PhD students applicants should have an academic background necessary to support doctoral level research. A potential supervisor may be able to advise on the knowledge they expect their potential students to have gained before applying for entry to the programme. We welcome students from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds.
Since the PhD programme includes 30 credits of classwork, you will have the opportunity to learn some of the skills and knowledge you will need to complete your thesis.
PhD Research Programme
The UCD School of Information and Communication Studies doctoral programme provides an environment that enables creative, energetic, and motivated students to complete original research that makes a substantial contribution to knowledge in information, communication, media and library science. Our PhD students work with research active supervisors in a variety of fields and have the opportunity to join and collaborate with research groups in the school and across the university.(opens in a new window)
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Ongoing PhD Opportunities
The staff of ICS work in a wide variety of research areas encompassing many aspects of information and communications studies. Please take a look at staff profiles to see if your project would fit with our staff interests and expertise. To be considered for admission to the School, you will need to have the support of at least one of our staff who are willing to supervise your thesis project. Staff will want to see a CV and a draft of your proposed project before agreeing to supervise so please contact staff before applying. It is the applicant's responsibility to find an appropriate supervisor; the PhD coordinator will not be able to do so.
(opens in a new window)Amber Cushing
(opens in a new window)Benjamin Cowan
(opens in a new window)Claire McGuinness
(opens in a new window)Crystal Fulton
(opens in a new window)Eugenia Siapera
(opens in a new window)Lai Ma
(opens in a new window)Kalpana Shankar
(opens in a new window)Marguerite Barry
(opens in a new window)Marco Bastos
(opens in a new window)Páraic Kerrigan
(opens in a new window)Susan Leavy
(opens in a new window)Elizabeth Farries
(opens in a new window)Patrick Brodie
(opens in a new window)Kevin Doherty
(opens in a new window)Brendan Spillane
(opens in a new window)James Steinhoff
(opens in a new window)Stefanie Havelka
(opens in a new window)Arjumand Younus
(opens in a new window)Madeleine Steeds
PhD scholarships offered by the school can be viewed on our PhD Vacancies page.
1. Check admission requirements.
a. A minimum 2.1 primary degree (GPA greater than 3.08) in any field of study*; OR
b. A minimum 2.1 (GPA greater than 3.08) master’s degree in information science, library science, communication studies or a related field.
For non-native English speakers, an English language certificate is required: IELTS overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each section.
*If an applicant does not hold a master’s degree, they will be required to enter the PhD programme via the MLitt programme and will be provided the option of advancing to stage two of the PhD programme after successful completion of a Transfer Assessment Panel (TAP). Only applicants who meet the master’s degree requirement will be considered for funding.
2. The online application system opens in February each year.
Although you may submit at any time, applications are not reviewed until after the May 1st deadline (if you are applying for the UCD China Scholarship Scheme or other schemes the deadlines are usually much earlier- please contact the PhD Coordinator or UCD Graduate studies). We will attempt to notify you about the outcome of your application as soon as possible. After your application is reviewed, you may be asked to complete an online interview to provide the application committee with more information.
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If you have further questions please contact the PhD coordinator: kalpana.shankar@ucd.ie
For current UCD Postgraduate research fees:
For information about moving to and the cost of living in Dublin.
PhD scholarships.
PhD scholarships in UCD School of Information and Communication Studies can be viewed on our PhD Vacancies page.
UCD Graduate Studies - current scholarship opportunities.
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Other sources of funding:
(opens in a new window)Irish Research Council
(opens in a new window)Fulbright
Please note that our PhD programme is face to face, especially during the early years when students will need to take taught modules. Other responsibilities will include attending supervisory sessions and Research Studies Panels. UCD School of Information and Communication Studies (ICS) and other units at UCD offer numerous research events, training in research skills, and opportunities for enriching your education, and expanding your networks.
Further Information
Further information regarding the application process, scholarships and questions, can be found on the Graduate Studies website
UCD ICS hosts visiting PhD scholars for less than 6 months or less than 12 months. As a visiting PhD student scholar you will be provided a desk to complete your work, library access, and be invited to participate in School and university events.
Application process
1. Check eligibility requirements
Currently enrolled in an accredited PhD Programme in information science, library science, communication studies or a related discipline.
Be in good financial standing with your home university
For non-native English speakers, an English language certificate is required: IELTS overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each section.
2. Conduct research on School staff areas of expertise.
Search the UCD staff profiles and search published literature on Google scholar to get an idea about staff research expertise.
3. Contact a school staff member and ask if they would be willing to supervise you for a temporary proposed project. You will not be considered for a place in the programme if a staff member has not agreed to supervise you. While the PhD Coordinator may be able to offer advice, it is expected that exceptional applicants will locate their own supervisor.
4. Apply to the PhD Programme Coodinator using the application form below.
Applications must include all necessary documents to be considered.