Program Overview

PhD for Higher Education Professionals

Course Fact File

Course Outline

The PhD for Higher Education Professionals at University College Cork is a full-time cohort-based programme that runs for four years. The programme involves the completion of research in your chosen discipline, leading to the submission of a PhD thesis by publication.

Designed for professionals already working in the higher education sector, this is a structured PhD with a focus on research and innovation. The first three years of the PhD will involve undertaking modules worth 60 taught credits, while simultaneously working with your supervisory team on your thesis.

Modules

• Year 1
  • PG7049 The PhD Journey: Research Skills for Doctoral Researchers (10 credits)
  • PG7050 The PhD Journey: Research Training for Doctoral Researchers (5 credits)
  • PG6015 An Introduction to Research Integrity, ethics, and Open Science (5 credits)
  • PG6013 Critical Trends in Teaching & Learning and My Higher Education Journey (5 credits)
• Year 2
  • PG6010 Contemporary Practices in Publishing and Editing (5 credits)
  • UW0007 Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindshift (5 credits)
  • PG Internship Module (Year 2 or 3) (10 credits)
  • Discipline-specific Methods Module (Year 1, 2 or 3) (5 credits)
• Year 3
  • PG6003 Teaching and Learning for Graduate Studies (5 credits)
  • PhD Supervision Elective Module CIRTL (5 credits)
  • CE4025 Leadership in Sustainability in Enterprise (5 credits)
• Year 4
  • Completion of a publication-based thesis

Course Practicalities

This is a four-year structured PhD with the taught component comprising 60 ECTS credits and a publication-based thesis. The modules for credit are prescribed but are available in a hybrid manner.

Why Choose This Course

The PhD for Higher Education Professionals programme is designed especially for those of you already working in higher education. The taught component of the programme is heavily focused on research and prepares you for a research career in academia. Our modules include research training, PhD supervision training, methods, public engagement, internship and discipline-specific modules.

Importantly, this PhD for Higher Education Professionals is discipline-specific and supervision will be provided by a team of academics in your chosen area. Multi-disciplinary supervision is also available. The central aim of this PhD programme is to support HE professionals to undertake a major research degree that fits around their existing role and is cognisant of what is needed to build a research career in the Higher Education sector.

Skills and Careers Information

This PhD for Higher Education Professionals will enable those of you already working in the HE sector to enhance your research career by establishing a publication profile, enhancing your research supervisory skills, establishing research networks, and collaborating with industry and community. In addition, it allows you to follow your existing research trajectory whilst you work towards your PhD.

Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8).
• At least three years of relevant professional experience in higher education or a cognate field.

Before applying to this programme, potential students must consult with the Dean of Doctoral Studies to identify a satisfactory supervisory team. Once the team is identified, applicants can then apply online.

As part of the online application, applicants must supply a statement detailing the following:

1. A literature review of relevance to the area topic you plan to research.
2. A statement of research aims including a potential methodology and the contribution of this work to your field.
3. A personal statement detailing your research experience, publications, and collaborations.

Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements as stated above but who present with suitable professional qualifications and substantial education-related professional experience. In such cases, the applicant must clearly set out the grounds upon which they wish to be considered in their application.

Fees and Costs

Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026

See the Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.

Deposits

If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.

Fee payment

Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

How can I pay?

See different options on the How Do I Pay My Fees? page.

Any questions?

See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.