Postgraduate Research: How to Apply

Before you submit your formal pre-application form for postgraduate research studies at DCU, you should ensure that you have:

• Actively sought agreement of at least one named and qualified Principal Supervisor to supervise the student to undertake the research project.
• 
  Have the approval of the Head of School, of which the Principal Supervisor is a member, or affiliated.

The first priority for any applicant, therefore, is to find an academic member of staff to be your research supervisor. 

Initially, you may 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. Please consult the links below and take time to consider your options:

• DCU Research Portal
• DCU Research Centres & Institutes
• DCU Research Support

You should have an outline of your proposed area of interest/research project before contacting a potential academic supervisor. You must be able to give them (a) an overview of your proposed project, and (b) relate your research interest to their areas of expertise.

Most schools have their own guidelines on what they expect to see in a research proposal, so you should consult with your proposed supervisor in the first instance. Some schools have a formal proposal review exercise which takes place before an online application will be endorsed, and detailed guidelines on the format expected are provided.

Generally, your research proposal should be weighty/detailed enough to allow an informed decision to be made by the school on the strength and scope of your proposed topic, the quality of the project plan, feasibility and relevance to school expertise. A research proposal should, at a very minimum, outline what you will be investigating (what), how you will approach the research project (how) and a justification for the study (why). As such, you should view your research proposal as a vital part of the application process.

A brief overview, which cites a more detailed project proposal may suffice for applications which are linked to a funded project that has already been subject to rigorous external review. 

N.B:

Before you submit a pre-application, you must discuss your research proposal with a named DCU academic supervisor.
Although you may consult numerous DCU staff in investigating the opportunity to secure a research position at DCU, you must obtain permission from a potential supervisor before making a formal pre-application online.

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

1. Do you meet the DCU Entry Requirements?

Click here for further information on DCU's entry requirements

Postgraduate students registering for a programme of research at DCU are normally placed on the 'PhD-track register' in the first instance. 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 Master's by Research degree.

Students applying for direct entry to the 'PhD register' should hold a Master's degree by research from a recognised university. Applicants who do not hold a Master's degree by research (i.e. even if they hold a taught Master's 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. Do you meet DCU English Language requirements?

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. Full details on the English language requirements can be found on the Registry's website.

3. Do you need a visa to study in Ireland?

Current immigration and visa regulations are detailed on DCU Global's web pages.
Note: If your application is successful you will require a formal English qualification for visa purposes.

4. How will your research project be funded?

Please consult your potential supervisor regarding any scholarship or stipend opportunities that they may be aware of. A selection of current scholarship opportunities are also advertised on the Graduate Studies Office Scholarships & Opportunities web page. 

5. How will your fees be paid?

It is important that you discuss your fee status and liability with your potential supervisor prior to making an application. Research fees can differ depending on the research discipline and whether the candidate is categorised as having EU or non-EU status. For information on the definition of EU or non-EU status, applicants should consult the DCU Global website.

Please note that, at the time of admission, all new research students must have a funding plan in place for the full duration of their degree programme. Further information is available from the Fees Office.

6. When can I make a formal application to the University?

Although most research applicants can apply at any time during the year, there are some research programmes (e.g. professional doctorates) that 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?

Applicants are advised to ask their potential supervisor if their school/faculty requires any additional paperwork to be completed before making a formal application.

For Postgraduate Research applications made for commencement BEFORE 1st September 2025, the following applies:

How long will it take for an online application to be assessed?

Normally an initial assessment is carried out when all documentation is available. Supervisors are normally expected to complete their assessment within 2 weeks of notification.

What do I do with an online application when the student hasn't spoken to me first?

'Cold' applications, i.e. those submitted without prior discussion with a supervisor, will be returned to the applicant.

I would like to interview the student prior to 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.

For Postgraduate Research applications made for studies that will commence AFTER 1st September 2025, the following applies:

When should a decision be returned to the applicant? 

Once an applicant has submitted a pre-application form, Supervisors are expected to complete their assessment within 2 weeks of notification. 

What do I do with an online pre-application when the student hasn't spoken to me first?

'Cold' pre-applications, i.e. those submitted without prior discussion with a supervisor, will be returned to the applicant with a request for further information. 
I would like to interview the student following the submission of their pre-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, and should communicate this information to the applicant via the online pre-application process. Notes of such interviews should be maintained. Normally, an individual staff member such as the Research Convenor would be involved in the interview process.