Equality Studies PhD Programme
PhD research in Equality Studies can be related to any issue of equality and inequality. It typically involves not just analysing existing inequalities but also work on how to promote equality. Where students are engaged with marginalised or disadvantaged groups, we encourage a collaborative approach that involves people and makes a difference to their lives. We also encourage the study of the structures and institutions that generate and perpetuate inequality, and strategies for change.
All research students in the School take part in a regular research Round Table at which they discuss their work in progress as well as published work that they recommend to each other. As participants in a structured PhD programme, students also take a number of courses chosen from the School’s master’s degree programmes and from the programmes offered by other Schools, the College of Human Sciences and UCD Research.
A list of PhD research topics undertaken in the School is available here
The information below will give you an idea of how your PhD studies will progress over the course of your degree. It is based on the aim of completing the PhD in £ years. Some students need a bit longer to complete, but the university's policy is for full-time students to complete within 4 years.
Year 1
Course Requirements
Students who enter the Ph.D. programme with an MSc in Equality Studies are required to:
(a) Participate in the fortnightly PhD Roundtables in Equality Studies. Their purpose is to ensure that PhD students have structured support and on-going intellectual stimulation while undertaking their studies. The Roundtables enable us to get to know one another and to learn from each other’s work and experiences of doing research. The Roundtables serve two main complementary objectives: First, they give students an opportunity to do presentations on their work and get feedback and support from staff and colleagues. There is a strong emphasis on peer learning and support in the group. Second, the Roundtables provide students and staff with the opportunity to discuss texts of relevance to their research. Both students and staff propose readings throughout the year and all of us read these and discuss them. This gives us a chance to explore new ideas in the field.
(b) Undertake such other courses offered by the School or the College of Human Sciences that would contribute to their ability to conduct their research.
In addition to (a) and (b) above, students entering the PhD programme without an MSc in Equality Studies are required to complete additional modules as follows:
(c) Egalitarian Theory and Practice. This 5-credit seminar-based module from the Equality Studies master's programme provides an opportunity for students to discuss some key ideas in the theory and practice of egalitarianism.
(d) Additional modules the Equality Studies master's programme that are cognate to their area of proposed research. The modules taken will be approved in agreement with their supervisor and Doctoral Panel. Students normally take 25-30 credits of modules. A full list of current modules is available in information about the MSc in Equality Studies.
Supervision
All students have an allocated Principal Supervisor and a Doctoral Panel consisting of the supervisor and at least two other staff. Regular meetings with the supervisor are arranged (e.g. fortnightly or monthly depending on whether students are full-time or part-time). Each student is asked to develop a clear and realistic timetable for their work on an annual basis.
End of Year 1 Objectives
A well-developed research proposal approved by the supervisor and their doctoral panel. A core element in this is the development of a sound theoretical and methodological framework for the thesis involving (a) a substantive literature review and (b) a full up-to-date bibliography. Preparation of a research design and plan for the thesis. Where an empirical study is involved, the pilot work should be planned in Year 1.
- At least one presentation to the PhD Roundtable on their research proposal.
- Completion of required modules to a high academic standard (generally A or B).
- ALL students will be required to have demonstrated that they are capable and willing to complete their PhD within an agreed time frame.
- Each student meets with her or his Doctoral Panel at the end of the academic year to review progress.
Year 2
- Continued participation in PhD Roundtables
- Undertake such further modules as may contribute to their research.
- Continued work with supervisor
Full-time PhD students will normally undertake a Transfer Assessment to move to Stage 2 of the PhD. The assessment will be based on their developed proposal and other written work (including courses completed and chapters as appropriate).
End of Year 2 Objectives
Complete a definitive theoretical/review of the literature for the thesis. This will involve 2 chapters at least. Plan and complete fieldwork, if and as appropriate, and begin preliminary analysis.
If a thesis is purely theoretical, the objective for year 2 will be to have drafted 3 major chapters. Give at least one presentation to the PhD Roundtable.
Each student meets with her or her Doctoral Panel at the end of the academic year to review progress.
Year 3
- Continued participation in PhD Roundtables
- Undertake such further modules as may contribute to their research.
- Continued work with supervisor
End of Year 3 Objectives
- Final data analysis
- Final write up of thesis
- Final Presentation to the PHD Roundtable prior to submission of the thesis
- Final presentation to the PhD Roundtable prior to submission of the thesis.
Part-time Students
It is envisaged that students who are undertaking their PhD on a part-time basis will take 5-6 years to complete. The timeframe for their work will be a modified version of the full-time schedule given above. In particular:
- All students attend the PhD Roundtable in every year of their programme.
- Other course requirements in Stage 1 of the programme are completed over the first two years.
- The Transfer Assessment normally takes place at the end of the second year or beginning of the third.
- All students meet with their Doctoral Panels at the end of each year to review their progress.
If you have any questions about these guidelines, please do not hesitate to contact us: socialjustice@ucd.ie