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Doctoral Programmes

Doctoral Programmes

Programme Information
Course / Major Code
W597 Full-time; W598 Part-time
Duration
4 years / 6 years
Next intake
September and January annually
Contact
Director
Professor Alessandro Benati

The UCD Structured PhD in Bilingual Education recruits doctoral students in the field of Bilingualism and Bilingual Education. Doctoral students enrolled in this programme will be associated to the new Lab in the School of Education which is the focal point for international research projects in psycholinguistic https://www.ucd.ie/education/research/lab/.The doctoral studies conducted in the Lab will be trained to use new research technology (Eye Tracking, self-paced reading), to test what happens to students' brain in real teaching/acquisition contexts and to investigate authentic language use.

Application process

  1. Please make direct contact with the Programme Director with your research proposal before making an online application. Research proposal in a topic area of interest to the School of Education. 
  2. Please apply online using the electronic system available here: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/admissions/apply.html.
  3. Once you have applied online, please email the Director of the programme to state your application has been made online. 
  4. If you would like to use our guidelines for writing a PhD proposal you can find them below. However, proposals that are not an exact match to the guidelines are also welcomed. PhD proposal template.
  5. Your application will be evaluated using the following criteria:
    • High honours in an appropriate master’s degree (or equivalent) and/or evidence of other academic standing and/or relevant professional experience that demonstrates suitability for PhD study.
    • Evidence of meeting the School’s English language requirements for PhD study. These are: IELTS of 7 total score, with no band below 6.5, or alternatively a masters’ degree graded at 2:1 or above, written in English and obtained from an English speaking institution in an English speaking country, within the past 3-years from date of application.
    • Research proposal in the topic area of interest to the School of Education.
  6. Applicants who meet our admissions criteria and who have an agreed supervisor will be recommended for admission to the PhD programme. 
PhD Scholarship with Tuition Fee Waivers

Programme Information
Course / Major Code
W244 Full-time; W245 Part-time
Duration
4 years / 6 years
Next intake
September and January annually
Contact
Director
Dr Conor Galvin

The UCD Structured PhD in Children and Youth Studies offers students the opportunity to explore an issue of significant interest through research, that will lead to the generation of new knowledge adding to research, practice and policy. All topics relating to children, adolescents and young adults are welcomed, as are applicants from any disciplinary background.

The relevance of the PhD in Children and Youth Studies to improving the lives of young people makes this a challenging, exciting and rewarding graduate programme for people at any stage in their careers. Graduates bring with them an enhanced understanding of their research area plus a deep awareness of the complex and interdependent social issues facing contemporary childhoods and youth, to any professional role they may inhabit after the programme.

The PhD in Children and Youth Studies can be carried out full time over three to four years or part time over six years. There is also an accelerated option, where students can apply to transfer directly to the third year of the part time route, after successfully completing the two-year part time MSc in Children and Youth Studies. 

The production of a written thesis of around 80,000 words detailing the student’s original research study and how it has made a significant contribution to knowledge, remains the core objective of the PhD in Children and Youth Studies. Typically, the thesis will consist of, or lead directly to, peer reviewed publications in academic journals or a published monograph. In addition, students must complete thirty credits of taught modules at the School of Education or more broadly within the College of Social Sciences and Law. Those modules must include at least one research methods module and the other two may be any graduate level modules of choice.

A large range of supports are also available within UCD, for all graduate researchers. These include library study pods, training in many aspects of research and research management, and superb library facilities. UCD also has a state-of-the-art leisure centre with an Olympic swimming pool, a cinema, theatre, and a medical centre.

In addition, our students are supported in writing applications for grants and scholarships, and we have a very high level of success in attracting student awards from the Irish Research Council, and the National University of Ireland. Our students present their research at the All-Ireland doctoral conference, hosted annually by UCD and QUB, and they also present at international conferences. Many of our research students have won places on prestigious graduate summer schools.

Offering the gold standard in graduate education, UCD doctoral degrees are highly regarded all over the world. We welcome applications from all areas of Children and Youth Studies, and applicants of all nationalities. 

Application process

  1. Please make direct contact with the School faculty with your research proposal before making an online application. Research proposal in a topic area of interest to the School of Education. 
  2. Please apply online using the electronic system available here: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/admissions/apply.html
  3. Once you have applied online, please email the Director of the programme [conor.galvin@ucd.ie] to state your application has been made online. 
  4. If you would like to use our guidelines for writing a PhD proposal you can find them below. However, proposals that are not an exact match to the guidelines are also welcomed. PhD proposal template
  5. Your application will be evaluated using the following criteria:
    • High honours in an appropriate master’s degree (or equivalent) and/or evidence of other academic standing and/or relevant professional experience that demonstrates suitability for PhD study.
    • Evidence of meeting the School’s English language requirements for PhD study. These are: IELTS of 7 total score, with no band below 6.5, or alternatively a masters’ degree graded at 2:1 or above, written in English and obtained from an English speaking institution in an English speaking country, within the past 3-years from date of application.
    • Research proposal in topic area of interest to the School of Education.

6. Applicants who meet our admissions criteria and who have an agreed supervisor will be recommended for admission to the PhD programme.

Structured PhD in Education Brochure

The UCD Structured PhD in Education is one of the most challenging, rewarding and exciting graduate programmes in Education. It has an international reputation, and graduates are currently employed as academics in leading universities, as teachers, as school principals, and as education policy makers and innovators in the public and private sector.

Programme Information
Course / Major Code                                        W135 Full-time, W136 Part-time
Duration
4 years Full-time / 6years Part-time
Closing date of Entry
September and January annually
Contact
Director
Dr Conor Galvin 

On the programme, students must complete a substantial thesis of typically around 80,000 words, detailing an original research study that has made a significant contribution to knowledge. The structured component is thirty credits of taught modules including at least one research methods module. The other two modules may be any graduate level modules of choice offered at the School of Education or more broadly within the College of Social Sciences and Law.

The PhD in Education can be carried out full time over three to four years or part time over six years. The production of a written thesis of around 80,000 words detailing the student’s original research study and how it has made a significant contribution to knowledge, remains the core objective of the PhD. Typically, the thesis will consist of, or lead directly to, peer reviewed publications in academic journals or a published monograph. 

A large range of supports are also available within UCD, for all graduate researchers. These include library study pods, training in many aspects of research and research management, and superb library facilities. UCD also has a state-of-the-art leisure centre with an Olympic swimming pool, a cinema, theatre, and a medical centre.

In addition, our students are supported in writing applications for grants and scholarships, and we have a very high level of success in attracting student awards from the Irish Research Council, and the National University of Ireland. Our students present their research at the All-Ireland doctoral conference, hosted annually by UCD and QUB, and they also present at international conferences. Many of our research students have won places on prestigious graduate summer schools.

Offering the gold standard in graduate education, UCD doctoral degrees are highly regarded all over the world. We welcome applications from all areas of educational research, and applicants of all nationalities.

Application process

  1. Please make direct contact with the School faculty with your research proposal before making an online application. Research proposal in a topic area of interest to the School of Education. 
  2. Please apply online using the electronic system available here: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/admissions/apply.html after the thesis title has been agreed with the supervisor.
  3. If you would like to use our guidelines for writing a PhD proposal you can find them below. However, proposals that are not an exact match to the guidelines are also welcomed. PhD proposal template
  4. Your application will be evaluated using the following criteria:
    • High honours in an appropriate master’s degree (or equivalent) and/or evidence of other academic standing and/or relevant professional experience that demonstrates suitability for PhD study.
    • Evidence of meeting the School’s English language requirements for PhD study. These are: IELTS of 7 total score, with no band below 6.5, or alternatively a masters’ degree graded at 2:1 or above, written in English and obtained from an English speaking institution in an English speaking country, within the past 3-years from date of application.
  5. If a Faculty member has formally agreed to supervise you (we may require email documentation), please state this in your application. If you do not have a supervisor before applying, we will attempt to match you to one after receiving your online application. Please note that it is optional for Faculty members to supervise PhD students. 

  6. Applicants who meet our admissions criteria and who have an agreed supervisor will be recommended for admission to the PhD programme.

Structured PhD in Education Brochure

Programme Information
Course / Major Code                                                    W334 Full-time 
Duration 3 years 
Closing Date of Entry
TBC
Director
Dr Joyce Senior
Contact
Programme Administrator
Sarah Walshe
Overview Of The Programme

Please note that the closing date for receipt of applications for the 2026/27 intake has not yet been finalised. Once available, the closing date will be published on this website. Typically, applicants have until late January or early February to submit, this will be confirmed once available.

The Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology is a 3-year research degree and professional training programme in educational psychology. The course is fully accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland and involves academic taught components, supervised clinical professional placement and research.

2026/27 Intake

The closing date for applications is TBC

Typically, applicants have until late January or early February to submit their completed applications, this will be confirmed once available.

After short-listing, successful applicants will be provided with a list of research topics from which they can choose one in order to develop a research proposal using a provided template.

Interviews dates have not yet been finalised but when available, will be published on this website. Interviews typically take place in late March or early April.

All offers of trainee educational psychology places are made subject to funding. It is anticipated that there will be 17 funded places on the programme for the 2026 intake but full details have yet to be confirmed, the below information is for reference only:

  • HSE CHO8 (Laois/Offaly, Longford/Westmeath, Louth/Meath): sponsor 5 places
  • HSE CHO5 (South Tipperary/Waterford/Wexford/Carlow/Kilkenny): sponsor 5 places
  • The National Educational Psychology Services (NEPS): bursary for 7 places (locations to be confirmed).
Funding Information

Since the academic year 2023/24, students on the Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology Full-time Programme W334 have received funding from one of two external stakeholders. The stakeholders being the  HSE and NEPS (Dept of Education). While we cannot confirm the exact details of the funding for the academic year 2026/27, the below are examples of funding which students received in previous years;

HSE Funding: A salary of approx. €42,000 per annum and 60% of the fees covered by the HSE. Students are expected to cover the remaining 40% of their fees themselves.

NEPS Funding: A Bursary Award of €40,000 per annum, for each of the three years of the doctoral programme. UCD will administer the awards, including payments, on behalf of NEPS. Payments will be made in a number of instalments to be determined by UCD in conjunction with NEPS.

All offers of trainee educational psychology places are subject to funding. Confirmation of NEPS/ HSE funding is usually communicated after the application and interview process. Unfortunately, it cannot be guaranteed at the time of application.

It is not possible to self-fund this programme.

Learning Outcome

The course aims to provide trainee educational psychologists with the theoretical framework and the practical experience necessary to work as professional psychologists within a variety of contexts, including educational and healthcare setting, to critique relevant research and to conduct research at doctoral level.

Students on the D Ed Psych course will:

  • Critically examine the discipline of Educational Psychology and the varying roles and responsibilities of educational psychologists.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the main theories of Child Development, including: neuropsychological, cognitive, motor, perceptual, social and emotional, linguistic and numerical development in the context of explaining human functioning and dysfunctioning in a variety of contexts.
  • Examine a range of disabilities/special educational needs in relation to aetiology, assessment and diagnosis, as well as the main educational and therapeutic interventions used to support persons with disabilities/special educational needs.
  • Become familiar with models of curriculum development, with particular emphasis on curriculum modification for students with special educational needs.
  • Examine the discourse, assumptions, policy and legislation underpinning educational provision for students with disabilities/special educational needs, with particular emphasis on inclusive education.
  • Critically examine perceived models of best practice in relation to the organisation of provision for students with disabilities and special educational needs with a particular emphasis on an inclusive whole-school approach to such organisation.
  • Explore a range of issues in the Sociology of Education, such as intelligence, disability, ethnicity, gender and social disadvantage, from a sociologial and a sociak osychological perspective.
  • Gain an understanding of schools as systems, of school cultures and of systems theory in the context of organisational psychology.
  • Become familiar with the main approaches to counselling and develop basic counselling skills.
  • Acquire the skills to formulate and evaluate holistic individualised education programmes, relating to care, education and behaviour.
  • Become thoroughly proficient in the administration of key tests of cognitive ability, school attainment and social, emotional and behavioural functioning and become aware of the issues involved in administering such tests to persons of various ages, presenting with a variety of disabilities/special educational needs and from a variety of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
  • Become fully aware of the main issues involved in the conducting of psychological assessments and the production of reports of such assessments, including; informed consent, information gathering and the communication of results.
  • Become competent in interpreting psychological profiles, in writing clear, coherent and relevant reports and in formulating appropriate recommendations.
  • Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the ethical and professional issues involved in the practice of Educational Psychology.
  • Demonstrate a competent ability to critically evaluate and compare theories, conceptual models and research, with particular relevance to the application of such theories, models and research to the professional practice of Educational Psychology.
  • Be able to design and conduct a substantial piece of original research at doctoral level that can inform the practice of Educational Psychology and be able to report the findings of their research in an accessible format that is of a standard suitable for publication in national and international refereed journals.
  • Complete a doctoral thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge and that is relevant to the practice of Educational Psychology.
Module Components Of Professional Doctorate In Educational Psychology

Year One Full-time

  • Inclusion and Equality in Education
  • Child Development Theory Applied to Practice
  • Educational Psychology Practice 1
  • Psychological Theories and Interventions
  • Educational Psychology Practice 2
  • Research Methods

Year Two Full-time

  • Educational Psychology Practice 3
  • Educational Psychology Practice 4
  • Advanced Research Methods Qualitative and Quantitative
  • Research Thesis Preparation

Year Three Full-time

  • Educational Psychology Practice 5
  • Research Thesis Preparation and Submission
Assessment Procedures

There is a variety of assessment procedures employed on the course including; essay-based assignments, research assignments, completion of professional placement portfolios, individual and group presentations, observed administration of test instruments, supervised professional practice in schools and in psychological services, and the completion of a doctoral thesis of 30,000 words. For the award of Doctorate, the research must make an original contribution to knowledge and contain material of a standard appropriate for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Entry Requirements

The Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology Course is open to graduates who, prior to application, hold a first or second class honours (minimum 2.1) degree in Psychology or a qualification in Psychology that is deemed to be equivalent, and who meet the requirements for Graduate Basis for Registration with the Psychological Society of Ireland or equivalent. An applicant cannot be considered for entry to the course unless the results of his or her Psychology degree/diploma are confirmed and available.

Applicants must have at least two year’s relevant professional clinical experience during which they have developed the basic clinical skills required for establishing working relationships with clients. Work as a psychology assistant, special education teacher, behaviour support specialist, early years childcare support worker, research assistant on a psychological research project, or a postgraduate research degree where the project was conducted in a clinical psychology area are typical examples of the types of experience that are considered to be relevant in this context. Periods of continuous professional experience of less than three months full-time employment will not be considered as counting towards these two years minimum requirement. Relevant professional clinical experience excludes placement experience gained as part of acquiring professional qualifications

An important consideration for applying for this professional doctorate (as opposed to a PhD) is that while University College Dublin (UCD) welcomes applications from EU and EEA students, as educational psychology trainees are employees of the Health Service Executive (HSE)/DEpartment of Education (depending on their funder), it is a requirement that all applicants have the right to work in Ireland without restriction at the time of application, for the duration of the course, and for three years post-graduation to fulfil their obligations to their sponsoring agency.  Non-EU applicants are therefore not considered unless they provide evidence at the time of application of an existing right to work (and the right to residency) in Ireland for the duration of the course and the required post-qualification three years.

Applicants will be shortlisted for interview. In judging applicants’ suitability, an account will be taken of academic qualifications, professional experience and interpersonal skills, as well as communication and presentation skills. Previous research experience and perceived potential to conduct research at the doctoral level will also be important factors. Consideration of overall personal suitability for the role of educational psychologist and the quality of references are also integral elements of the selection process. After short-listing, successful applicants will be provided with a list of research topics from which they can choose one in order to develop a research proposal using a provided template.

Successful applicants will have to go through a Garda clearance procedure prior to final acceptance on to the course. A full driving licence is also a requirement due to clinical placements requirements. Professional conduct on the course is governed at all times by the Code of Ethics of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).

Please click here to apply

Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology Brochure

School of Education

University College Dublin Belfield Dublin 4 Ireland
T: +353 1 716 7777