Graduate Research Academy: An tAcadamh Taighde Iarchéime
ToggleStep 1: Check that your research interests align
Start by getting an overview of our research, please review the Research programmes at Maynooth University for contact details in each Department or Research Institute.
To find a supervisor contact here.
Step 2: Check that you have the qualifications required
Start by getting an overview of our research, please review the Research programmes at Maynooth University for contact details in each Department or Research Institute.
To undertake a PhD programme, you must have high honours standard in your primary degree (normally an overall 2.1 honours award at bachelors or master’s level), or present other evidence that satisfies the head of department and the relevant faculty of your suitability. Departments register PhD candidates on a PhD track. Progression within the PhD programme is subject to annual review.
To undertake a Research Masters programme, you must have obtained at least a 2:1 honours award at bachelor's or a master's level, or present other evidence that satisfies the relevant head of department and the relevant faculty of your suitability. However, it should be noted an individual department may require a higher entry requirement.
Step 3: Consider how you will support yourself during your studies
Fees are applicable for the duration of your studies. Indicative fees are available here.
The normal duration for a PhD is four years, it is important to consider how you will support yourself for the duration of the programme. Funding opportunities are available here.
Step 4: Get in contact with a Supervisor
Prior to contacting a potential supervisor, we recommend you develop your research proposal. You should have an outline of your proposed area of interest/research project before contacting a potential academic supervisor. It is important that you are able to relate your research interest to their areas of expertise. Key areas for consideration:
Describe the topic to be investigated
- The aims and objectives of the research
- The central research questions
- Methodology, including for example, experimental, investigate and analytical methods and theoretical frameworks
- The alignment of the proposal project with the academic departments expertise and research areas
- Ethical considerations.
Find potential supervisors by searching the Researcher Directory
Step 5: Submit your application
Our new portal MU Apply is open please register on the portal to submit your application.
In the case of non-Maynooth University applicants the following documentation should be uploaded:
- Copy of birth certificate or valid passport.
- Official University Academic Transcripts which include name, title of degree, date of conferring and the name of degree awarding body.
- Final results and the proposed date of conferring should be submitted as soon as they become available. Maynooth University reserves the right to request to see original transcripts in order to verify the authenticity of transcripts.
- Two referees reports (addressing their potential for postgraduate study). If candidates have graduated some years ago and are unable to get an academic reference, a professional reference may suffice. Please note that documents, other than those in Irish, English or Latin, must be accompanied by an official translation into English.
Non-Maynooth University applicants who are currently completing undergraduate/postgraduate programmes and have not as yet completed final exams should submit certified copies of academic transcripts with details of subjects studied and results to date as soon as possible after applying online.