PhD Programme

Ph.D. Programme Structure

In the Ph.D. programme, students are supported throughout their studies by an experienced supervisor (or supervisors) who is (are) expert in the chosen topic.  During their studies students will attend certain modules and workshops as part of the DCUBS Doctoral Studies Programme.  Progress is monitored on an ongoing basis and students are required to attend six monthly review meetings.  The programme is designed to be completed in three or four years.  During this time students are encouraged to attend research seminars and workshops, present their work at conferences, and publish their work in scholarly journals.

Application Procedure

Applicants will not be considered without a research proposal (of approx. 3,000 words), a CV, and 2 academic references.  This should be sent to jack.healy@dcu.ie

Please note that if no members of faculty have undertaken, or are interested in undertaking, research closely related to that of a proposal, it is unlikely that the proposal will be accepted. Therefore, you should ensure that your proposed topic is close to the research interests of one or more members of faculty. You may establish this through correspondence with relevant members of faculty and by viewing the research profiles of our faculty members here.

You will also find further information on research interests and possible research topics here.

When preparing your proposal you must ensure that you:

• clearly outline your chosen research question,
• display your familiarity with relevant literature relating to your overall research question in appropriate research journals,
• show how your question is located in the relevant research literature,
• indicate the contribution your research will make to this body of research, and
• suggest possible methodologies that may be appropriate for your study.

Guidelines for Writing a Research Proposal for Doctoral Applications (pdf - 23kb)

Each proposal will be assessed by various members of staff, who have an interest in the chosen research area. The purpose of this process is to ensure the best possible ‘fit’ between potential supervisor and applicant.  If a staff member indicates a willingness to accept an applicant, then the applicant may then be invited to attend an interview at DCUBS.

If English is not your first language, you must submit evidence of having passed a recognised examination in English, including the result obtained, with your application.

Once you have attended an interview, and a supervisor has indicated a willingness to supervise you, you will then be required to make a formal application to the University via the Postgraduate Applications Centre.

Further information on applying.

Scholarship Opportunities for PhD Applicants
DCU Business School is currently expanding the number of full-time PhD students and seeks exceptional candidates for its generous scholarships.  The DCU Business School considers applications from both EU and non-EU applicants for a limited number of funded places.  These will carry an attractive annual scholarship of €15,000, fees paid by DCUBS, and access to €5,000 conference and research funds over the duration of the scholarship.  Given that there are more applicants than scholarships, applicants are also encouraged to apply for other scholarships and grants.

Entry Requirements
Ph.D. applicants should hold a Masters degree by research from a recognised university. Applicants who do not hold a Masters degree by research (i.e. even if they hold a taught Masters) may be registered as a Masters student on the PhD-Track register.  If progress is satisfactory after completing a minimum of 1 year of study they may then transfer to the Ph.D. programme.

For those interested in applying for a Masters degree by research, a good honours primary degree is necessary (preferably at least 2:1) in the discipline in which they intend to undertake the research.