PhD/Masters by Research | Application

Postgraduate Research Admissions Process

If you are interested in PhD or Masters by Research Studies, please download the Guide on Applying for Postgraduate Research Studies. There is a two-stage process in applying for PhD/ Masters by Research in the DCU Institute of Education.

  • The first stage involves the submission of a Postgraduate Research Studies Application Form (that includes applicant information and research proposal) for review by a panel in the DCU Institute of Education. You will need to find a potential supervisor in the Institute of Education to assist in development of the research proposal. Information on how to identify a potential supervisor is outlined in the steps below.
  • In the second stage, applicants whose research proposals are deemed to be of appropriate standard will be given approval to formally apply to register as PhD/Masters by Research students through the DCU Online Registration System.

If you have any queries about this process, please contact:ioe-research-office@dcu.ie

2023/24 Deadlines for Submission of Research Applications
Deadline for Submission of Research Application to Faculty Research Admissions Panel. Date of Faculty Research Admissions Panel Meetings, 2-3pm
September 6th 2023 September 20th 2023
September 27th 2023 October 11th 2023
October 25th 2023 November 8th 2023
January 24th 2024 February 7th 2024
February 21st 2024 March 6th 2024
March 27th 2024 April 10th 2024
April 17th 2024 May 1st 2024
May 29th 2024 June 12th 2024
August 28th 2024 September 11th 2024
Step 0: Entry Requirements

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

Step 1: Find a potential supervisor
 Step 2: Discuss postgraduate research application process, and proposed research study, with 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.)
  • 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
 Step 3: Research Proposal reviewed by Faculty Research Admissions Panel (FRAP)
  • Submit FINAL version of the Postgraduate Research proposal to the Faculty Research Admissions Panel, by email to the Chair of Postgraduate Studies by Research. [Note: The research proposal must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of FRAP schedule of meetings]
  • 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 Studend Application Portal.
 Step 4: Submit formal application through DCU Student Application Portal
  • Complete the application on the DCU Student Application Portal (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 Student Application Portal.
  • 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.
DCU Codes
DCU Code Title of Research Programme
DCE10 PhD Arts Education & Movement (Full-Time)
DCE11 PhD Arts Education & Movement (Part-Time)
DCE12 MA by Research School of Arts Education & Movement (Full-Time)
DCE13 MA by Research School of Arts Education & Movement (Part-Time)
DCE14 PhD-track Arts Education & Movement (Full-Time)
DCE15 PhD-track Arts Education & Movement (Part-Time)
   
DCE16 PhD School of Inclusive Education (Full-Time)
DCE17 PhD School of Inclusive Education (Part-Time)
DCE18 MA by Research School of School of Inclusive Education (Full-Time)
DCE19 MA by Research School of School of Inclusive Education (Part-Time)
DCE20 PhD-track School of Inclusive Education (Full-Time)
DCE21 PhD-track School of Inclusive Education (Part-Time)
   
DCE22 PhD Human Development (Full-Time)
DCE23 PhD Human Development (Part-Time)
DCE24 MA by Research School of Human Development (Full-Time)
DCE25 MA by Research School of Human Development (Part-Time)
DCE26 PhD-track Human Development (Full-Time)
DCE27 PhD-track Human Development (Part-Time)
   
DCE28 PhD Lang, Lit & Early Childhood Ed (Full-Time)
DCE29 PhD Lang, Lit & Early Childhood Ed (Part-Time)
DCE30 MA by Research School of Lang, Lit & Early Childhood Ed (Full-Time)
DCE31 MA by Research School of Lang, Lit & Early Childhood Ed (Part-Time)
DCE32 PhD-track Lang, Lit & Early Childhood Ed (Full-Time)
DCE33 PhD-track Lang, Lit & Early Childhood Ed (Part-Time)
   
DCE34 PhD Policy & Professional Practice (Full-Time)
DCE35 PhD Policy & Professional Practice (Part-Time)
DCE36 MA by Research School of Policy & Professional Practice (Full-Time)
DCE37 MA by Research School of Policy & Professional Practice (Part-Time)
DCE38 PhD-track Policy & Professional Practice (Full-Time)
DCE39 PhD-track Policy & Professional Practice (Part-Time)
   
DCE40 PhD STEM Education, Innovation and Global Studies (Full-Time)
DCE41 PhD STEM Education, Innovation and Global Studies (Part-Time)
DCE42 MA by Research School of STEM Education, Innovation and Global Studies (Full-Time)
DCE43 MA by Research School of STEM Education, Innovation and Global Studies (Part-Time)
DCE44 PhD-track STEM Education, Innovation and Global Studies (Full-Time)
DCE45 PhD-track STEM Education, Innovation and Global Studies (Part-Time)

Fees/ Funding: https://www.dcu.ie/finance/Fee-Information-2019-20.shtml

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