Pontifical University St Patricks College Maynooth

• Applicants whose mother-tongue is not English should provide evidence of possessing the necessary level of English, both written and spoken. The requirements correspond to the standards demanded by Maynooth University.
• Applicants should provide certificates to establish that they have received a Licentiate in philosophy from a recognized institution. Students who have done their philosophical studies in a civil Faculty of Philosophy can only be admitted if their preparation meets the requirements for an Ecclesiastical Faculty of Philosophy. Where a deficiency exists, certain modules must be taken to satisfy the ecclesiastical undergraduate requirement.
• Applicants must normally have been awarded at least an upper second or equivalent in their Licentiate degree.
• Applicants should provide a letter of recommendation showing evidence of their character and integrity. In the case of seminarians or priests, this letter should be provided by their Ordinary or College Rector; in the case of religious or consecrated persons, this should be provided by their Superior or Study Director; in the case of lay students, this should be provided by an ecclesiastical person who knows the candidate well.
• Applicants should provide a personal statement accompanying their application, in which they provide reasons for applying to study for a Doctorate, the prior preparation and skills (e.g. knowledge of philosophy, organizational and critical thinking abilities, etc.) they possess, and the goals they have, including both short-terms aims for the programme, and long-term goals for their work after the proposed degree.
• Applicants should undergo an interview with two members of staff, which will normally be based on the personal statement they have submitted as well as upon their academic history.
• Applicants should provide evidence that they have a funding plan for their studies.