Education & Health Sciences - Structured PhD

The Structured PhD Programme is the advancement of knowledge through a high-quality experience of original research integrated with professional development. PhD candidates' research skills, generic and transferable skills are developed through a formalised and integrated programme of activities. Taught modules are integral to this programme of activities to include transferable skills development and discipline-specific modules.

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 Autumn ECTs

1 Core Module:
Introduction to Postgraduate Research* 6
Research Methods:
Enquiry in Health Care 1 6

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

Spring ECTs Summer ECTs

Core Module
Research Integrity** 3

Elective:
Evidence Based Practice 12

*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

Elective:
Independent Learning Module 6

2 Core Module:
Entering the Academic Community 3

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

Spring ECTs

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

Summer ECTS
Generic & Transferable Skills module: 12
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.

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

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

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.