Applications to UCD

The two institutions of the Dublin Graduate Philosophy Programme have separate admissions policies and procedures. This page is for students who wish to apply to UCD. Typically, this will be because they want to work with a supervisor who is a member of staff at UCD. Those who wish to apply to Trinity should consult their Handbook for Prospective Graduate Students.

Applicants should prepare a detailed research proposal of 2-4 pages in length, together with a Table of Contents, and a Bibliography of at least ten items. The proposal could make mention of the topic of the applicant's MA dissertation, and explain how the PhD would take the work further.

The cover letter should indicate whether the applicant has already contacted a UCD member of staff, and whether they have discussed the research proposal. This is not, however, a condition for application. If the applicant has not contacted a member of staff, the School will endeavour to find an appropriate supervisor for them, so long as the applicant meets all other conditions for admission. Applicants should note that some staff members may be on research leave in a given year, or may already have too many supervisory commitments to take on new PhD students.

The PhD Co-ordinator, Prof. Maria Baghramian, is available to discuss potential topics and supervisors with interested applicants. Any administrative questions should be sent to the Graduate Manager, Helen Kenny.

Applications should be submitted on-line. The process will spell out all the materials that need to be submitted along with the research proposal.

English Language Requirement

For all programmes, fluency in written English is required. If you are not a native speaker of English and your secondary education or university degree has not been carried out in English, then you must satisfy the English language requirement: a minimum score of 600 TOEFL (250 computer based, with test of written English at 475+) or 6.5 IELTS (minimum of 6.0 in each band).

Special Option: Writing a PhD thesis in French or German

The UCD School of Philosophy will consider, as part of a general application to its PhD programme, any request to submit a PhD thesis in the French or German language.

Please note: this option is only available under the usual admission conditions, namely,

  1. the applicant should be otherwise academically suitable;
  2. the applicant must have certified competence in written English enabling him/her to take part in taught courses and to write work for such courses alongside English native speakers;
  3. availability of an appropriate supervisor.

Further conditions may also be stipulated after consideration on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Helen Kenny if you wish to discuss this possibility.