Business - Research

The M.Litt. Programme is a structured research-based programme that extends over a minimum of two years and is aimed at high-performance students who wish to combine taught modules and independent research.



Students will be introduced to the components of advanced research and will be encouraged to actively participate in academic communication and publishing where applicable. The rigorous nature of the structure aims to ultimately extend the students capability to contribute to theory and develop new knowledge as they proceed through their research project. Alongside exceptional research training and support, the structured M.Litt. in Finance also aims to provide research graduates with the requisite skills to engage with broader business and civil communities outside academic contexts.



The student, on registration, holds an introductory meeting with their supervisor(s) where a customised and individualised programme of research investigation is balanced with supporting taught modules. These supported modules are identified from a suite of modules that make up the structured PhD programme in finance. Annual progress reviews are part of the research masters programme in business, accounting or finance and completion of requisite generic/transferable skills modules will be taken into account when assessing student progress. Students are required to complete a written thesis and viva voce examination. Students will not be permitted to submit their thesis (or equivalent) for examination without having accumulated the required amount of credits.



In addition to developing their own research topic with their supervisor(s), students will be required to take 10 credits worth of modules over the duration of their programme of doctoral research. 5 of these will be generic/transferable modules, and 5 in subject/specialist modules.

The degree is targeted at high performing students with a strong background in Economics, Finance or a quantitative discipline. Students are eligible for admission if they have obtained at least a 2.1 grade (or the equivalent) in:



an honours degree in Finance or Economics, or a degree in which Finance or Economics formed a substantial component.

an honours degree in which there was a substantial quantitative component, such as Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematical Physics or Statistics

a postgraduate conversion course such as a Higher Diploma in Finance or similar.



Applicants with a high 2.2 in an undergraduate Economics or Finance degree but with 2.1 standard in key modules may also be eligible; they will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions Director.



Minimum English language requirements: please visit Maynooth University International Office website for further information about English language and other requirements for international students. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and non-EU International applicants..



Students without the above qualifications may wish to apply for the two-year MSc Finance (MHH74)



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

2 years full-time, 3 years part-time.

MLitt students generally start their programme in either September or January.

Graduates of the programme have excellent employment records at home and abroad, with graduates working in many of the major financial centres of the world, e.g. New York, Chicago, Hong Kong, London, as well as in Dublin. Recent graduates are currently pursuing careers in stockbroking, bond trading, investment strategy, portfolio fund management and investment and retail banking in the private sector. Other recent graduates have taken up research positions at the Central Bank of Ireland, while some have continued to Ph.D. programmes to pursue an academic career. The diverse career paths reflect the adaptability and flexibility of our graduates.