Qualification : PHILOSOPHIAE DOCTOR DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : RESEARCH PH.D. (10)
CAO/MU Apply code : MH02J (FT), MH03J (PT)
CAO Points :
The PhD in Law is the highest degree offered by the School of Law and Criminology. By definition, it is intended to be a qualification obtained after rigorous and original research that contributes to the state of legal scholarship. Towards that end, the structured PhD programme offers a framework which facilitates independent research, whilst providing milestones for measuring progress.
Students will be equipped with methodological and analytical tools for advanced research in law through a number of taught modules across the Faculty. These will be supplemented by periodic one-on-one supervision meetings. Students will also have opportunities to actively engage in other aspects of academic writing and publishing during the course of their education. In addition, the School of Law and Criminologys research seminar series offers a constructive forum for presenting and debating research.
Closing date
Research applications are generally accepted at any time
Commences
September (or other agreed time)
Potential candidates should:
a) Identify a member of staff as a potential supervisor, and discuss their area of interest.
b) Submit a research proposal and CV to the proposed supervisor. After receiving provisional approval, a formal application may be made (see How to Apply).
Candidates should ordinarily have a masters degree in law. Candidates with a 1st class undergraduate degree will be considered in exceptional cases.
Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.
Minimum English language requirements:
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
Staff members research is broadly in the areas of employment law and policy, EU law, human rights law, constitutional law, property law, criminal law, international law, and legal theory. Detailed information about research interest is available at the following link: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/law/our-research
Course structure
In addition to developing their own research topic with their supervisor(s), students will be required to take 30 credits worth of modules over the duration of their programme of doctoral research. 15 of these will be generic/transferable modules offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences, and 15 in subject/specialist modules which are being developed by the School.
| Code | Module | Credits | Semester | Compulsory |
| SO802A | The Craft And Logics Of Social Research I | 10 | 1 | No |
| CTL1 | Professional Certificate In Postgraduate Teaching & Learning: Tutors & Demonstrators |
5 | 1 and 2 | No |
| GST1 | Personal Development And Employability Module | 5 | 1 and 2 | No |
| GST2 | Finding Information For Your Thesis | 5 | 1 and 2 | No |
| GST3 | Academic Writing Module | 5 | 1 and 2 | No |
| LW855 | Advanced Communication Skills (Conference Presentation) | 5 | 1 and 2 | No |
| LW856 | Advanced Communication Skills (Publication) | 5 | 1 and 2 | No |
| LW857 | Seminar Series | 5 | 1 and 2 | No |
| LW860 | Legal Research Methodology | 5 | 1 and 2 | No |
| FSS1 | Quantitative Methods In The Social Sciences | 5 | 2 | No |
Online application only. To make an application please click here.
Please note: All research applicants should contact the respective department before applying to ensure their research proposal aligns with departmental interests and criteria.
To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application:
- Evidence of your primary and masters degree
- Academic transcripts
- A copy of your passport
- Proposed Thesis Title and Summary
- A personal statement
- An academic letter of recommendation
- A professional letter of recommendation
- Your CV
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.