Humanities & Social Sciences - Research
Undertaking a research degree, Ph.D or Masters, allows you to carry out an in-depth study of an issue that you have chosen in a discipline in which you already have a good academic grounding.
| Award Name | Degree - Masters (Level 9 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Dublin City University |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 NFQ |
| Award Name | Degree - Doctoral (Level 10 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Dublin City University |
| NFQ Level | Level 10 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Masters (Level 9 NFQ) | Major | Dublin City University | Level 9 NFQ |
| Degree - Doctoral (Level 10 NFQ) | Major | Dublin City University | Level 10 NFQ |
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 at:
https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english-language-requirements-non-native-speakers-english-registry
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.
Further information
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. Before making an application, please ensure you have all appropriate entry requirements and provide all supporting documentation.
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 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.
Dublin City University's strategic plan - TALENT, DISCOVERY, AND TRANSFORMATION - acknowledges a core element of DCU’s Vision is to be a globally-significant university that is renowned for its discovery and translation of knowledge to advance society. Taking this as a key enabler of its strategic vision, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences strives to foster a strong research culture that empowers staff and students to reach their full potential. The University's research culture recognises that, 'in general, the greatest impact is achieved from a critical mass of multidisciplinary researchers tackling an important research question', and this translates into practice in the Faculty's commitment to the pursuit of inter-, trans-, and multii-disciplinary research praxis. As a result, DCU's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is recognised internationally as a research-intensive and globally-engaged faculty distinguished both by the quality and impact of its graduates and its focus on the translation of knowledge into societal and economic benefit.
Our staff publish in leading international and national academic journals, with leading book publishers, and in diverse creative fora. We utilise this expertise to address important societal challenges, through policy focused research, by engaging with government and civil society and by bringing our research to a wider audience through the media. Staff in the Faculty are involved in leading externally funded research projects for the EU, the Irish Government, the Irish Research Council, NGOs and the charity sector. Finally and crucially our students have access to leading experts in their chosen fields of study, strengthening the teaching and learning experience at DCU.
Research Degrees
This website also provides some preliminary information about our postgraduate research programmes and links to our individual Schools, all of whom have their own postgraduate research pages. The Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences at DCU provides a stimulating research environment for postgraduate scholars at Ph.D and Masters levels, in a wide range of disciplines within the seven Schools.
School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies
School of Communications
School of English
Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge
School of History and Geography
School of Law and Government
School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music
Why undertake a research degree?
Undertaking a research degree, Ph.D or Masters, allows you to carry out an in-depth study of an issue that you have chosen in a discipline in which you already have a good academic grounding. While a Ph.D is normally a gateway to an academic career, completing a research degree will also enable you to develop skills in organising, presenting and project management that will stand to you in whatever career you pursue afterwards. Having a research degree marks you out as someone with both specialist knowledge in your discipline and the ability and commitment to manage and complete a demanding and challenging piece of academic research.
Students work together in a modern, purpose-built area, fostering a collegiate atmosphere. Academic supervision for each student is provided by a specialist or specialists in the appropriate discipline with whom students meet regularly. While postgraduate research is necessarily highly specialised, the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences provides a multidisciplinary environment for research. Students of all disciplines are trained in research methodologies at both Faculty and School level.
Research Studentships and Scholarships
We offer scholarships to support research students on an annual basis. Typically those competitions are held each Spring. You will get further information directly from the School closest to your own research interests. Feel free to email any member of staff or the contact names listed below.
Prof. Sharon O'Brien
Associate Dean for Research
Phone: +353 1 700 5381
E-Mail: sharon.obrien@dcu.ie
Those interested in applying are encouraged to contact the individual Schools in the first instance:
Prof. Jennifer Bruen, School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies
Phone number: 01 700 5779
Email Addressjennifer.bruen@dcu.ie
Dr. Trish Morgan, School of Communications
Phone number: 01 700 7028
Email Addresstrish.morgan@dcu.ie
Dr. Eugene McNulty, School of English
Phone number: 01 700 6061
Email Address eugene.mcnulty@dcu.ie
Dr. Éadaoin Ní Mhuircheartaigh, Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge
Phone number: 01 700 6094
Email Address eadaoin.nimhuircheartaigh@dcu.ie
Dr. Jimmy O'Keeffe, School of History and Geography
Phone number: 01 700 9079
Email Address jimmy.okeeffe@dcu.ie
Dr. Gezim Visoka, School of Law and Government
Phone number: 01 700 7978
Email Address gezim.visoka@dcu.ie
Dr. Joseph Rivera, School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music
Phone number: 01 700 7053
Email Address joseph.rivera@dcu.ie