Research Degrees (MLitt)

The MLitt is a 2 year full-time or 4 year part-time research programme. Although the MLitt is predominately a research degree you will also undertake formal training in research skills as well as other relevant taught modules.

MLitt students may transfer to the PhD programme after completing one year of research subject to the School’s approval.

The MLitt is a thesis of approximately 50,000 words that describes the context, nature, methodology and outcomes of your research. You will work with a supervisor during your studies, the faculty in the School of Archaeology has a wide range of research interests and expertise.

Entry Requirements

You need to hold a Masters degree in a relevant subject, a Bachelors degree or equivalent of at least 2.1 Hons.  If you are not a native English speaker, you will need to demonstrate an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or above.

How to apply

Before applying, you must contact the School of Archaeology Graduate Director, outlining your academic experience to date and your proposed areas of research and supervisor. You will work with your proposed supervisor to produce a research proposal.

You may commence a MLitt in September, January or May each year.  Online Applications

Fees and Funding

Please check the fees via www.ucd.ie/fees

You may be able to apply for a IRC (Irish Research Council) Grant towards your MLitt Degree. 

Research Degrees (PhD)

UCD School of Archaeology welcomes applications from potential PhD students in all fields related to Archaeology or World Heritage. A UCD PhD is a four year research degree, undertaken within a clearly structured programme including training, taught modules, a Research and Professional Development Plan and opportunities to develop teaching skills. All students are assigned a primary supervisor and a variety of academic supports. Students are supported in their programme of independent research which will normally culminate in the production of research worthy of peer-reviewed publications. All UCD School of Archaeology staff are experienced in supervision of PhD students and have wide ranging expertise, with current field projects in many parts of Europe and Asia and School research interests spanning from heritage management through to experimental archaeology. Many of our PhD students have been successful in obtaining Postdoctoral funding following their research.

• Further information about UCD's structured PhD programme can be found here >>

For current PhD Researchers UCD supports and procedures can be found here >>. Current information and downloads for your Research and Professional Development Plan (RPDP) can be found here >>

How to apply

Any candidate considering a PhD is required to complete a detailed project proposal. These should be developed in collaboration with your potential supervisor. An essential first step is making contact with a potential supervisor to discuss possible research topics. Contact the Graduate Officer if you have any queries about which staff member may be most relevant to your proposed research. 

Full-time and Part-time options are available.

For further information, please contact the (opens in a new window)School Graduate Director (Prof. Graeme Warren). We look forward to hearing about your proposed research.

Online application

Applications to UCD can be made online here: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/admissions/apply.html.

Fees and costs

• Further information on EU fees can be found on the UCD Registry web site here >>
• Further information on Non-EU fees can be found on the UCD Registry web site here >>
• General UCD information about course fees and costs can be found on the UCD Registry web site here >>
• A UCD School of Archaeology/UCD College of Social Sciences and Law Research Scholarship can be applied for here >>

IRC Postgraduate Scholarship Applicants

If you are interested in applying for a Government of Ireland IRC (Irish Research Council) Postgraduate Scholarship, in the first instance please contact your proposed PhD supervisor and the (opens in a new window)School Graduate Director (Prof. Graeme Warren) to discuss your proposal.

(opens in a new window)Further information about postgraduate funding schemes run by the IRC can be found here >>

Please read the terms and conditions carefully.

Documentation required for Applications for PhD/MLitt in Archaeology or World Heritage:

All Applicants must include:

1. A current CV. 
2. A research proposal outlining:
   • Description of the project
   • Location of the project within the current state of research
   • Significance of the project for research.

Non-UCD Graduates should also provide the following documentation, as an electronic copy upload to their online application and as original hard copy documents by post to the School Administrator, at UCD School of Archaeology, to complete the application process:

1. Official transcript(s) giving date of award and standard of primary degree and any other degrees or diplomas or transcript(s) of academic performance to date for those who have not yet completed their degree.
2. Two academic references. One to be the Head of School/Professor of the major subject which you pursued in your primary degree. Must be original signed documentation on Institutional headed paper.
3. For overseas candidates whose first language is not English, a certificate of proficiency in the English language (such as TOEFL, Cambridge or IELTS) must be provided.