Course Summary
Each unique structured Masters of Science (MSc) project is carried out over a minimum of one year and a maximum of two 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
Hold the degree of MB/BAO/BCh or equivalent medical degree.*
Have completed at least one-year of an internship.
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). Read more about minimum English language requirements here.
* This requirement can also be demonstrated through a defined recognition of prior learning (RPL) process if necessary.
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 here. 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, available to download from our website.
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 here. 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, available to download from our website.
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.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
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 particularly for problem-solving, critical reasoning, thinking in-depth along with the ability to project manage and evidence of a range of ‘soft’ skills, like communication and collaboration.
As a graduate of RCSI, you join a community of over 20,000 alumni worldwide.
With campuses located in Dublin, Dubai, Bahrain and Malaysia, some of the world’s most exciting career opportunities are available to you and your network as a graduate of RCSI.