PhD/Masters by Research | Application

To register for a Postgraduate Research programme, a candidate must normally have obtained a primary degree classification equivalent to Lower Second Class Honours or above, from an approved University or an approved equivalent degree-awarding body, or have an approved equivalent professional qualification in an area cognate to the proposed research topic. See http://www.dcu.ie/registry/postgraduate/faq.shtml#q3

PhD: Candidates holding an appropriate Masters degree obtained by research may apply for direct entry to the PhD register to conduct research in a cognate area. 

PhD-track: Candidates with a taught Masters degree in an appropriate discipline with first or second-class honours, and candidates with a primary degree in an appropriate discipline with first or second-class honours, grade one, may apply and be considered for entry to the PhD-track register with a view to proceeding towards a PhD. Such candidates will undergo a confirmation procedure, as outlined in the Academic Regulations, before being admitted to the PhD register. 

Master's by Research: Candidates holding a primary degree equivalent to a second-class honours, grade two, may apply for entry on the research Masters register. Students on the Masters register may apply for transfer to the PhD Register under the same conditions, and using the same procedure, as PhD-track candidates requesting confirmation on the PhD register.

In the case of all applications, evidence MUST be provided of competence in the English language.  Further Details can be found at https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

• Review the Research Interests and Expertise of IoE staff to identify potential supervisor/s.
• If guidance needed on selecting supervisor, please contact one of the six Heads of School within the DCU Institute of Education. If you have difficulty in making contact with any Head of School, please send email to: ioe-research-office@dcu.ie
• Please ensure that DCU entry requirements for postgraduate research studies are met, including the English Language requirements (if non-native speaker) - http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
• Complete the first draft of the Postgraduate Research Studies Application Form, and send along with your Curriculum Vitae, and English Language competency scores (if non-native English language speaker) to potential supervisor/s.

• Initial discussion with potential supervisor/s on academic requirements, English Language requirements (for non-native English speakers), duration of proposed research study programme, progression criteria, etc.
• Discuss the draft research proposal with potential supervisor/s, paying particular attention to advice or guidance on how the proposal can be improved.
• Discuss how the proposed research study could be funded (self-funding; funding from external agency; scholarships; etc.) - please go to DCU Fee Office for more information.
• Refine the draft research proposal based on guidance from supervisor/s. You will need to have approval from the supervisor/s to submit the refined [FINAL version] Postgraduate Research proposal to the Faculty Research Admissions Panel - ioe-research-office@dcu.ie

• Submit FINAL version of the Postgraduate Research proposal to the Faculty Research Admissions Panel, by email to: ioe-research-office@dcu.ie. [Note: The research proposal must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of FRAP schedule of meetings]
• If your proposal receives the support of the Faculty Research Admissions Panel, you will be invited to proceed to make a formal application via the DCU Student Application Portal. (step 4 below)

• Please use the DCU Application Portal to begin your application by submitting a Postgraduate Research pre-application form. (ensuring that you have uploaded copies of official transcripts of academic results, references, evidence of English Language competency, where relevant, etc.)
  NOTE: FRAP approval required before proceeding to make a formal application through the DCU Application Portal and your letter of approval should be uploaded when completing DCU Student Application.
• Please ensure that you select the appropriate DCU CODE for your chosen postgraduate research studies programme. If unsure, check with your supervisor/s or please send your query to: ioe-research-office@dcu.ie.
• Successful applicants will receive an offer through the DCU Online Registration System and invitation to register from the Registry at Dublin City University.