Policy & Practice - Research

To register for a Postgraduate Research programme, a candidate must normally have obtained a primary degree classification equivalent to Lower Second Class Honours or above, from an approved University or an approved equivalent degree-awarding body, or have an approved equivalent professional qualification in an area cognate to the proposed research topic.

PhD: Candidates holding an appropriate Master's degree obtained by research may apply for direct entry to the PhD register to conduct research in a cognate area.

PhD-track: Candidates with a taught Master's degree in an appropriate discipline with first- or second-class honours, and candidates with a primary degree in an appropriate discipline with first- or second-class honours, grade one, may apply and be considered for entry to the PhD-track register with a view to proceeding towards a PhD. Such candidates will undergo a confirmation procedure, as outlined in the Academic Regulations, before being admitted to the PhD register.

Master's by Research: Candidates holding a primary degree equivalent to a second-class honours, grade two, may apply for entry on the research Master's register. Students on the Master's register may apply for transfer to the PhD Register under the same conditions, and using the same procedure, as PhD-track candidates requesting confirmation on the PhD register.

English Language Requirements can be reviewed at:
https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english-language-requirements-non-native-speakers-english-registry

Applicants are assessed and ranked based on their performance at university, and the details provided on their application. Candidates may be called for interview and/or assessed on the basis of written work/proposed area of research.

How to Make an Application

To make an application, please use the application portal. Before making an application, please ensure you have all appropriate entry requirements and provide all supporting documentation.

DCU Student Application Portal

DCU Student Application Portal Access
DCU Student Application Portal Guide

Important Note:

Before making a research application, the applicant must consult and seek approval from the School regarding the proposed programme of study. Additional information for research applicants is also available on the DCU Graduate Studies page.

Closing Dates

There are no closing dates for the majority of Postgraduate Research applicants (although this may be subject to change). Deadlines can apply for professional doctorate programmes, e.g. Doctor of Psychotherapy, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Elite Performance (Sport).

See the relevant Research section on School pages for more information.

Outcome of an Application

Candidates who submit a valid application for DCU will be notified of the outcome of their application by email. As such, it is important to ensure that your address for correspondence is accurate and current. Please allow 4 - 6 weeks for your application to be processed.

DCE34 PhD Policy & Professional Practice (Full-Time)
DCE35 PhD Policy & Professional Practice (Part-Time)
DCE36 MA Policy & Professional Practice (Full-Time)
DCE37 MA Policy & Professional Practice (Part-Time)
DCE38 PhD-track Policy & Professional Practice (Full-Time) DCE39 PhD-track Policy & Professional Practice (Part-Time)
DCE65 MEd Policy & Professional Practice (Full-Time)
DCE66 MEd Policy & Professional Practice (Part-Time)

Research Interests and Expertise

Research Area

Adult, Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning
Assessment
Citizenship Education
Communication
Communities of Practice
Creativity
Digital Learning
Education Policy
Ethics
Evaluation
Further Education & Training
Gender in Education
Higher Education Policy
History of Education
Identity
Inclusion
Initial Teacher Education
Intercultural Education
Intergenerational Learning/Education
Leadership
Parents in Education
Partnerships
Pedagogy and Curriculum
Policy in Further Education and Training
Reflective Practice
Research Methodolgoy
Teacher Education / Professional Development
Vocational & Skills education and Training
Well-being