For Future Research Students | Law and Government

PhD/Masters by Research 

The School of Law and Government offers highly dedicated supervision of research students, by expert, research-active members of staff. We welcome applications to our three postgraduate research programmes: MA by Research, LLM by Research and PhD. Students may register on either a full-time or part-time basis. When preparing your topic, please ensure you read the detailed information on the PhD Programme in Politics and International Relations, and Research Degrees in Law. The school provides a supportive atmosphere for research postgraduates, with excellent supervision, PhD level modules in research design and methods and a focus on professional development. Students have dedicated work spaces and receive financial assistance for fieldwork and conferences (allocated on a competitive basis). 

The School of Law and Government welcomes applications from postgraduates interested in research in the areas of expertise of our faculty. These are outlined below for ease of reference.

 

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Applicants must submit the following:

  • research proposal (max. 3,000 words; guidelines below).
  • A complete curriculum vitae, including results for undergraduate and postgraduate awards (for each year of study) and for any research projects, dissertations or thesis completed.
  • Name of School of Law and Government faculty member supporting your application.

You should only apply if a faculty member is supporting your application. If none have carried out, or are interested in, research related to your proposal, it is unlikely to be accepted. You should ensure your intended topic matches one or more of their interests. Applications are normally considered between April and September. You may self-fund or get funded for your PhD.

 Writing a Research Proposal

Writing a Research Proposal

When preparing your topic please ensure you:

  • Clearly outline your chosen research question.
  • Display evidence of your familiarity with relevant literature relating to your research question, including knowledge of published research from appropriate research journals.
  • Position your research question(s) in the relevant research literature.
  • Indicate the contribution your research will make to this body of knowledge.
  • Suggest a possible methodology that is suitable for your study.

Applicants who have the support of a proposed supervisor may be invited to interview.  If successful, you will be required to apply formally to DCU via the Student Application Portal. Note that applications submitted to the PAC before faculty approval has been given, will not be considered.

Further Information

Further Information

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship Opportunities

The School usually advertises scholarships on jobs.ac.uk around February every year.

Funding may also be available from the The Institute for International Conflict Resolution and Reconstruction at DCU, the Irish Higher Education Authority and the Irish Research Council