The PhD in Quantitative Social Sciences (QSS) programmme is a course of study that focuses on quantitative research techniques applied to research questions in Social Science, with a specific focus on Economics, Politics, International Relations and Development Studies.
The programme integrates the perspectives and research methods of various disciplines such as Economics, Politics and Statistics. QSS provides students with rigorous training in quantitative research, with an emphasis on written and oral communication about research techniques and findings applicable to applied research questions in Social Science.
Students with a quantitative background in any area can undertake the programme. They will undertake various quantitative social science modules offered by UCD School of Politics & International Relations and School of Economics. They may also choose modules that is relevant to their own research interest in other UCD Schools.
Structured PhD Programme in Quantitative Social Sciences
3-4 years full time and 6+ years part time
The PhD QSS programme is a thematic, structured programmes. Doctoral studies at UCD comprise two stages:
Stage 1 is a period when you define your research plan, develop your research skills and initiate original research work for your doctorate.
Stage 2 is primarily dedicated to continuing your original doctoral research but may also include some advanced education and training.
As set out by the requirements of the UCD Structured PhD Programme (PDF), QSS students are required to complete a minimum of 30 credits of course works in Stage 1, followed by a programme of original research leading to the award of Doctoral degree by research.
A formal transfer assessment takes place after about 15 months (longer if part-time), in order to progress from Stage 1 to Stage 2 of the PhD. Students must submit a body of written work to a review panel, who will conduct an interview on the work submitted, and must also complete a Research and Professional Development Programme (RPDP).
The PhD may take the form of a traditional thesis, or a collection of papers (including published papers or papers submitted or prepared for submission) describing a coherent programme of research which has been published or prepared for publication in peer-reviewed journals of international standing, accompanied by a critical and theoretical overview of the work presented in the papers.
For inquiries, please contact the Programme Director, Professor Patrick Paul Walsh (ppwalsh@ucd.ie).
For the structured PhD programme in Quantitative Social Sciences, applications are welcomed from applicants with a good Masters degree in Economics, Statistics and other Social Science subjects. If you are interested in exploring your research plans further with a member of staff, please feel free to contact us individually.