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School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health

Opportunities for Research | School of Nursing and Human Sciences

Opportunities for Research

Undertaking a research degree facilitates in-depth study in a discipline in which the student already has a good academic grounding. The research programme develops skills in organising, undertaking, presenting, and managing research projects that will stand to the graduate in whatever career path they pursue.

Currently we have over 50 post-graduate students, registered in Master’s, PhD and Doctorate programmes. Their research topics reflect the diverse nature of the School’s research activities and our 10 research strengths. Browse the list of current research students' project titles and supervisors to get a flavour of the diversity of our work and to see if your research idea could be pursued at DCU.

Application Procedure

Interested PhD applicants must submit the following:

  • A research proposal of approx. 5,000 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 DCU School of Nursing and Human Sciences faculty member supporting your application.
  • If appropriate, evidence of English language competence.

You should only apply if a member of faculty is supporting your application. If there are none who have undertaken, or are interested in, research related to your proposal, it is unlikely to be accepted. Therefore, you should ensure your intended topic matches the interests of one or more members of faculty. You can find out more by viewing the research interests of faculty members. Applications are considered between April and October. The programme starts in October. You may self-fund or get funded for your PhD (see Scholarships Opportunities).

Please direct all research-related initial inquiries to the School Administration team.

Writing a Research Proposal

When preparing your topic, read the guidelines on writing a PhD research proposal and ensure that 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 Postgraduate Applications Centre. Please note that applications submitted to the PAC before faculty approval has been given, will not be considered.

Further Information

Scholarship Opportunities