Making a Postgraduate Research Application
How to Make an Application
To make an application for commencement of research studies before the end of January 2024, please use the application portal below. Before making an application, please ensure you have all appropriate entry requirements and provide all supporting documentation.
DCU Student Application Portal
Important Note:
1. To make an application for commencement of research studies after the end of January 2024, the link to the application portal will be available here in January.
2. Before making a research application, the applicant must consult and seek approval from the School regarding the proposed programme of study. Additional information for research applicants is also available on the DCU Graduate Studies page.
Postgraduate Research 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.
- PhD: Candidates holding an appropriate Master's 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 Master's 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 Master's register. Students on the Master's 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.
English Language Requirements can be reviewed here.
For further information, see this FAQ.
Assessment
Applicants are assessed and ranked based on their performance at university, and the details provided on their application. Candidates may be called for interview and/or assessed on the basis of written work/proposed area of research.
Closing Dates
There are no closing dates for the majority of Postgraduate Research applicants (although this may be subject to change). Deadlines can apply for professional doctorate programmes, e.g. Doctor of Psychotherapy, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Elite Performance (Sport).
See the relevant Research section on School pages for more information.
Outcome of an Application
Candidates who submit a valid application for DCU will be notified of the outcome of their application by email. As such, it is important to ensure that your address for correspondence is accurate and current. Please allow 4 - 6 weeks for your application to be processed.
Application Queries
Applicants may submit their application queries to the following email addresses:
Postgraduate Research applicant with EU qualifications: postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
Postgraduate Research applicant with Non-EU qualifications: internationaladmissions@dcu.ie
Fees Queries: fees@dcu.ie
DCU Admission Appeals Policy
The purpose of this policy is to define the grounds for an appeal against an admission decision. To access the policy, please click here