Graduate Research Programmes

Our PhD students undertake wide-ranging high-level research in the fields of biosystems and food engineering.

Our structured PhD programme encompasses advanced-level graduate courses and training in state-of-the-art techniques as well as modules to develop personal communication, presentation and other skills needed by effective professionals.

The following will form a part of your structured programme:

• Research Project:Your project is the focus of your programme, with your principal supervisor as your primary source of information, training, advice and support.
• Research Studies Panel (RSP):Your RSP will support and monitor your progress during the course of your research studies and to provide advice both to you and your supervisor.
• Research & Professional Development Planning:ensures that your work is clearly focused on achieving your research and professional goals. 
• Transfer Assessment - If you want to transfer to a PhD programme.
• Taught Modules:All PhD students must take 30 credits of taught modules.

Applications for PhD and Research Masters programmes are made directly through a member of our faculty undertaking research in the area that most closely matches your interest and field of study. You should email them directly, specifying your research interests, qualifications and experience and enquire about funding opportunities and scholarships.

The graduate research (PhD) opportunities in our school are normally funded through established research projects. They are often advertised on our School website and social media channels, and on "(opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)Find a PhD".

Prospective Postgraduate Students are advised to refer to the UCD Graduate Studies website which gives a range of information about graduate studies at UCD, including:

• How to Apply
• Fees, Funding & Scholarships
• Graduate Options / Why UCD
• UCD Graduate Prospectus
• Life on Campus
• Student Testimonials
• Virtual Campus Tour
• Research Student Hub with information for incoming and current postgraduate students

Teaching Support Information for Graduate Research Students

Graduate research students will have the opportunity to apply for periodic demonstrator opportunities in School undergraduate and taught Masters modules, where allowed by their funding agency. Demonstrating hours will be allocated at the beginning of the Autumn and Spring trimesters.

Application process:  All graduate research students will be notified of upcoming demonstrator opportunities in advance of the Autumn and Spring trimesters, with instructions on how to apply.

Eligibility:  All graduate research students in the School can apply unless disallowed by their funding agency. In addition, individual modules may have specific expertise and skills requirements.

Training Requirement:  Student demonstrators are required to complete UCD Dignity and Respect training, and may be required to complete GDPR Fundamentals training, which are available through BrightSpace. In addition, the University Teaching & Learning Unit provides a 5-credit module ‘Introduction to University Teaching and Learning for Tutors (and Demonstrators)’ (UTL40230), which students can take for credit.

Hours: Demonstrating hours can vary depending on the module requirements.

Payment rates: Demonstrators and tutors will be paid at the standard university hourly paid ratesfor Senior Postgraduate Demonstrator, Postgraduate Demonstrator and Tutor.

Contact: Demonstrator Coordinator:  Annette Patchett, School Manager (opens in a new window)annette.patchett@ucd.ie