English Drama & Film - Research

MLitt Programme
The MLitt is a two-year research programme, leading to the production of a thesis of 40,000 to 60,000 words which will treat its subject in a systematic and independent way. MLitt students may transfer to the PhD after completing one year of research, subject to the recommendation of the supervisor and the approval of the Head of School.

PhD Programme
The School of English Drama and Film at UCD welcomes applications from potential PhD students. A UCD PhD is a three to four year research degree, undertaken within a clearly structured programme leading to the production of a thesis of around 100,000 words which will make an original contribution to knowledge. The programme includes taught modules, a Research and Professional Development Plan and the possibility to develop teaching skills.

All students are assigned a primary supervisor, and in some cases where the work is interdisciplinary, co-supervision will be offered. Students are supported in their programme of independent research which frequently culminates in the production of research worthy of peer-reviewed publications.

Consistently the School and the Humanities at UCD are ranked highly. Members of the School have attracted some of the most competitive research grants and awards available in Ireland and internationally. These include funding from the following bodies: European Research Council, Irish Research Council, Fulbright Ireland, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Award Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Foundation. School members have also played a significant and recognized role in shaping .

At the school of English, Drama and Film offer we offer experience in the supervision of PhD students and a wide-ranging expertise. Many of our PhD students have been successful in obtaining Postdoctoral funding following their research.

School members are also played a significant and recognized role in shaping their respective fields of study.

It is expected that PhD students will have an academic background necessary to support doctoral level research. The majority of our candidates have a proven strong graduate and postgraduate record (a high MA result of 2:1- 1:1 or GPA above 3.2). We would also be looking for an IELTS score of 8, if English is not your first language. A potential supervisor may be able to advise on the knowledge they expect their potential students to have gained before applying for entry to the programme.

MLitts are also required to have an academic background necessary to support independent research. We would also be looking for an IELTS score of 8, if English is not your first language and a high BA result 2:1- 1:1 or GPA of GPA above 3.2. A potential supervisor may be able to advise on the knowledge they expect their potential students to have gained before applying for entry to the programme. It should be noted that a student if successful during their MLitt research, they may be able to request a transfer to the PhD programme. This does require academic approval.

In addition to subject specific knowledge, all PhD students and MLitt students are expected to have a basic understanding of research methods before applying for entry to the PhD and MLitt programme. If this knowledge needs supporting and the student is offered a place, it is expected that they will complete necessary modules either in the School or on the UCD campus to meet research needs.

Potential PhD researchers wishing to start in the Autumn trimester are encouraged to submit their completed online application by the 1st of July at the latest. Those applying for January start need to submit by 1st December.

The MLitt is a two-year research programme.
A UCD PhD is a three to four year research degree. Part-time option is available.