Education & Health Sciences - Structured PhD

The programme comprises advanced education, training and research focused on an identified area of study. Students can register on a full-time or part-time basis.

The programme is run across six participating schools /departments; School of Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Psychology, School of Allied Health and School of Education. The research thesis is supervised in the school / department of your choice. In addition, students will take core taught modules. Research methods may be chosen from a range of research modules within the Faculty. Electives can be chosen from a range of post-graduate modules across the University. A number of pathways are offered to enable students to work with a range of educational problems across a variety of contexts.

Whilst structured programmes will remain the default mode of postgraduate research study, the traditional route will be facilitated for those for whom the structured route is not appropriate or possible.

Sample Route for PhD in School of Allied Health

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

Research Methods:
Enquiry in Health Care 1 6 ECTS

2 Core Module:
Entering the Academic Community
1-4 Research Project 270 ECTS

Spring ECTs Summer ECTs

Core Module
Research Integrity** 3 ECTS

Elective:
Evidence Based Practice 12 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 PhD in School of Education:
Year Autumn ECTs
1 Core Module:
Introduction to Postgraduate Research* 6 ECTS

Elective:
Independent Learning Module 6 ECTS

2 Core Module:
Entering the Academic Community 3 ECTS

1-4 Research Project
Generic & Transferable Skills module:
Postgraduate School Workshops & Professional Portfolio

Spring ECTs

Core Module:
Research Integrity** 3 ECTS
Contemporary Issues in Teaching Learning and Assessment
Research Methods:
Advanced Research Methods 1: Research Design 6 ECTS

Summer ECTS
Generic & Transferable Skills module: 12 ECTS
Postgraduate School Workshops & Professional Portfolio

*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 degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent in a discipline appropriate to their area of research.

Applicants pursuing a Structured PhD via the Education pathway will normally have:
• Minimum of 3 years' full-time professional practice or equivalent in an educational setting or related interdisciplinary area.

• Normally hold a Master's degree or a minimum of a 2:2 Honours degree, a Higher Diploma, or a Postgraduate Diploma in Education or a cognate discipline.

• Other qualifications may be considered under the University regulations.

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 with no less than 6.0 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: ehssphd@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.

Full time (minimum 3 years full-time) or part-time

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.