Computer Science - Research

The aim of the Structured PhD in Computer Science is to provide the student with an opportunity to carry out a significant body of research work with support from the teaching component of the programme. The programme will offer both academic modules to enhance the student's specialist knowledge, and transferable and generic skills modules. These modules will add significantly to the PhD experience by broadening the skill base of the candidate.



The first step to applying is to identify a potential supervisor; this involves deciding on a general research area that you are interested in and then contacting a member of the department’s staff that is specialising in that area. More information on research in the department can be found at https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/computer-science/our-research.



Research postgraduates are typically (though not exclusively) funded during their research. Support varies depending on the source, but funding can include payment of fees, a salary and travel expenses. Please note that all funding programmes are highly competitive, and most are contingent on the applicant securing high marks in their primary degree.



Research students can also register to work jointly with the Department of Computer Science and one of the following Maynooth University research institutes: National Centre for Geocomputation, An Foras Feasa, the Hamilton Institute, the Callan Institute, and the Innovation Value Institute. Please see the entries for these institutes for more details of the research topics available.



The PhD consists of 30 credits minimum / 90 credits maximum in taught modules (15 must be in generic or transferable skills and 15 in subject-specific or advanced specialist advanced modules) with the remaining 270–330 credits being allocated to the research project and thesis.

Applications are invited from students who have achieved high marks in their undergraduate degree. This is typically a first-class honours in Computer Science or a closely-related discipline, although students with a second class honours primary degree can also be considered.



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

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

4 years Full-time, 6 years Part-time

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.

Commences September (or other agreed time)

On completing a PhD in Computer Science the graduate has a number of options open to them. They can continue to build their career as a researcher in academia, for example as a Post-Doctoral researcher, or in the technology industry. They will also be attractive as an educator in all facets of the Higher Education sector.



Other possibilities include working in scientific research administration or a high-tech start-up environment. The experience and discipline gained from completing a PhD in Computer Science also can open other avenues outside of Computer Science where these skills are prized.

Research strengths include geocomputation, computer vision, optical processing, dependable software systems, computational cognitive modelling, and software engineering.