Languages Cultures & Linguistics - Research

We offer the following Graduate Research Programmes:

PhD in Modern Languages
PhD in Linguistics
Structured Research Masters (MLitt)

The School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics offers a welcoming research and learning environment for MA, MLitt and PhD students. We have an active and supportive Graduate community in our School with regular events and get-togethers organised throughout the year.

PhD Languages, Cultures and Linguistics Z129 (full-time) and Z130 (part-time)

The UCD PhD in Modern Languages is a three to four year research degree primarily involving the writing of a thesis dissertation (approx. 100,000 words, normally in English), which will make an original contribution to knowledge. At UCD, the PhD Modern Languages thesis is undertaken within the framework of a clearly structured PhD programme that includes: taught modules; a Research and Professional Development Plan; record thesis chapters drafted/completed, a Research Studies (advisory) Panel; and may include the possibility to develop teaching skills through tutoring.

The PhD dissertation comprises original research in the student's choice of research area in Modern Languages, as represented by staff within UCD. Modern Language research specialisms and interests may be consulted here. These specialisms include, but are not limited to, literature (early modern to contemporary), history of ideas, cultural studies, literary theory, translation, transnationalism, cultural theory, sociolinguistics and much more. Our language sections work with and research through the following world languages and their connected cultures: French; German; Italian; Portuguese; Spanish. Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary projects are particularly welcome and PhD theses may involve UCD co-supervisors from another UCD School or College.

Structured Research Master Z113 (full-time/ part-time)

The core of the Research Masters degree is a coherent programme of supervised research which requires that student complete a thesis based on independent research. The primary purpose of this programme is to help the student develop the skills and competencies required to conduct research.

Students who wish to apply for the PhD in Modern Languages at UCD must first identify a potential supervisor and contact them directly with their PhD project area. Before writing their PhD proposal, the candidate should have a preliminary discussion with their potential thesis supervisor in Modern Languages at UCD. Then they must prepare an application: this would normally involve a thesis proposal of approximately 1000-1500 words, including a substantial bibliography, a representative writing sample, a full CV, and two confidential academic references that must be sent directly to the potential supervisor.

Students who wish to apply for the MLitt must first identify a potential supervisor and contact them directly with their PhD project area to discuss the research proposal. The thesis proposal is not fully binding but allows us to determine the broad area that a candidate wishes to do research in and their interests.

Proposals should include the following information: a precise research question, a discussion of the types of data and (data collection and analysis) methods to be used in the research, a discussion of the academic motivations for the project and an indicative list of references. Before writing the proposal, candidates should contact a potential thesis supervisor at UCD for a preliminary discussion.

Then they must prepare an application: this would normally involve a thesis proposal of approximately 1000-1500 words, including a substantial bibliography, a representative writing sample, a full CV, and two confidential academic references that must be sent directly to the potential supervisor.

Please find further detailed information on the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics (SLCL) application process
https://www.ucd.ie/slcl/study/mlittphd/phdmlittapplicationprocess/

Non-EU students should apply as early as possible – between January and March, and ideally no later than early May – as most of the scholarship competitions take place between February and April and the issuing of visas may take up to three months, particularly during the summer when there is usually a high volume of applications. For information about funding, please contact the UCD International Office.

Z113 MLitt 2 years full-time / 4 years part-time
Z129 PhD 3 years full-time / 6 years part-time

Start Date: To be agreed with school.