it (attend and listen in lectures, take notes, go to tutorials) then it is definitely manageable. Same goes for the politics and economics modules, too. At the moment, international law isn't an EPL module (that may change though, modules can change a bit from year to year).

If there's anything else I can be of help with, just let me know!

phantom_lord

Law isn't a substantial part of the degree and you can choose to avoid it in final for the most part if you choose. The degree you do has little bearing on your chance of having a political career. Being the son/daughter of a TD is the best qualification for that. If you want to get into politics your best bet if going down the road of getting involved in your local organisation and in the youth wings of parties.

yournerd

Is it heavy load with lectures and assignments?

PenguinMan

yournerd wrote: »

Is it heavy load with lectures and assignments?

Lectures - no. 14 hours a week or thereabouts, if you attend all lectures and tutorials.

Assignments - varies by semester, and in third year will depend on what modules you choose. The more assignments you have, the less number of exams you'll have though. It's never excessive though, provided you keep on top of it .

yournerd

Oh god i hate lc.