Course Summary
Each unique structured Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) project is carried out over a minimum of three years and a maximum of six years (full-time). Within this time you will be guided through your research project with the support of your supervisors and the RCSI School of Postgraduate Studies.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
• Have an upper second class (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or;
• MB/BAO/BCh degrees or;
• An MSc degree in a relevant subject.
• Have an RCSI supervisor with whom you have agreed the topic of your thesis and the logistical details for your candidature (e.g. start date, location for initial research training etc.).
You will also need to supply a copy of an academic IELTS examination or equivalent (for candidates whose first language is not English). See link: https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/english-language-requirements
Application Details
How to apply
Only candidates who have already been recruited/accepted by a supervisor can begin the registration process here.
Available projects are listed below. Alternatively, you can contact a researcher directly via their research area.
Pre-registration checklist
Before you can begin your registration, you must answer 'yes' to the following questions:
- Do you meet the entry requirements?
- Have you obtained confirmation of your funding source (or been offered a scholarship through a programme or from a supervisor)?
- Have you engaged with a supervisor who has agreed to supervise your project?
- Have you discussed and agreed your proposed research project with your supervisor (this is a key step in the registration process; poorly constructed proposals will delay your registration).
- All research PhD, MD, MSc, MCh programmes have an open rolling registration throughout the year. However, scholars are grouped into April [Nov-Apr] or October [May-Oct] registration groups for administrative purposes – which one are you registering for?
- If you are applying to a larger programme like SPHeRE or StAR, have you received your official acceptance letter and/or scholarship offer?
Documents required
Please ensure you have all required documentation (as listed below) completed and ready to upload.
Completed project proposal form.
Higher Degree Postgraduate Research - Project Proposal
DOCX | 117.3 KB
Passport-sized photograph (PNG/JPEG/TIFF)
Evidence of qualifications (transcripts)
Curriculum Vitae (recent)
Evidence of competency in English
Please note
Please save all documents – except the photograph – as PDFs and only upload PDFs.
All non-EU applicants will need a valid study visa before arriving in Ireland. It is your responsibility to organise your own visa from the Opens in new windowINIS.
What happens next?
Once you have completed the registration process, your documents and transcripts are reviewed, along with your project proposal, by the RCSI Academic Review Committee.
Applications are sent for review by the committee on the first Wednesday of each month, and we aim to reply to all applicants within four weeks.
If you have a stipend set-up, we will provide you with a temporary (three-month) student card to get you started while you wait for the formal registration process to be completed.
Fees
Only candidates who have already been recruited/accepted by a supervisor can begin the registration process here.
Available projects are listed below. Alternatively, you can contact a researcher directly via their research area.
Pre-registration checklist
Before you can begin your registration, you must answer 'yes' to the following questions:
- Do you meet the entry requirements?
- Have you obtained confirmation of your funding source (or been offered a scholarship through a programme or from a supervisor)?
- Have you engaged with a supervisor who has agreed to supervise your project?
- Have you discussed and agreed your proposed research project with your supervisor (this is a key step in the registration process; poorly constructed proposals will delay your registration).
- All research PhD, MD, MSc, MCh programmes have an open rolling registration throughout the year. However, scholars are grouped into April [Nov-Apr] or October [May-Oct] registration groups for administrative purposes – which one are you registering for?
- If you are applying to a larger programme like SPHeRE or StAR, have you received your official acceptance letter and/or scholarship offer?
Documents required
Please ensure you have all required documentation (as listed below) completed and ready to upload.
Completed project proposal form.
Higher Degree Postgraduate Research - Project Proposal
DOCX | 117.3 KB
Passport-sized photograph (PNG/JPEG/TIFF)
Evidence of qualifications (transcripts)
Curriculum Vitae (recent)
Evidence of competency in English
Please note
Please save all documents – except the photograph – as PDFs and only upload PDFs.
All non-EU applicants will need a valid study visa before arriving in Ireland. It is your responsibility to organise your own visa from the Opens in new windowINIS.
What happens next?
Once you have completed the registration process, your documents and transcripts are reviewed, along with your project proposal, by the RCSI Academic Review Committee.
Applications are sent for review by the committee on the first Wednesday of each month, and we aim to reply to all applicants within four weeks.
If you have a stipend set-up, we will provide you with a temporary (three-month) student card to get you started while you wait for the formal registration process to be completed.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Career Progression
Your postgraduate degree at RCSI builds skills, expertise and specialist knowledge in your chosen field, in preparation for career pathways across many employment sectors including higher education, health, and industry and entrepreneurial roles.
Your degree will equip you with a transferable skill-set that is highly valued by employers, ranging from problem-solving, critical reasoning, and thinking in-depth to the ability to project manage, communicate and collaborate effectively.
As a graduate of RCSI, you join a community of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.
With campuses located in Dublin, Dubai, Bahrain and Malaysia, and a global network of strong and productive collaborators, some of the world’s most exciting career opportunities are available to you as a graduate of RCSI.