Education - Research

The Structured PhD in Education is a research degree that supports students in engaging in research at the highest academic level. Students work with their supervisors to develop a substantive piece of research that makes an original contribution to knowledge in the field and tradition of educational research. The PhD in Education is offered by the Department of Education in collaboration with colleagues from the Froebel Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education.



The purpose of PhD study is to develop a work of independent and original research. To support this, the PhD programme is structured to provide for students to be part of a wider community of knowledge exchange, research, scholarship and dialogue.



Structured PhD students must register for a minimum of 30 credits in pass/fail modules. 15 credits will be in subject-specific modules (2 of which are mandatory in the first year) and 15 credits will be in generic/transferable skills modules. These are selected in close consultation with the student's supervisors.



Students will write a thesis of approximately 90,000-100,000 words.

Minimum 2.1 degree (BA or MA/M.Ed.) or international equivalent in Education or a cognate area, and a proposal for original research that is accepted by the Department. Students undertake 30 credits of modules that support their research. Generally, students without a Masters undertake 60 credits of modules. Studies can be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis, and credit requirements are the same for both pathways.



IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score

TOEFL (Paper based test): 585

TOEFL (Internet based test): 95

PTE (Pearson): 62



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850



Students must either be self-funded or apply for funding separately for this programme.



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. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.



For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see

https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/how-apply/english-language-requirements



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

We accept applications on a rolling basis for the structured PhD in Education. Applications will be considered 5 times during the year by the PhD Admissions Panel (in November, February, April, May and June).



**Please note that an application for entry to the programme is separate to an application for funding: Students must either be self-funded or apply for funding separately (see information on funding below).



There are 2 steps in the application for entry to the programme:



Step 1: Submit a research proposal

The first step in making an application is to submit a 2,000-3,000-word research proposal to the PhD Admission Panel. To support applicants to draft their research proposal, we host regular proposal writing workshops and we encourage you to attend if you plan to submit a research proposal. Writing workshops will be offered free of charge on the following days in 2025-2026 (all times are Irish Time):



20/10/2025 16:00 - 17:00

19/01/2026 16:00 - 17:00

23/03/2026 16:00 - 17:00

20/04/2026 16:00 - 17:00

11/05/2026 16:00 - 17:00



To register for a workshop, please view 'How to apply' tab on Course webpage - link above.



After attending one of these workshops, you can submit a research proposal (email to phdeducation@mu.ie). In broad terms, this should include a provisional research question/topic that will make an original contribution to a field of research in education. This might be addressing a problem or gap in, or synthesis of, existing research. Research proposals generally have the following structure:



Introduction and Outline of Research Topic

Research Literature and Theory

Proposed Methodology

Proposed timeline for the study

AI declaration (please indicate if AI was used in preparing the proposal, and if so, provide details on where/how it was used)



Bibliography

Students will also find it helpful to review staff profiles and identify staff with areas of interest relating to their proposed research question (there is no need to request or arrange supervision ahead of submitting your proposal this is organised by the Department following acceptance of a proposal).



Department of Education staff profiles can be found on

https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/education/our-people

and staff profiles for Froebel staff can be found on

https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/froebel-department-primary-and-early-childhood-education/our-people



The following deadlines apply for submission of research proposals:

10th November 2025 - for review at the November Admission Panel Meeting.

2nd February 2026 - for review at the February Admission Panel Meeting.

13th April 2026 - for review at the April Admission Panel Meeting.

5th May 2026 - for review at the May Admission Panel Meeting.

30th May 2026 is the closing date for applications for entry in September 2026



Research proposals received will be reviewed by the PhD Admission Panel at its next meeting. The Panel will generally offer one of these outcomes:

-Accept your proposal and invite you to make a formal application for the PhD programme (see Step 2 below).

-Advise you to revise or refine aspects of your proposal and resubmit for further review by the Admission Panel.

-Advise you that the Department does not have supervision capacity in your research area or that your topic does not fit with departmental expertise.



Step 2: Make a formal application

Making a formal application through MU Apply should only be completed after you have submitted a research proposal (see Step 1 above). If you receive feedback from the Admission Panel to submit a formal application, further guidance will be provided at this time on how to make this application through the MU Postgraduate Applications portal. Please note you will be asked to submit the following documentation when making your formal application:



(a) Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for non-Maynooth University primary degree and post-graduate qualifications.

(b) Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide a copy of a valid passport.

(c) A research proposal giving an outline of the rationale for your research, its proposed contribution to education and a provisional research plan (2,000-3,000 words).

(d) A minimum of 2 academic references from referees who are familiar with the applicant's academic work and can comment on their ability to work independently.

(e) A full Curriculum Vitae.

(f) A 3,000 word-writing sample.

(g) A Personal Statement (Up to 500 Words).



Following a review of the formal application and subject to meeting university requirements, this will be followed by an invite to interview prior to a final decision on acceptance.



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

MH02G: 3-4 years Full-time

MH03G: 5-6 years Part-time

Applications will be considered 5 times during the year by the PhD Admissions Panel (in November, February, April, May and June).

Postgraduate students in education come from a range of backgrounds and have a wide range of interests. Some students wish to develop their professional practice and take on leadership roles, others wish to take on other professional responsibilities or engage in policy formation in the national or international context. Holding a PhD qualifies one to teach at university level and to carry out advanced research.