Explore UCD

UCD Home >

PhD and Research Masters

Our flagship research degree is our structured PhD programme. The structured PhD focuses on the completion of taught modules in conjunction with a research thesis. This has proven to be highly successful and enables our PhD students to achieve the best possible experience of graduate research and training. Making a substantial and original contribution to knowledge, normally leading to peer-reviewed publications is a core goal of doctoral studies in the UCD School of Geography. For a list of current research students, click here.

Doctoral students normally have two supervisors, a research advisory panel that consists of experts who support the students from cognate areas of research. A two stage process ensures that students have developed their research design and have achieved the high standards expected of doctoral degrees. Stage transfer offers students the opportunity to present their work and receive feedback from scholars outside of their research team and gives invaluable viva experience. The doctoral programme in the school is overseen by the Research Director who is a key point of contact for current students. For further details on UCD graduate programmes click here. In order to identify a suitable supervisor, please click staff pages here. 

The School of Geography offers two Research Masters Programmes (MLitt - Human Geography and MSc - Physical Geography). These degrees are suitable for students who want to carry out research either with the view to progressing towards a PhD degree in the future or simply gaining the skill set that accompanies investigative research. 

To apply click here.

  

Kate de Smeth

PhD researcher

"The PhD programme at the UCD School of Geography provides students with just the right structure to guide us through the early period of topic development and literature exploration while also allowing flexibility and room for students to step into their own as academic researchers as they progress their research. The coursework requirement is well designed to enable students to take courses from any School within UCD so that we can tailor this to our skill and knowledge needs. With friendly academic colleagues and a core support group of other PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, PhD students can enjoy stimulating conversations and build their networks across both human and physical aspects of geography. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at UCD Geography so far, having made great friends and been inspired by the research of our growing team."

The structured PhD includes several measures designed to support you in achieving your academic and professional objectives. One of these measures is the requirement of each PhD student to have a Doctoral Studies Panel. The purpose of the Doctoral Studies Panel is to support and enhance the supervisor-student relationship, to monitor your progress during the course of your doctoral studies and to provide advice and support both to you and your supervisor(s). The panel consists not only of your supervisor(s) but also additional advisor(s). A further measure of support is the requirement in the structured programme to complete at least 30 credits of graduate taught modules at the early stages of your study. Thus, each student gains important experience not only in research but also in broader academic field of study.

Further details can be found by clicking here or you can apply online here.

The School of Geography is currently offering two PhD scholarships (EU fee rate waiver for up to four years).  In order to apply for the scholarships, students must submit a PhD application via the online submission system. Details of that process can be found here. Please state clearly in your application that you are applying for the Geography PhD Scholarships, and in addition to all required documentation also include a detailed research statement (ca. 4,000 words) and indicate a  potential supervisor. Terms & Conditons

Other possible sources of funding are detailed below:

The School of Geography offers two Research Masters programmes. These degrees are suitable for students who want to carry out research either with the view to progressing towards a PhD degree in the future or simply gaining the skill set that accompanies investigative research. The two degrees on offer are:

  • MLitt (Human Geography)
  • MSc (Physical Geography)

The Research Masters Programme includes several measures designed to support you in achieving your academic and professional objectives. One of these measures is the requirement of each student to have a Research Masters Panel. The purpose of the Research Masters Panel is to support and enhance the supervisor-student relationship, to monitor your progress during the course of your doctoral studies and to provide advice and support both to you and your supervisor(s). A further measure of support is the possibility to complete taught modulesat the early stages of your study.

Tuition fee information is available from UCD Fees. 

Please note that the School of Geography is under the College of Social Sciences and Law.

Teaching in Irish Universities is through the medium of English; therefore all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in English language.

UCD's minimum English Language Requirements are approved by the University Programmes Board and apply to all applicants and all levels of study.

 For further information, please visit English Language Requirements

Guidelines for Postgraduate Research 2023-24 PDF
Thesis by Papers Guidelines PDF | 93.3KB