| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2024-01-01 | - |
| 2024-05-01 | - |
Program Overview
The UCD School of Psychology PhD program is designed to equip students for research, teaching, or applied psychology careers in academia or industry. Students develop specialized knowledge through research and teaching modules, supported by a three-person research studies panel. The program culminates in an original research thesis examined in an oral viva voce examination, demonstrating the student's capacity for scholarship and original research. The degree typically takes 3-4 years full-time or up to 6 years part-time to complete.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The UCD School of Psychology PhD program is designed for students who wish to pursue research, teaching, or applied psychology positions in academia or industry. The program aims to provide the highest level of specialization in applied or experimental research. The core objective of doctoral studies is to make a substantial and original contribution to knowledge, normally leading to peer-reviewed publications.
Assessment:
- Each PhD student is supported by a three-person (minimum) research studies panel (RSP) which includes their thesis supervisor and two other academics.
- Candidates develop a research and professional development plan (RPDP) that their research studies panel use to monitor their progress annually.
- The RPDP describes their proposed program of research and documents their educational, training, personal, and professional development needs.
- Their transfer from Stage 1 to Stage 2 is assessed by a Transfer Assessment Panel, based on a report and their research progress.
- As part of a structured PhD program, candidates are required to earn 30 credits from taught modules.
- Students are often free to take modules from across the university offerings but should discuss this with their supervisor.
- The PhD is examined in an oral viva voce examination with internal and external examiners where candidates defend their PhD thesis.
- PhD theses describe research which makes an original, substantial, publishable contribution to knowledge and the degree is awarded to candidates who have demonstrated the capacity to pursue original research and scholarship.
Careers:
- The program prepares students for research, teaching, or applied psychology positions in academia or industry.
Other:
- A PhD typically takes 3-4 years full-time (9-12 trimesters) or up to 6 years part-time (typically 15-18 trimesters) to complete.
- The examination of the degree of PhD is based on a description of the candidate’s research, written up as a thesis and defended in a viva voce (oral examination).
University College Dublin
Overview:
University College Dublin (UCD) is a leading research-intensive university located in Dublin, Ireland. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and global engagement. UCD offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCD provides a vibrant and diverse campus experience for its students. The university emphasizes the holistic development of its students, offering a range of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Research Excellence:
UCD is renowned for its strong research output and collaborations with industry partners.Global Partnerships:
The university boasts a vast network of partner institutions worldwide, providing students with opportunities for international study and exchange.Transformational Learning:
UCD focuses on providing a transformative learning experience that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.Other:
UCD is actively involved in promoting sustainability and social responsibility. The university is committed to creating a positive impact on society through its research, teaching, and engagement activities.
Entry Requirements:
- Primary Degree:
- Domestic (EEA) Applicants:
- Bachelor's degree in Psychology with upper second-class honours or international equivalent.
- OR a Higher Diploma in Psychology with at least upper second-class honours.
- International (Non-EEA) Applicants:
- Same as Domestic (EEA) Applicants.
- Other Applicants:
- Applicants with at least an upper second-class honours degree in a cognate area that provides appropriate background to their proposed research programme will be considered.
- Graduate Degree:
- Direct Entry:
- Upper second-class honours in a Master's degree.
- OR at least three years' experience in a field relevant to the PhD topic.
- Without a Graduate Degree:
- Successful applicants will be first registered to the MLitt research degree with a view to transferring to the PhD programme after one year.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 7.0 (no band less than 6.5 in each element), or equivalent.
Huge and always expanding. Lots of course options and the professors care a lot about what they teach. Huge amount of students and clubs so there is something for everyone.
Finished my Masters in Food Safety here in 2019. Quality of education is pretty good. Facilities are on point. One of the better universities in Ireland. A lot of extra curricular activities organised all round the year. No racism or any other issue as per my experience. Teaching staff is quite knowledgeable. I loved my time there. 10/10
