Applied Social Studies - Research
Interested individuals are encouraged to make an informal approach to the Department to discuss their proposal and establish an initial fit between their interests and the Department's research priorities and expertise. Formally, an applicant wishing to undertake a research degree should submit a research proposal in writing of 3,000–4,000 words and consult with the Department on the general suitability of the research topic, and on the availability of an appropriate supervisor.
The research proposal should provide the following information:
- Introduction to the central research topic that the student proposes to investigate
- Reference to the key debates and issues relevant to the research
- An indication the body of literature that the research will analyse; the main data that will be collected and/or analysed and the methods that will be used
- An outline of the potential significance of the proposed research for the field under investigation
While the final thesis of some 80,000 words is the only form of assessment for the award of the PhD, students may not submit it for examination without having accumulated a minimum of 30 and maximum of 90 taught credits as agreed with their Supervisor and Department.
Entry requirements
Minimum 2.1 in undergraduate degree. Entry is also subject to Departmental approval of application and the proposed Department's ability to provide supervision.
Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.
Minimum English language requirements:
IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score
TOEFL (Paper based test): 585
TOEFL (Internet based test): 95
PTE (Pearson): 62
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
Application dates
Online application only www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity
PAC Code
MHB02 PhD Full-time
MHB03 PhD Part-time
The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:
Photo – required.
All applicants should submit two Academic references in support of their application.
Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.
Online application only www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity
PAC Code
MHB04 MLitt by Research Full-time
MHB05 MLitt by Research Part-time
The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:
Photo – required.
All applicants should submit two Academic references in support of their application. Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.
Duration
4 years Full-time, 6 years Part-time
Fees
In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.
Enrolment dates
Commences September annually (or other agreed time)
Post Course Info
Graduates including doctoral graduates of the Department of Applied Social Studies have pursued a range of careers in community and youth work, public administration, NGOs, academic institutions and research/advisory bodies / careers in social policy consulting and teaching.
Research
Research interests of staff in the Department of Applied Social Studies span the following areas:
- Equality and human rights, and more specifically race, racism, ethnicity, Traveller culture, intercultural studies, women's studies, age and ageism
- Youth affairs, youth work and the sociology of youth, policy in respect of children
- Community development and community work, education and training for the social professions
- Criminal justice policy, juvenile justice
- Irish, comparative, and European social policy
- Social policy and older people
- Linking poverty, social inclusion and equality
- Social partnership, civil society, the 'third sector' and public policy
For details on the research specialisms within the Department please visit: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/adult-and-community-education/our-research