1. Determine your area of interest
- Read the UCD Doctoral Studies Brochure
- Review UCD Research Spotlights and Get Inspired
- View ongoing research projects
- Explore funding and scholarships opportunities
PhD Lifecycle
The complete PhD journey at UCD
2. Identify a supervisor
- Review the application process
- Research UCD Colleges and Schools
- Identify potential supervisors via UCD Researchers
- Reach out and make contact to see if they are willing to take on a PhD student
3. English language requirements
Ensure you review and meet the minimum English language requirements to study at UCD
4. Formal application process
Once you have the agreement of an academic member of staff to support your PhD application, the School will be able to advise you on the required application process.
5. Getting started
Stage 1 is a period in which you define your research plan, develop your research skills and initiate original research work for your doctorate.
First steps
- Review our information for new graduate students
- Participate in Graduate Studies and School orientation activities
- Explore the Graduate Welcome Guide
Tip: the Student Desk can help with many initial queries.
6. Key elements
Research project
- Begin your research project
- Establish a meeting schedule with your Principal Supervisor
- Agree on a schedule for meetings with your Research Studies Panel (RSP)
Other elements
- Complete Research Integrity Training
- Review UCD Research Ethics
- Explore our offering of Transferable Skills workshops
- Begin Research and Professional Development Planning (RPDP)
- Discuss Taught Modules (30 ECTS Requirement) with your Supervisor
7. Preparing for the Stage Transfer Assessment
- Continue to progress your research and meet regularly with your supervisor
- Prepare your research plan and statement of progress
- Prepare your Research Professional Development Planning (RPDP)
- Ensure an RSP meeting is held at least two months prior to your Stage Transfer Assessment (STA)
Tip: Your Career and Skills Consultant can assist with interview preparation.
8. Stage Transfer Assessment
The STA is a formal assessment step and is mandatory in order to proceed from Stage 1 to Stage 2 of your PhD. The STA must be completed within 5 trimesters for a full-time student or 7 for a part-time student.
Tip: Refer to the Research Student Handbook and work with your Supervisor on STA preparation.
9. Continuing your research
Stage 2 is primarily dedicated to continuing your original doctoral research but may also include some advanced education and training.
- In order to progress from Stage 1 to Stage 2, you must have undergone an STA.
10. Key elements
Research project
- Complete your Research Project
- Meet your Supervisor regularly
- Ensure at least one annual RSP meeting is held
Other elements
- Develop and complete your RPDP
- Complete your Taught Modules requirement
- Build your Transferable Skills
- Attend and present at relevant conferences
- Stay involved in University life
11. Thesis examination and submission
Thesis examination
- Prepare your thesis for submission
- Your School will appoint an Examination Committee
- Undergo a viva voce thesis examination
- Familiarise yourself with the possible outcomes of the viva voce
Submission of final thesis
- Familiarise yourself with the eThesis examination system
- Submit your final thesis
12. Final steps
- If the Examination Committee recommendation is to approve, UCD Academic Council Committee on Examinations will consider the degree award at their next scheduled meeting.
- If the degree is awarded, all degrees are conferred at the next available UCD Conferring Ceremony.