Sport Science & Nutrition - Research

he Structured PhD in Sport Science and Nutrition aims to provide a comprehensive framework that supports you, the doctoral candidate, in developing advanced research skills, academic knowledge, and professional competencies within a structured environment.



The primary aim of this PhD programme is to help you develop independent research skills, through the completion of original, high-quality research that contributes new knowledge to your chosen field, while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving and methodological rigour. This research may involve collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches through engagement with other researchers, institutions and external partners (e.g. industry/hospital/healthcare).



The PhD programme will offer taught modules that enhance both your specialist domain knowledge and your transferable skills. These modules will add significantly to your PhD experience by broadening your skill base, as well as enhancing your subsequent employability. For those candidates looking for a career in academia, we will also endeavour to provide teaching and associated mentoring opportunities wherever possible. By providing structured timelines and milestones, the PhD programme will help you stay on track to complete your PhD within the expected timeframe (4 years full-time; 6 years part-time).



The three options for funding to support your PhD programme are:



Direct self-funding by the PhD candidate (to pay fees)

The PhD candidate applies for funding from an external source (e.g. Research Ireland post-graduate finding scheme). Support varies depending on the source, but funding can include payment of fees, a stipend, consumables and some equipment. All funding programmes are highly competitive, and most are contingent on the applicant securing high marks in their primary degree.

The supervisor gains funding and looks to attract an appropriate PhD candidate. Support varies depending on the source, but generally includes payment of fees, a stipend and some equipment.

Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent). A first class honours (1:1) or upper second-class honours (2:2) degree in a relevant subject is required in general. However, where a candidate has not reached this standard, additional qualifications such as a postgraduate masters degree or relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration.



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.

Closing date: Research applications are generally accepted at any time.



Please note: All research applicants should contact the respective department before applying to ensure their research proposal aligns with departmental interests and criteria.



Applications are open for the 2026/7 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application (see application link above)



Your first step in applying to register for a PhD is to identify a general research area you are interested in and a potential supervisor from our Department. Current research and research interests of potential supervisors within the Department can be viewed here. You should only apply for the programme once you have received written confirmation from a relevant member of staff who has agreed to supervise your research.



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

4 years full-time; 6 years part-time

Commences: September (or other agreed time).

1. Academic and Research Roles



Lecturer in universities or colleges of further education.

Postdoctoral Researcher in areas related to your PhD (e.g. Food Science, Nutrition, Sport Science, Public Health and Health Sciences).

Research Fellow in interdisciplinary research projects.



2. Applied Sport Science



Researcher or practitioner: Professional Teams, National Sports Organisation. National Governing Bodies of Sport, Private practice, Consultant.



3. Health and Public Sector



Researcher or practitioner: Public Hospitals, Private Hospitals, Health Boards, Corporate Health, Private Health Services.

Health Promotion Specialist focusing on physical activity and chronic disease prevention.

Policy Advisor in health departments.



4. Industry and Consultancy



Researcher and/or Scientific Advisor: Food and Nutrition, Biotechnology firms, Commercialised Sport, Wearables and Sensor based technologies, Sport and Health equipment Companies.

Human Performance Consultant for Technology and Sports equipment companies.