Qualification : PHILOSOPHIAE DOCTOR DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : RESEARCH PH.D. (10)
CAO/MU Apply code : MH02G (FT), MH03G (PT)
CAO Points :
Closing Date : 30 June 2025
The Structured PhD in Education is a research degree that supports students in engaging in research at the highest academic level. Students work with their supervisors to develop a substantive piece of research that makes an original contribution to knowledge in the field and tradition of educational research.
Minimum 2.1 degree (BA or MA/M.Ed ) or international equivalent in Education or a cognate area, and a proposal for original research that is accepted by the Department. Students undertake 30 credits of modules that support their research. Generally, students without a Masters undertake 60 credits of modules. Studies can be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis, and credit requirements are the same for both pathways.
IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score
TOEFL (Paper based test): 585
TOEFL (Internet based test): 95
PTE (Pearson): 62
Maynooth Universitys TOEFL code is 8850
Course Duration: 3-4 years full-time, 5-6 years part-time
The Department of Education at Maynooth University is an exciting place in which to do postgraduate research. We have an excellent international profile and we are part of a wider research community that engages in research right across the educational continuum. Our staff and students also engage in inter-disciplinary and inter-institutional research. We have a large postgraduate research community, and the diversity of approaches and interests and our pluralistic and collaborative ethos makes it a welcoming and dynamic space for students. The atmosphere is one of intellectual vibrancy and creativity, grounded in excellent research. You can learn more about staff's interests here and about our postgraduate community here.
Students are free to take up research in any area of educational research that interests them. However, a member of staff with relevant expertise must be available to supervise the project. Students may find it helpful to reflect on a research question and locate a provisional area for research prior to contacting the Programme Director/PhD Programme Co-Ordinator. Inter-disciplinary PhDs are also welcomed and cross-departmental co-supervisory arrangements can be negotiated.
The purpose of PhD study is to develop a work of independent and original research. To support this, and ensure that students are part of a wider community of knowledge exchange, research, scholarship and dialogue, Maynooth University research degrees area. Structured PhD students must register for a minimum of 30 credits in pass/fail modules. 15 credits will be in subject-specific modules (2 of which are mandatory in the first year) and 15 credits will be in generic/transferable skills modules. These are selected in close consultation with the students supervisor. Students will write a thesis of approximately 90,000-100,000 words.
Course duration:3-4 years full-time, 5-6 years part-time
Course duration: 3-4 years Full-time, 5-6 years Part-time
More detail in Course Finder
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 degree
- Academic transcripts
- A copy of your passport
- A research proposal giving an outline of the rationale for your research, its proposed contribution to education and a provisional research plan (2,000 - 3,000 Words)
- A personal statement (Up to 500 words)
- Names and Contact details of two academic referees are required
- Your CV
- Sample of Academic writing (3,000 words)
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.