Dublin City University – a modern university with a focus on the future
In its strategic plan Leading Through Challenge, DCU set ambitious targets for graduate research growth as part of the Irish state’s drive towards developing an internationally competitive fourth level sector. A key DCU initiative was the development of the institutional level Graduate School, which provides benefits to the whole graduate research population including a more structured and improved support system for our graduate researchers. Part of this involves putting in place specific disciplinary and indeed multidisciplinary advanced training programmes based primarily on our research strengths. This provides DCU with the opportunities for inter-institutional collaboration both nationally and internationally in relation to training networks for graduate researchers.

At DCU students will have the support of experienced research active supervisors who will be able to guide you through your research journey from the time you apply to the time you leave. All applications are made with the academic support of individual supervisors in schools via an on-line system. See our section on How to Apply.

As part of our commitment to graduate research DCU recognises outstanding achievements by those wishing to pursue a higher degree by full-time research through a number of schemes. In 2010 DCU in order to honour the contribution of its founding president Daniel O'Hare, and to respond to a number of national strategic priority areas introduced a PhD research scholarship scheme to fund research in the areas of Innovation; Sustainability; and Social Cohesion. The University welcomes applications under these headings in all its disciplinary areas. Successful candidates are known as O'Hare Scholars and are paid a stipend of €16,000 for three years in addition to their fees.

DCU also funds a Postgraduate Accommodation Scholarship scheme. Up to five scholarships may be awarded (the deadline for applications is in July) to masters by research or PhD students who will be in their first year of study in September of that year. The scholarships consist of rental expenses in the Postgraduate Centre for one year. The Postgraduate Centre is a dedicated space for graduate research students and consists of leisure facilities and dedicated living accommodation space. The Graduate School also offers Graduate Research Travel Grants where each graduate research student can apply for a once-off € 500 travel grant at any time in the period of his/her studentship which can be used to attend a conference or to travel to use external research facilities. We also administer internal scholarship schemes, help students with applications for funding from external agencies, and liaise with both internal and external bodies on behalf of our graduate researchers.

At DCU we strive to make your research experience as enjoyable as possible and in November 2008 we opened a dedicated space for graduate researchers - the  “Patrick J. Wright Research Commons” -  fully equipped with computers, printers, desks, a self-contained meeting room, and soft seating area. Students register online to gain access to this area. To ensure that the University is aware of graduate research student issues, the Graduate Studies Board which is responsible for policy formulation in relation to graduate research includes a graduate research representative ensuring student concerns are addressed. All four faculty research committees also include graduate research representatives.

DCU has always been known for its personal touch and our Graduate School commits itself not only to excellence but also offers personal support and encouragement to all of our graduate researchers. We hope you enjoy your time here with us at DCU and if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

Professor Gary Murphy
Director of Graduate Research

DCU’s Graduate School was set up in April 2007 and is headed by Prof. Gary Murphy, formerly of the School of Law and Government.  Prof. Murphy has been a member of the DCU community since 1993, is a specialist on Irish politics and a regular media commentator on Irish public affairs.

The graduate school team consists of Prof. Gary Murphy, Ms. Tanya Keogh and Mr. Jonny Hobson.