Maynooth University Graduate Studies Office

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.

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.

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.

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 methids 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

When you have received confirmation that your supervisor will accept you as a new PhD (track) or new Research Masters student, you should then apply here to formalise the application and acceptance process.

In the case of non-Maynooth University applicants, the following documentation should be uploaded to their PAC online application:

• Copy of a valid passport
• Official university academic transcripts which include name, title of degree, date of conferring and the name of degree awarding body.
• 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.
• 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 written references (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.

Note: documents, other than those in Irish, English or Latin, must be accompanied by an official translation into English.
The steps involved in the PAC online application process are outlined on our How to Apply page. Please contact us if you have any questions (details below):

Requests for assistance from EU or all non-Maynooth University graduates should be made to:
Graduate Studies Office
Tel: + 353 (1) 708 3467
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.maynoothuniversity.ie/graduate-studies

Requests for assistance from NON-EU applicants should be made to:International Office
Tel: + 353 (1) 708 3868
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.maynoothuniversity.ie/international