Graduate Research Academy Handbooks & Forms
Explore a variety of forms tailored to different needs below. Once you've completed a form and obtained the necessary signatures, please upload the finalised document here.
Graduate Research Academy: An tAcadamh Taighde Iarchéime
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Research Student Handbook 2024-2025
Below is a link to our Graduate Research Academy Research Student Handbook for the current academic year.The handbook is a useful tool when you have questions around your stuctured PhD programme, supporting your progress and wellbeing, in addition to academic policies and student support offices. Research Student Handbook
Funded Postgraduate Research Student Pack - for research students receiving funding
Funded Postgraduate Research Students
All funded research students who are funded under Hume Doctoral Awards, MU Doctoral Scholarships, IRC, SFI, HRB, and any external funding managed by the Maynooth University Research Development Office (Graduate Research Academy), should complete the "Funded Postgraduate Research Student Pack" (FPRSP) prior to commencing their funding and return to [email protected] Payments cannnot be authorised until the completed FPRSP pack is received by our office. NB: All packs must be received at least 5 days before the scholarship start date. You can download the FPRSP here:
| Funded Postgraduate Student Research Pack May 2024 |
- Please read the "Guide" tab included within the FPRSP excel file
- All funded research students in receipt of both Stipend & Fees must complete the Data Input sheet and sign Forms A, B, C & D
- Supervisors must sign Forms A & B
- The completed pack (in Excel format) should be returned to [email protected]
- Please include your name, student number and funding body in the subject line
- All funded research students in receipt of a Tuition Bursary (Fees only) (e.g. internal MU scheme - John Hume) should complete the Data Input sheet and sign Forms A & D (only forms A & D apply to fees only students).
Note: Students funded through Graduate Teaching Studentships or personal grants such as SUSI or Social Welfare funding do not need to compete the Funded Postgraduate Research Student Pack.
Scholarships with a Fees Component
For scholarships with a fee component (excluding Hume Doctoral Awards, MU Doctoral Scholarships and IRC), the supervisor must complete the online form and indicate the appropriate Business Unit. Further details: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/student-fees-grants/quick-link-forms-documents/postgraduate-fee-internal-transfer-form
FAQ
Obtaining a PPSN
The following are the steps in order to apply if living abroad for the moment but intend to relocate to Ireland for the start of the academic year 2021-22.
1. Print off and complete the Reg 1 form (attached), or this can be found under Temporary Arrangements for PPSN Applications
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/12e6de-get-a-personal-public-service-pps-number/#temporary-arrangement-for-ppsn-applications
2. Photo ID (passport )
3. Proof of address (in own country if you don’t have an Irish address)
4. Documentation or letter or contract from the IRC as proof that you are going to be completing a PhD and will be in receipt of funding.
5. Scholarship Exemption Declaration form (attached) for PhD students, print and complete this, leaving the PPS number blank so that the DEASP can see why you need a PPS number.
6. Your Visa application number
6. Scan and email all of the above to [email protected] with a cover note in the email explaining that you are starting your PhD with MU, will be in receipt of a stipend but cannot travel to Ireland at the moment because of travel restrictions.
If the DEASP require any further information from you they will be in touch directly. There is a delay of up to 4 weeks in the process.
GSF1 Initial Meeting Record Form
| GSF1 - Initial Meeting Record Form GRA |
This Initial Meeting Record Form GSF1 formally outlines your individual research programme. As soon as possible after registration, you (the research student) should arrange the "initial meeting" with your supervisor(s)/supervisory team.
The purpose of the initial meeting is to:
- Provide an opportunity to design a unique, individual programme
- Identify modules that will enhance the student’s research programme
- Identify modules that the student will take in year one
- Agree a schedule of meetings
- Ensure the student has attended the postgraduate research induction day programme
- Ensure that the student is aware and agrees to the University regulations and policies
The Initial Meeting Record GSF1 Form is signed by you and your supervisor and then approved by the DRSPC. A copy should be kept by you and your supervisor and stored in the department,
GSF2 Annual Progress Review Form
The Departmental Research Student Progress Committee (DRSPC) undertakes a formal annual progress review of all research students. This is recorded on the Annual Progress Review Form GSF2.
Part A deals with the student’s research activities, outputs, and progress, as well as supervisor’s comments. The student should complete this part of the form in consultation with their supervisor. The supervisor completes their part and submits Part A of the form to the DRSPC.
Part B allows the student to provide feedback on supervisory and departmental support. Part B is directly sent to the DRSPC.
The DRSPC’s recommendations are recorded in the Annual Progress Review Form and a copy is returned to the Graduate Research Academy at [email protected]
GSF3 Research Student Transferable Module Form
| GSF3 Registering for Modules Outside of Home Department |
This form "Registering for Modules Outside of your Home Department GSF3 Form" should be completed by research students taking a module within MU which is not included on the student’s departmental programme or course of study.
GSF4 Accreditation Inter-Institutional Research Modules
| GSF4 Accreditation for Inter-Institutional Research Modules |
A range of inter-university modules and external modules are available for postgraduate research students. These are usually subject-specific modules. Details of the specific registration process should be sought from the module/programme co-ordinator, where the particular module is being taught.
In the case where an external module is not listed as part of the departmental structured programme, the student must seek the approval of the supervisor(s) before attending such a module. After completing a module, the student should complete this form and forward it together with transcript of results from the external university/ institution to the Student Records Office for processing.
GSF5 Research Masters and PhD Credit Waivers and Course Variations Form
GSF5 - Credit Waiver and Course Variation Form GRA
The credit waiver and course variation form GST5 should be completed by students who wish to receive a waiver for a module they have already completed or students who wish to change the balance of minimum credits required i.e. take 20 subject specific credits and 10 transferable credits instead of 15 credits in subject specific and generic modules (total of 30 credits).
GSF7 Application for Postgraduate Occasional Student Admission
| GSF7 Application for Postgraduate Occasional Student Admission |
Maynooth University welcomes applications from occasional students who wish to study a postgraduate specific module(s) for a semester. Please note that as an occasional student you are not on a programme leading to any other award of this University.
If you are interested in studying as a Postgraduate Occasional Student, it is important you contact the relevant departments(s) to ascertain which module(s) you are interested in registering for. You should also contact the Fees Office to ascertain what Fees are applicable before applying.
GSF8 PhD Transfer Application Form (External Students)
| GSF8 PhD Transfer Application Form (External Students) |
This form is intended for candidates who have already commenced a postgraduate research programme in another institution and who wish to transfer to Maynooth University to continue their studies.
GSF9 Research Student Final Semester Fee
| GSF9 Final Semester Fee Form |
Research students who have completed the normal period of registration and who need some extra time to finalise and submit their thesis may apply for a one semester registration at a reduced rate of EU €1,000/Non EU €2,170 plus student levy, with permission from the Graduate Research Academy. Students must have paid the full continuation fee & student levy due prior to applying for the Final Semester Fee support. If the student submits their thesis by the approved submission date, the Final Semester Fee support will be applied.
The Final Semester Fee of EU €1,000/Non EU €2,170 plus student levy is available only once to PhD/Professional Doctorate students who has completed a minimum of four years of full time or six-years of part time study; or for a Research Masters students who has completed a minimum of two years of full-time or three years of part-time study. The fee will be valid for one semester (eg: those who would normally submit in October would have until February 28; those submitting in February would have until October 31).
GSF10 Transfer Request Form from a Research Masters to PhD Register
| GSF10 - Transfer Request Form from a Research Masters to PhD Registration Form GRA |
In exceptional circumstances a student who is registered for and pursuing a Research Master’s degree may petition to transfer to the PhD register. The student must submit the GSF10 form along with the signatures of supervisor and DRSPC (Departmental Research Student Progress Committee) to the Graduate Research Academy for approval. All approvals will be noted by the Graduate Education Committee.
GSF11 Non-Maynooth University Students Application for Registration as a Structured Visiting Postgraduate Student
| GSF11 Application for Registration as a Structured Visiting Research Student undertaking a PhD module |
If you are a student from another unviersity and wish to attend a module in Maynooth University, please complete the GSF11 Form.
GSF13: Change of Supervisor Form
GSF13 - Change of Supervisor Form GRA
This form records the formal request for changing supervisor. Prior to completing this form, the student, along with the incoming and outgoing supervisors, must meet to discuss the reasons for the change and agree on the steps involved in the process to ensure that the change does not adversely affect the student’s progress and research continuity. All changes in supervision must be approved by the Head of Department.
GSF15: Non-Maynooth University Postgraduate Research Students Application for Registration as a Structured Visiting Research Student on an Internship
| GSF15 Non-Maynooth University Postgraduate Research Students Application for Registration as a Structured Visiting Research Student on an Internship |
To support interinstitutional collaboration and internationalisation, research students from other universities may register as a research student on an internship.
Registration Office - additional relevant forms
Additional forms available on Registry website: