Program Overview
Introduction to the Institute of Irish Studies
The Institute of Irish Studies is an interdisciplinary centre of academic excellence with a global reputation for the study of Ireland. Our disciplinary base ranges from Irish history from medieval to modern times, literature, politics, conflict and peacebuilding, transformative justice, migration, cultural geography and gender studies.
Overview
Established in 1988, the Institute of Irish Studies is a world-leading centre for Irish Studies research and the only centre of its kind in the UK, engaging in multidisciplinary research into Ireland and its worldwide relations.
Research Topics
Key research themes within the Institute of Irish Studies are:
- Religion, Identity and Conflict in Ireland
- The Literature, Theatre and Culture of Ireland and the Irish
- The Social, Cultural and Oral Histories of Britain and Ireland
- Medieval Europe, Britain and Ireland
- The Vikings
- Performance and Irish Theatre
- Early Medieval British and Irish Intellectual Culture
- Gaelic and Old Irish
- Consociational power-sharing
- Parliamentary studies
- Devolution and Politics in Northern Ireland
We welcome research proposals that match those of our researchers. These include:
- Medieval Europe, especially Britain and Ireland AD
- Political inclusion and exclusion in Ireland
- Religion and identity in Ireland and its diaspora
- Political violence
- Post-conflict transformation
- Policing and community
- The impact of ethno-sectarian reproduction
- Women's and gender history
- Political activism
- Legislative reform
- Nineteenth and twentieth-century literature and culture, particularly W.B. Yeats, modern drama, Modernism, modern poetry and Irish fiction including James Joyce, John McGahern and periodical cultures
- Twentieth and twenty-first century history and politics, especially Irish Republicanism, women's activism, grass-roots organisation
How to Apply
To apply for the PhD program in Irish Studies, follow these steps:
- Identify potential supervisors: Potential supervisors for this PhD include Professor Peter Shirlow, Professor Frank Shovlin, Professor Clare Downham, Dr Niall Carson, Dr Barry Hazley, Dr Eleanor Lybeck, Dr Eoghan Ahern, and Dr Sean Haughey.
- Prepare your application documents: You may need the following documents to complete your online application:
- A research proposal (this should cover the research you'd like to undertake)
- University transcripts and degree certificates to date
- Passport details (international applicants only)
- English language certificates (international applicants only)
- A personal statement
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact details for two proposed supervisors
- Names and contact details of two referees
- Apply: Finally, register and apply online.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
- UK fees: Full-time place, per year - £5,238, Part-time place, per year - £2,619
- International fees: Full-time place, per year - £25,350, Part-time place, per year - £12,650
Additional Costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Funding Your PhD
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses, including:
- Duncan Norman Research Scholarship: Full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £23,000 per year while you study
- John Lennon Memorial Scholarship: Financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research
Facilities and Resources
Based in Abercromby Square, on the main University campus, the Institute has a dedicated space for postgraduate researchers and is close to the Sydney Jones Library and other University services, while being only around ten minutes' walk from the city centre.
Careers and Employability
Our graduates from the Institute of Irish Studies have been employed in academia, including the University of Liverpool. Outside of academia, other sectors have included education, human health and social work, and non-profit organisations.
Meet Our PhD Researchers
Our postgraduate researchers are shaping their future, and the future of the world we live in, advancing knowledge with each discovery.
Entry Requirements
We typically require a UK master's degree and 2:1 undergraduate degree, in subjects relevant to the proposed field of research, or equivalent academic qualifications from non-UK institutions. Your master's degree should preferably be a Pass at 65% or above, or equivalent.
English Language Requirements
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you're from a majority English speaking country. We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
Contact Information Removed
All contact information, including emails, phone numbers, and websites, has been removed as per the instructions.