Business - Research - Cork

Munster Technological Universtiy is committed to supporting and promoting all aspects of academic formation of postgraduate students through its constituent faculties, colleges, schools and Academic Units. Such aspects include the research project, taught modules, personal development plan, induction, progression and transfer. Postgraduate research is carried out under the supervision and guidance of appropriately qualified members of academic staff of the Institute. A student may register at MTU for a research programme leading to awards at level 9 (Masters) and level 10 (Doctoral) levels, including doctorates carried out partially or completely in the workplace. MTU provides opportunities for postgraduate study on both a full-time and a part-time basis for individuals with diverse academic, industrial and professional backgrounds and aspirations.

Led by the Dean of Graduates Studies Dr Stephen Cassidy together with the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Office directs development of all aspects of postgraduate study within the Institute. The responsibilities of the SGS Office include coordinating academic and administrative processes relevant to Postgraduates providing advice and support for both postgraduate students and research supervisors.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Learning outcomes at Doctoral Level 10 relate to the discovery and development of new knowledge and skills through original research, or original application of existing knowledge, and the delivery of findings at the frontiers of knowledge and application that are of publishable standard in peer-reviewed literature or by equivalent peer review through performance or exhibition. Further outcomes at this level relate to specialist and transferable skills required for management roles, such as the abilities to critique and develop organisational structures and initiate change.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programme always involves the advancement of knowledge through original research, in which the student demonstrates outstanding scholarship and ability. It involves an individual programme of research leading to the submission of a doctoral thesis describing a coherent body of original work by the student. The thesis comprises a written dissertation, which may be accompanied by a portfolio or supporting artefacts, and is defended at an oral examination. Through it, the candidate must demonstrate that he/she has conducted original, independent research and has a broad knowledge of a particular field of study and a comprehensive knowledge of the specialist area upon which their research is focused.

All doctorates in CIT are structured with the following key characteristics:

(a) The core component of a structured PhD programme is the advancement of knowledge through original research; at the same time the structured PhD is designed to meet the needs of an employment market that is wider than academia;

(b) A high quality research experience, training and output consistent with international norms and best practice;

(c) To support the original research activity, the following elements are included:

• a formalised integrated programme of education, training and personal and professional development activities

• the development of discipline-specific knowledge, research skills and generic/transferable skills

• declared outcomes and graduate attributes in line with national and international best practice

(d) Supervision by a principal supervisor(s), normally with a supporting panel approved by the institution;

(e) Progress to completion is formally monitored against published criteria and supported by formal institutional arrangements in line with national and international best practice;

(f) Successful completion and examination of the research thesis is the basis for the award of the PhD degree;

(g) Registration is normally at least three years and more typically four years for a full-time student.

Direct entry onto the Doctoral Register is permitted for applicants who possess an Honours Bachelor Degree (Level 8) with a performance equivalent to at least a second class upper division honours in a cognate area related to that of their proposed research from a recognised degree-awarding institution. Such applicants are required to complete a probationary period before their registration is confirmed.

Direct entry onto the Doctoral Register is also permitted for applicants who possess a Master’s degree in a cognate area related to that of their proposed research from a recognised degree-awarding institution. Such applicants are required to complete a probationary period before their registration is confirmed.

Other applicants will normally be required to be entered on the Masters Register for at least one year full-time (or equivalent) before applying for transfer to the Doctoral Register.

The normal duration of studies leading to the Doctoral Degree for full-time students is four academic years from the date of admission to the register. In exceptional circumstances, the Institute may vary the required and permitted duration of the programme.