Course Summary
The objective of the PhD programme is to provide students with professional training in anthropological research and to produce scholars capable of contributing to international networks in the discipline in an original, ethical and effective fashion.
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
Minimum 2.1 degree (BA or MA) or international equivalent, and a proposal for original research that is accepted by the Anthropology Department. Normally students being admitted to the PhD programme are expected to have previous study of anthropology. Students with a degree in a field other than anthropology would be required to sit modules in our taught MA programme before continuing on with their research. In exceptional circumstances, students may be accepted directly to the PhD with only an anthropology BA in hand, but such students would be required to complete a total of 60 credits of modules (see Course Structure).
Minimum English language requirements:
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores go to https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/how-apply/english-language-requirements. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
Application Details
Closing date
We prefer to receive applications no later than May 31st for the following academic year, but PhD applications are generally accepted at any time and decisions are made on a rolling basis on completed applications.
Online application only.
Please note: All research applicants should contact the respective department before applying to ensure their research proposal aligns with departmental interests and criteria.
To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application:
Evidence of your primary degree
Academic transcripts
A copy of your passport
Proposed Thesis Title and Summary
A personal statement
An academic letter of recommendation
A professional letter of recommendation
Your CV
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.
Commences: PhD students adjust to the life of the department best when they begin in September, but starting dates are negotiable.
Fees
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.
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.
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.
Career Progression
An anthropology degree provides an excellent preparation for a wide variety of fields in both public and private sectors, and is an especially good foundation for an international career. Anthropology has become increasingly important as a job skill in the context of globalisation, where a deeper understanding of cultural difference is crucial, both locally and internationally. Our graduates go on to employment in a wide variety of careers in community work, education, the health professions, product design, international aid and development projects, NGO work, business and administration, and more. The holder of a PhD is a professional anthropologist qualified to teach at university level and to carry out advanced research.
Duration
MHC03: 6 years part-time