Nursing Midwifery & Health Systems - Research

The Research Masters degree provides students with rigorous research training and an opportunity to complete an independent research study, presented as a major thesis. This is a 90 credit major research thesis degree, however, you may be required to attend modules which will support and complement your research. The programme enables students to develop their research knowledge and skills whilist completing a major research study under the guidance of an academic supervisor and a research studies panel. You will develop your knowledge of a research topic, research methods, literature searching, presentation and publishing skills. Succesful completion of this programme (following examination) includes submission of a final bound thesis that will be retained in the UCD library.

UCD is commited to the promotion of an environment which maintains the highest standards in relation to its educational mission and research activity. As part of this policy all new entrants to a research degree programme from September 2019 are required to complete a programme of Research Integrity Training.

The period of registration for the Research Masters degree will be not less than 3 trimesters (one year) and not more than 6 trimesters (two years) for a full-time student. For a part-time student the period of registration is not less than 5 trimesters (15 months) and not more than 9 trimesters (three years). Applicants can select to register for either a September, January or May commencement date.

Applications for entry to the programme are welcome from those in nursing, midwifery or a health-related discipline. Please note closing date for receipt of full applications.

Applicants seeking admission to a course of study and research leading to a PhD or research master's degree must fulfil of the following criteria

a) The candidate has obtained a minimum of an upper second-class degree or equivalent in a relevant honours Bachelor's degree;

b) The candidate has obtained a relevant master's degree;

c) In certain circumstances, the candidate has demonstrated other evidence of academic standing and/or relevant professional experience as satisfies the Governing Board of their suitability for admission to the degree programme. These criteria are considered non-standard admission requirements.

If you are unsure if you are eligible you should contact the Programme Administrator.

English Language Requirements for entry to Graduate Programmes at UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems

Applicants whose first language is not English and whose primary degree was obtained in a country where English is not the official language of instruction must provide proof of proficiency in English such as IELTS or TOEFL.

The original certificate of completion of an English language test must be enclosed with the application. In all cases the test results must not be more than two years old. There are no exceptions to this requirement. Candidates whose existing degree was obtained in a country where the official language of instruction is English may, at the request of the School, still be subject to the same requirements where English is not the candidate's first language.

The following are the English language tests and scores accepted by this School:

IELTS [International English Language Testing System–Academic]
Minimum Overall Band Score of 7.0, with a result NOT LESS than 6.5 in EACH of the individual sections.

TOEFL [Test of English as a Foreign Language]
Internet Based Test: Minimum total score of 100 out of 120, with a score NOT LESS than 22 in Reading and Listening. NOT LESS than 26 in Speaking and NOT LESS than 24 in the test of written English.

Paper Based Test
Minimum total score of 600 with a score NOT LESS than 5.0 in the Test of Written English.

What to do before you apply
If you are considering applying to the programme first contact the Director of Research Degrees (kathleen.frazer@ucd.ie).

1. Check your eligibility for the programme -Open blue tab ' Eligibility requirements and English language requirements' for further guidance. In addition, consider and identify who will be funding your research degree. Contact the administrator if any queries.

2. After confirming your eligibility and funding you must contact a potential supervisor before you apply. Open blue tabs ' How to find a Supervisor' and 'Contacting potential Supervisors' for further guidance.

You can apply once you have the agreement of a member of Faculty approving your research proposal and supporting your application.

Applications are made online through UCD Applications. ?

Applicants may be required to undertake an interview (either face-to-face or via telecommunication) as part of the admission process.

Documents to include with your application- See requirements in blue tab 'Documents to include with your application'

Please note closing dates

Major Codes:
Research Masters Degree full-time X219
Research Masters Degree part-time X290

These are the final dates for submission of applications. Is it advisable to submit your application as early as possible as it will be reviewed by separate School and College committees:

January 2022 registration: closing date for receipt of full application is 1st November 2021

May registration: closing date for receipt of full application is 31st March 2022

September registration: closing date for receipt of full application 25th June 2022

Applicants may be required to undertake an interview with the Director of the Programme (either face-to-face or via telecommunication) as part of the admission process.

Your application and nomination form will be reviewed by the School's Research Degrees Committee and then the College Graduate School Board to determine your suitability to take a place on the programme.

Only when you have been approved by the College Graduate School Board will you be eligible to register to the programme.

Following registration you can access our MSc Research degree programme handbook for additional information https://www.nmhs.ucd.ie/current-students

Research Masters Degree full-time X219 1 year / X290 Part Time 2 years

If you are considering applying to the programme please contact the Director of Research Degrees for an informal chat (kathleen.frazer@ucd.ie).

Three possible start dates: January, May or September