•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.