Graduate Research Academy: An tAcadamh Taighde Iarchéime

During your programme, you will interact with many members of the Maynooth community including your supervisor, members of staff and students in your academic department, and if your studies are based in a research institute, you will find many colleagues and friends there too. Your supervisor(s) will play a very important role in your programme and will be your first point of contact for most aspects of your day-to-day work.

However, the Graduate Research Academy manages all aspects of graduate research at Maynooth University. Our role is to support your admission and induction, provide training programmes to support your development, and manage all processes related to your progression and the completion of your programme. We encourage you to participate fully in all Maynooth University has to offer, including research seminars, training programmes, conferences, and social events. You will find that your fellow research students will provide an incredible support system and learning environment for you, so do engage. We, at the Graduate Research Academy, are also here to answer your queries, provide support and can point you in the direction of relevant services or units.

The purpose of the Annual Progress Review (APR) is to:
> Provide feedback to the student on their progress, in synergy and conjunction with the supervisor;
> Grant permission to the student to progress to the next year of study based on an overall assessment of the quality of research output to date in light of the supervisor’s recommendations;
> Give the student the opportunity to provide feedback on their supervisory arrangements;
> Discuss and record any changes to the student’s individualised programmes;> Ensure that the student has passed their required modules before thesis submission and, where appropriate, that waivers have been ratified by the DRSPC.

PhD Thesis – Submission 

1. Final Annual Progression
The DRSPC approve completion of the programme and confirms required credits have been obtained.

2. Establishment of Examination Board
In consultation with the supervisor, the HOD forwards name of internal/external examiner to Faculty for approval. The Registrar nominates the independent chair.

3. Approval to Submit
The HOD and supervisor confirm approval of the final draft of the PhD thesis.

4. Thesis Submission
Research students are required to submit an electronic copy of their thesis for examination. The thesis must be accompanied by an abstract, not exceeding 300 words. In addition, the student should submit the following forms: Thesis Submission Form A: Confirmation of approval from the HOD and supervisor of the final draft of the PhD thesis. In addition, the Records Office needs to confirm that student is currently registered and the Fees & Grants Office confirm that fees are paid. Thesis Submission Form B: Certification of Student’s Own Work There are two fee deadlines for submission without the student incurring additional fees: September registration: 31 October and January registration: 28 February.

5. Report of Examiners
Prior to the Viva Voce, each examiner must separately complete an individual pre-report on the thesis. Further to the Viva Voce, the chair submits the Report on the Recommendation of the Examiners to the Examinations Office, Head of Department & Supervisor. Where Category 2 is awarded, the internal examiner confirms to the Examinations Office that the recommended corrections have been completed satisfactorily. Where Category 3 is awarded, both the internal and external examiners must confirm this in writing to the Examinations Office.

6. Approval by Faculty
The thesis result will be not be considered by Faculty until three hardbound copies of the thesis, the Report on the Recommendation of the Examiners and sign off on corrections by internal (external) examiners have been submitted to the Examinations Office. An electronic copy mirroring the hardbound copy must also be submitted: Form C: Thesis Depositor Declaration Form must be submitted with the hardbound copies. If a student intends to withhold access from the Library Institutional Repository (MURAL), support of the supervisor must also be submitted with Form C: Thesis Depositor Declaration Form and both are sent to GRA for signature by the Director of Research Students .

7. Conferring
Following Faculty approval, the award is ratified by Academic Council and the Conferring Office informs the National University of Ireland.

A variety of events are organised throughout the academic year such as induction, 3 minute thesis competition, international coffee morning, book launch and Christmas reception. Please keep an eye on our events page for upcoming events.