Duration: 3-4 years full time; 5 years part time
General Information
We offer a structured PhD programme that includes (1) training in research methods, (2) coursework in two subject-areas of politics and international relations, (3) regular contact with a Doctoral Studies Panel composed of academic staff with expertise related to the students interests, and (4) the writing of a doctoral thesis based on original research.
All students must designate primary and secondary subjects of specialization within politics and international relations and complete PhD seminars covering each subjects core scholarly literature. Please consult the webpage for a current list of subjects.
Conditional upon approval by the Doctoral Studies Panel, a students second subject seminar may be taken in a cognate discipline beyond the School. Students will also take courses in research design, and qualitative and quantitative methods. In addition, students have the option of auditing additional postgraduate modules (in SPIRe, the College of Human Sciences, and in neighbouring institutions) in order to deepen their substantive knowledge and/or methodological skills.
Admission Requirements
In order to be considered for admission, applicants must have completed and earned high grades in a taught Masters or MLitt programme in the area of politics and international relations or a cognate field and articulate a research interest that fits with the expertise of SPIRe’s academic staff. Prospective applicants should our staff's profiles for a comprehensive listing of the Schools research strengths and possible supervision areas.
Career Prospects
The programme is designed for all those whose career plans require a capacity for independent and rigorous research, a broad understanding of political structures and processes, and expertise in a particular area of political analysis.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Students can enter the programme in either September or January.
Applications cannot be considered until we have received the following documentation
- Thesis proposal (3-5 pages maximum)
- Copies of Transcripts
- C.V. (2 pages maximum)
- Two references, at least one of which should be from an academic
- Evidence of English language competence
This documentation can be emailed to the SPIRe School Manager, Ms Dara Gannon (dara.gannon@ucd.ie)
Further documentation will be required should you be provisionally be offered a place on the programme.