PhD/Masters by Research | Programmes
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The PhD in Education (Level 10 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications) is a full-time (within 4 years) or part-time programme (within 6 years) which is intended to provide graduates with a wide range of research skills, as well as in-depth knowledge, understanding and expertise in their chosen field of educational research.
You will be registered in one of the six Schools in the Institute of Education during your studies, depending on your area of focus. These are:
Arts Education & Movement | Human Development | Inclusive & Special Education | Language, Literacy & Early Childhood Education | Policy & Practice | STEM Education, Innovation & Global Studies
The core component of a PhD programme is the advancement of knowledge through original research. At the same time, the PhD is designed to meet the needs of an employment market that is wider than academia. In that context, the PhD involves a high-quality research experience, training and output consistent with international norms and best practice.
Masters by Research
The Master’s degree by Research, (Level 9 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications) is awarded, without classification, on the basis of a thesis submitted for examination and is usually completed within 2 years full-time and within 4 years part-time.
Graduate Training
All PhD and Masters by Research students in the Institute of Education also benefit from seminars and workshops designed for postgraduate research students. These Graduate Training Elements (GTE) are available to both full-time and part-time students. All research students are allocated at least one supervisor and have the support of The Chair of Postgraduate Studies by Research, a supervisory panel and the Graduate Studies Office in DCU.
Overview
This document presents the research pathway for postgraduate research students undertaking PhD/Masters by Research studies within the Institute of Education. The pathway consists of a suite of modules and other development opportunities, to ensure that postgraduate research students registered in the Institute will be supported in conducting their research. Students should register for their approved GTE modules during the online registration process.
In line with the DCU regulations, the student’s original research will continue to be the sole basis for the award of the PhD/Masters by Research. However, during their period of registration, students may also avail of a mix of accredited modules (Graduate Training Elements – GTEs) and/or non-accredited educational opportunities to provide education-specific and generic knowledge and skills to augment and support their postgraduate research. The pathway in Education builds on the traditional PhD/Masters by Research supervision approach, while at the same time developing students’ research capacity through the completion of a bespoke series of
taught elements.
Selection and Registration
The pathway for each student should be discussed and agreed in the first instance with the Supervisor. All research students in their first year of registration must complete the self-directed Online Research Integrity Training Module. It is envisaged that students will have the opportunity to engage with a mix of formal taught modules on advanced specialist, professional and transferable skills. In recognition of students' prior educational and life experiences, the precise nature of this mix will be agreed with their supervisory panel and module coordinator.
Progression
Progress, including confirmation of completion of the Online Research Integrity Training Module and other modules, is noted within the annual PGR2 process. Induction and Training Research students are advised to take advantage of additional training opportunities offered by the Graduate Studies Office or Institute, as appropriate, throughout their period of study. In year one, at the time of initial registration, new students are encouraged to attend orientation sessions, the GSO and library-run programme and other relevant induction sessions. These non-accredited workshops and seminars are communicated to students via GSO, faculty, school and IoE Chair of
Postgraduate Studies by Research at the beginning of each semester.
Core Discipline Specific Modules
Choose from these modules (all 5 ECTS):
- IE601: Applied Mixed Methods Approaches to Educational Research
- IE602: Applying Qualitative Approaches to Educational Research
- IE603: Quantitative Approaches to Educational Research
Core Transferable Skills Modules
Choose from these modules:
- LC600: English for Academic Purposes (5 ECTS)
- GS602: Postgraduate Tutoring Principles & Practice Module (5 ECTS)
- GS602A: Postgraduate Tutoring Principles & Practice Module (5 ECTS)
- GS601: Intellectual Property and Commercialisation Module (5 ECTS)
- HR610: Personal and Professional Development (5 ECTS)
Nonaccredited Training, Workshops and Masterclasses
- Graduate Studies Office Orientation Programme
- Online Research Integrity Training Module (non – accredited)
Choose from these learning opportunities:
- DCU IoE Unconference
- Research in Progress Seminars (RiPS)
- Tell It Straight communications competition
- NVivo Training Level 1
- SPSS Training Level 1
- Other relevant workshops and seminars organised by GSO, School and Institute
PhD/Masters by Research: Welcome | Programmes | Application | Postgraduate Research Projects