The UCD Structured PhD in Education is one of the most challenging, rewarding and exciting graduate programmes in Education. It has an international reputation, and graduates are currently employed as academics in leading universities, as teachers, as school principals, and as education policy makers and innovators in the public and private sector.
On the programme, students must complete a substantial thesis of typically around 80,000 words, detailing an original research study that has made a significant contribution to knowledge. The structured component is thirty credits of taught modules including at least one research methods module. The other two modules may be any graduate level modules of choice offered at the School of Education or more broadly within the College of Social Sciences and Law.
The PhD in Education can be carried out full time over three to four years or part time over six years. The production of a written thesis of around 80,000 words detailing the student’s original research study and how it has made a significant contribution to knowledge, remains the core objective of the PhD. Typically, the thesis will consist of, or lead directly to, peer reviewed publications in academic journals or a published monograph.
A large range of supports are also available within UCD, for all graduate researchers. These include library study pods, training in many aspects of research and research management, and superb library facilities. UCD also has a state-of-the-art leisure centre with an Olympic swimming pool, a cinema, theatre, and a medical centre.
In addition, our students are supported in writing applications for grants and scholarships, and we have a very high level of success in attracting student awards from the Irish Research Council, and the National University of Ireland. Our students present their research at the All-Ireland doctoral conference, hosted annually by UCD and QUB, and they also present at international conferences. Many of our research students have won places on prestigious graduate summer schools.
Offering the gold standard in graduate education, UCD doctoral degrees are highly regarded all over the world. We welcome applications from all areas of educational research, and applicants of all nationalities.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
September 2025
UCD College of Social Sciences and Law
BELFIELD,
Dublin,
Republic of Ireland
High honours in an appropriate master’s degree (or equivalent) and/or evidence of other academic standing and/or relevant professional experience that demonstrates suitability for PhD study.
Evidence of meeting the School’s English language requirements for PhD study. These are: IELTS of 7 total score, with no band below 6.5, or alternatively a masters’ degree graded at 2:1 or above, written in English and obtained from an English speaking institution in an English speaking country, within the past 3-years from date of application.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by Princeton University:
A minimum score of 600 in the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), with Test of Written English at 475 +.
A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section
Cambridge Examinations
English language examinations administered by the University of Cambridge: 176+ on Cambridge English scale (with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English)
Acceptable Examinations:
Proficiency Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2).
Advanced Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2)
First Certificate, Grade A (i.e. CEFR Level C1)
Pearson English Language Text: Minimum of 63 and at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
UCD is the most international and diverse university in Ireland, and is the destination of choice for over 10,400 international students.
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