Education & Health Sciences - Structured Masters - Research

The students will also select a number of research and specialist modules from across the University, which meet their learning needs and interests. A personal academic supervisor will guide the student in selecting the most appropriate modules. An original research thesis must be completed as part of the programme.

Students can register on a full-time or part-time basis. The full-time option is completed in two years over six academic semesters. This programme provides the option for successful students to transfer to the structured PhD programme offered by the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences. Core module credits accumulated on the Structured Masters by Research Programme may be transferred to the structured PhD programme.

Course Content
The taught core modules are 'Introduction to Post Graduate Research', 'Research Integrity' and 'Entering the academic community'. Students will take 6-12 credits worth of Research Methods modules and 6-12 credits worth of Specialist modules from the suite of existing faculty modules. Students will also complete a research project.

Exemptions for non-core taught modules may be awarded on review of application. Applicants who hold either a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma will be able to apply for exemptions for up to six ECT's of the specialist module credits. No Exemptions will be offered for the core credits or the research elective modules.

Sample Route for SMres in Physical Education & Sport Sciences:

Year 1
Autumn
Core Module:
N/A

Spring
Core Modules:
Introduction to Postgraduate Research* 6 ECTS
Research Integrity** 3 ECTS

Research Methods:
Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology 6 ECTS

Elective:
Performance Pshchology 6 ECTS

Year 2
Core Module:
Entering the Academic Community 3 ECTS

Elective:
Curriculum and Assessment in Physical Education 6 ECTS

Years 1-2
Research Project 150 ECTS

* Offered in both spring and autumn semesters depending on point of entry.

** Offered in summer semester as flexible option particularly for part-time candidates.

Sample Route for SMres in Nursing & Midwifery:

Year 1
Autumn
Core Module:
Introduction to Postgraduate Research* 6ECTS

Research Methods:
Health Research Methods & Methodology 12 ECTS

Spring
Core Module:
Introduction to Postgraduate Research* 3ECTS

Summer
Research Integrity** 3ECTS

Year 2
Core Module:
Entering the Academic Community 3 ECTS

Spring
Elective:
Perinatal Bereavement and Loss 9 ECTS

Years 1-2
Autumn
Research Project 150 ECTS

* Offered in both spring and autumn semesters depending on point of entry.

** Offered in summer semester as flexible option particularly for part-time candidates.

Applicants will be expected to hold an honours primary bachelor's degree or equivalent (minimum 2.2). Candidates with an equivalent qualification and a period of appropriate professional experience may also be considered for this programme.

English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5 for Business, Arts, Humanities or Education programmes with no less than 6 in any one component.

How to apply:
1. Choose your programme.
2. Check closing date for the programme.
3. Apply online at www.ul.ie
4. Have your supporting documentation ready to upload.
5. Pay the application fee (€35 online / €40 bank draft or cheque).
6. Submit your application.

Application Procedure:
Applicants in the first instance must discuss their application with their potential supervisor. Where a potential supervisor is not identified applicants will need to complete an Expression of Interest form and a Research Proposal. Postgraduate application forms can be obtained from www.ul.ie/gps or contact:

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Graduate and Professional Studies
Engineering Research Building
University of Limerick
Email: Postgradadmissions@ul.ie
Tel: +353 61 234377
Fax: +353 61 233287

Closing Date:
Applications can be made throughout the year with two entry points:

Autumn Entry Point:
Latest date for application 27th August each Academic Year.

Spring Entry Point:
Latest date for application 19th December each Academic Year.

2 years part-time/full-time.

Delivery
Depending on the module, the academic work may include classes, seminars, summer schools, self-directed learning and/or E-learning, both on and off campus. This programme aims to offer flexibility to students with competing time demands.