Phd In Applied Social Science (In the area of Social Policy or Social Work)
The School of Applied Social Science offers doctoral degrees in Applied Social Science in the areas of Social Policy and Social Work. The degree of PhD is by independent research. It can be undertaken on a full-time or a part-time basis. PhD students normally register for a minimum of three years (full-time). The period of registration for a PhD degree will not normally be more than 4 years for a full-time student or 6 years for a part-time student. All PhD programmes offer team supervision, course work, and courses in research methodologies.
Course Structure
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded on the basis of research carried out by the candidate, under the supervision of a panel of suitably qualified academics, the results of which are submitted to the University in a thesis. The PhD thesis is an original contribution to knowledge in the subject. Candidates are required to take an oral examination on the subject matter of their thesis. The Degree will not be awarded unless the examiners report that the work is worthy of publication as a whole or in part.
The University records work conducted in the pursuit of research degrees on a credit basis, so that one calendar year of full-time research is considered equivalent to 90 credits. PhD students in the College of Human Sciences are required to undertake 30 credits of taught modules such as research methodologies, philosophy of science and ethics, during their period of registration. Click here for further information.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are normally expected to have a Master’s Degree. In exceptional circumstances an applicant may be considered if he / she has reached a high Honours standard at the examination for the primary Degree or presented such other evidence as will satisfy the Head of School and the College of his / her fitness. In addition, students applying for the PhD in the area of Social Work must hold a professional qualification in social work (National Qualification in Social Work or equivalent). Students who have commenced study for a Masters in Social Science by research may be considered for transfer to the PhD following a review of their progress after a minimum of one year. Students must demonstrate the potential to reach the appropriate standard for a PhD thesis.
Application Procedure
There are two parts to the application procedure:
1. Download and complete an application form. This document also contains a checklist and guidelines for your research proposal.
Click here for application form. Please complete this form in typescript.
Click here for Word 2003 version.
Click here for a PDF version of the Application Form
2. - Two copies of a dissertation proposal outlining the plan for your original research should be submitted by post to Catherine Baulch, School of Applied Social Science, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4.
Supporting documents required are original transcripts of your academic qualifications (if a non UCD graduate), two original references (one of which must be an academic reference from your home university), a photocopy of your birth certificate or personal details page from your passport, and a full curriculum vitae.
English Language Requirements
If your primary language is not English, and your primary degree was not undertaken in the English language, you will be required to show evidence of English language ability. You will normally be required to have a minimum IELTS score of 7.0, or its equivalent on other similar English language tests recognised by UCD, with a score of 6.5 or above on all individual bands.
Closing Date
PhD studies normally commence in September, but on occasion applicants may be permitted to enter in January. The closing date is 1st May for entry the following September and 1st October for entry the following January. Late applications may be accepted at the discretion of the Head of School should places remain.
For an informal discussion of a possible application, you may wish to contact the programme director, Dr Michelle Norris at michelle.norris@ucd.ie who would be happy to discuss this with you.
Further information can be obtained from the following websites:
* Information on the Structured PhD at UCD
* General regulations for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
* College of Human Sciences Graduate School, including information on taught modules
* Research and Development Professional Plan
* Policy on PhD Stage 1 Transfer Assessment