How to Apply to DCU Postgraduate Research Programmes

All graduate research applications are now processed online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) at the following web site www.pac.ie/dcu. Before applying, we recommend that you read all of the information below.

Pre-Application Considerations

The first priority for any applicant is to find an academic member of staff to be your research supervisor. Initially, you might want to consider DCU’s range of research areas and then look specifically at the research interests of its academic staff and what they have published in their area of interest. Details of potential academic supervisors and their research areas can be found in a number of ways via the DCU web site. Please consult the links below and take time to consider your options:

1. Research Brochure : http://www.dcu.ie/research/DCU_eBook/ or pdf http://www.dcu.ie/research/DCU_eBook/pdf/44437_DCU_Res09_SinglePg.pdf
2. Link to Faculties & Schools: http://www.dcu.ie/research/faculties.shtml
3. Link to Research Centres: http://www.dcu.ie/research/institutes.shtml
4. Link to individual research profiles http://www.dcu.ie/research/rss_search.shtml

Having searched the links above, if you are still unable to identify a potential supervisor, please contact DCU’s Graduate Research Office.

Pre-Application Discussions With Your Potential Supervisor

You should have an outline of your proposed area of interest/research project before contacting a potential academic supervisor. It is important that you are able to give them an overview of your proposed project and are able to relate your research interest to theirs.

N.B:
Applications which have not been discussed with a named DCU academic supervisor will not be assessed or progressed. Although you may consult numerous DCU staff in investigating the opportunity to secure a research position at DCU, you must get permission to formally apply from potential supervisor only.

As well as the research project, you should also discuss the following considerations with your potential supervisor:

1. Do you meet the DCU Entry Requirements?
http://www.dcu.ie/registry/postgraduate/faq.shtml#q3

Graduate students registering for a programme of research at DCU are normally placed on the PhD track register. Following a transfer process (usually in the second year) they are transferred to the PhD register (at this stage it is also possible to submit for assessment as a Masters candidate, instead of continuing to examination at doctorate level). It is also possible to initially apply directly for a Masters by Research.

PhD applicants should hold a Masters degree by research from a recognised university. Applicants who do not hold a Masters degree by research (i.e. even if they hold a taught Masters or first-class honours undergraduate degree) will initially be registered on the PhD-track register. If progress is satisfactory after completing a minimum of 1 year of research study they may transfer (via interview and report) to the PhD register.

2. How will your research project be funded?
Please consult your potential supervisor regarding any scholarship or stipend opportunities either inside or outside of DCU.

3. Do you meet DCU English Language requirements?
http://www.dcu.ie/international/requirements.shtml

Non-native speakers of English will be required to provide evidence of their English language competency as part of their application. If your application is successful you will require a formal English qualification for visa purposes.

4. Do you need a visa to study in Ireland?
http://www.dcu.ie/international/index.shtml

Non-Irish visitors can consult DCU’s International Office for advice in this area. Note: If your application is successful you will require a formal English qualification for visa purposes.

5. How will your fees be paid?
http://www.dcu.ie/research/graduate_research/fees.shtml

It is important you discuss your fee status and liability with your potential supervisor before making an application on PAC.

Research fees can differ depending on the research discipline and whether the candidate is categorised as EU or Non-EU. For information on the definition of EU or Non-EU applicants, please consult:

http://www.dcu.ie/international/eu_status.shtml

6. When can I make a formal application?
Although most research applicants can apply at any time during the year, there are some research programmes (e.g. taught doctorates) which have a specified closing date. Please ask your potential supervisor if a closing date applies in your case.

7. Are there any school/faculty conditions I must meet before applying?
Ask your potential supervisor if their school/faculty requires you to complete any paperwork before making a formal PAC application.

Assessment of DCU research applications
Applicants are assessed and ranked based on their performance at university, and the details provided on their Postgraduate Research Application Form. Candidates may be called for interview and/or assessed on the basis of written work/proposed area of research.

Pre Application Checklist

What do I need to complete a valid application?

1. Access to a computer facilities and an internet connection.Your local Library or internet café should have suitable facilities
2. A working email address – updates on your application’s progress will be sent to the contact email address you provide. It is your responsibility to ensure the address is functioning and you are advised to check your Inbox regularly, once you have made your application. Please ensure that emails from info@pac.ie are in your safe senders list so they reach your inbox and are not diverted to junk mail filters
3. A working PAC login/account, which you can set-up at www.pac.ie/dcu. See How to Apply for details on the account set up.
4. Previous DCU student number or application number. If you have previously studied in DCU or applied for programmes, your existing number should be included in the form. If you do not have a record of your existing DCU student number, you can contact the Registry Information Point at 01-7005338 .
5. The capacity to pay an application fee online (€45) or by bank draft (€50). This fee can be paid using credit/visa/laser card online. In addition, the fee can also be submitted by post, i.e. bank draft. Applications will not be progressed until this fee is received. Please confirm the payment in your PAC account and print your receipt when this has been completed, follow up with PAC if necessary
6. A Research Proposal supported by at least one names supervisor working in your area of interest
7. A PPS number (note: non-Irish applicants do not require this at the application stage)
8. A Research Programme ‘Course Code’ (see full list available here http://www.pac.ie/pactest/courses/courses.php?inst=dc&mode=r ). This is dependent on the school you are applying to/your supervisor works in
9. You must comply with any applicable deadlines. Please consult your supervisor before applying.
10. As well as completing an online application form at www.pac.ie online applications will not be assessed without receipt of supporting documents in hard copy / certified copies., e.g. research proposal; references; transcripts; proof of English language competency, etc.
11. All applicants should include as much relevant information as possible in each section on both pages of the form. Use N/A for sections that are not relevant to you e.g. native English speakers do not need proof of English language competency.Mandatory fields where N/A cannot be used are highlighted with a red asterix *
    

N.B: Support documentation must be sent VIA POST to:

PAC No.
DCU Application,
Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC),
1, Courthouse Square, Galway, Ireland

Documents must be sent in a single pack and include your PAC reference number (once you have submitted an official PAC application, you will be assigned a PAC reference number). You must also mark the pack ‘DCU Application’.

Note:
Original documents submitted cannot be returned. Please forward certified copies where applicable. Your documents must be received by PAC in Galway within 14 days of submission of your application.

DO NOT SEND ANY SUPPORT DOCUMENTS TO DCU.

Online applications without supporting documentation are not valid.

Technical Problems applying online
If you experience any technical problems when trying to make an online application, please contact PAC directly at:
Tel: +353 91 549260
Fax: + 353 91-563056
Email: pachelp@pac.ie

Frequently Asked Questions

For the Applicant

1. What closing dates apply to research programmes?
   Students are advised to submit their application form as soon as possible. Currently the majority of postgraduate research programmes run on rolling closing dates. Some programmes, e.g. Professional Doctorate accept students at certain times. Please check the school site for details.

2. Can I apply for more than one course?
   No, only one research course can be applied for. The research topic must be discussed with and supported by a potential supervisor. Applications received which have not been discussed with a supervisor are not valid and will not be assessed.

3. What fees apply to my programme?
   Fees differ depending on the course of study and whether you are an EU or non EU applicant. Further details are available from the Finance Office here: http://www.dcu.ie/finance/fees/schedule.shtml and here: http://www.dcu.ie/international/eu_status.shtml

4. I’m having issues with the application form
   Please contact the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC) by phone on +353-(0)91-549260
   The Registered Address:
   1 Courthouse Square, Galway
   Fax: +353-(0)91-563056
   Email: pachelp@pac.ie
   Opening Hours: 9:30am - 5:00pm

5. I can’t find a supervisor
   Please check the links to schools, centres, research profiles & the research brochure. Then contact Graduate Research team
   Graduate Research team:

Name	Department Phone Number	Room Number	Email address
Mr Jonny Hobson	Graduate Research 5136	Invent	jonny.hobson@dcu.ie
Prof Gary Murphy	Graduate Research 5664	Invent	gary.murphy@dcu.ie
Dr Tracy Dixon	Graduate Research 7655	Invent	tracy.dixon@dcu.ie

6. I want to work across two subject areas e.g. bioengineering
   You will need a primary supervisor in one area with a co-supervisor in the other. Please raise this at the discussion with your potential supervisor.

7. Am I eligible for direct entry to the PhD programme?/What is the difference between the PhD-track and PhD registration?

   To register for a postgraduate research degree, a candidate must normally have obtained a primary degree classification equivalent to 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 also: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/postgraduate/faq.shtml#q3

1. Ph.D. applicants should hold a Masters degree by research from a recognised university.
2. Applicants who do not hold a postgraduate research qualification e.g. Masters by Research (or equivalent) are only eligible to register on the PhD Track which is stage 1 of the PhD programme. On successful completion of the transfer process (report and interview within 21 months of their start date) a student on the PhD Track register will be transferred to the PhD Register with effect from their original start date in the university. Students who do not successfully complete the transfer may be eligible to graduate with a Masters at this stage.
3. For those interested in applying for a Masters degree by research, an honours primary degree is necessary (preferably at least 2:1) in the discipline in which they intend to undertake the research.
   
   It may also be possible to move from the Masters Register to the PhD register on successful completion of a transfer process, as outlined above, if the student made sufficient progress.

8. What do I need to talk to my potential supervisor about prior to applying?
1. Specific research area & title of project
2. Opportunities for Graduate Training Elements
3. Funding – EU/ non EU (see question 3 above)
4. Closing date if applicable
5. English language requirements
6. Confirmation of programme – Masters, PhD Track, PhD register
7. How you will fit into the team
8. Day to day work
9. Expected duration of studies

9. How do I find research vacancies (funded)
   Please check this link on the Graduate Research Office website http://www.dcu.ie/research/graduate_research/opportunities.shtml as well as http://www.iua.ie/

10. Where can I find out more about Graduate Training Elements?
    Please see : http://www.dcu.ie/research/graduate_research/training.shtml

11. How do I apply for a visa?
    When you have been offered and accepted a place please contact the international office at http://www.dcu.ie/international/immigration.shtml

12. I’ve accepted my offer and paid my fees, do I still need to register?
    Yes. You need to register on year 1 of your programme and annually in September at http://www.dcu.ie/registry/registration.shtml. Details will be published on your portal page. Your login and password will be provided to you on your initial registration.

13. How long will it take for the application to be assessed?
    

    Students are advised to submit their application form as soon as possible. Normally an initial assessment is carried out when all required documentation is available (2-4 weeks). If additional information is required, the applicant will be notified.

14. Do I have to fill out the whole form? Are there any sections I don't need to fill out?

    All applicants including DCU graduates or current students should include as much relevant information as possible in each section on *both* pages of the form. Use N/A for sections that are not relevant to you e.g. native English speakers do not need proof of English language competency. Mandatory fields where N/A cannot be used are highlighted with a red asterix *

For the DCU Supervisor/School

1. How long will it take for an application to be assessed?
   Normally an initial assessment is carried out when all the documentation is available. Supervisors are normally expected to complete their assessment within 2 weeks of notification.
2. What do I do with an application where the student hasn’t spoken to me?
   Cold applications by students without discussion with a supervisor will be returned to the student until they have obtained support from a potential supervisor.
3. I would like to interview the student prior to them completing the application. How is this organised?
   The potential supervisor can make local arrangements through their school for a telephone and/or personal interview to take place. Notes of such interviews should be maintained. Normally an individual staff member such as the Research Convenor would be involved in the interview process.