Course Summary
The UCD School of Psychology PhD enables candidates to achieve the best possible experience of graduate research and training. This programme provides the highest level of specialisation in applied or experimental research. It is designed for students who wish to pursue research, teaching or applied psychology positions in academia or industry.
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
Candidates may apply for admission to the PhD programme if they have the following:
1. Primary Degree
Candidates must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with upper second-class honours or international equivalent.
- Or a Higher Diploma in Psychology with at least upper second-class honours
We will also consider applicants with at least an upper second-class honours degree in a cognate area that provides appropriate background to their proposed research programme.
2. Graduate Degree
Direct entry to the PhD programme requires candidates to have obtained:
An upper second-class honours in a Master’s degree.
Or at least three years’ experience in a field relevant to your PhD topic.
Without a graduate degree, successful applicants will be first registered to the MLitt research degree with a view to transferring to the PhD programme after one year.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 7.0 (no band less than 6.5 in each element), or equivalent.
Application Details
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region: Yes
Download the application form.
Submit the application form.
The programme starts for new candidates in September, January, or May of each year. It strongly advised that you submit your final (supervisor endorsed) application about four months prior to your expected start date. The dates that applications are considered can be seen at
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qNs_ObgCFxWKlZ2nagPtDvi3L1NI4qH1/edit
Note: Before making an application to the programme interested candidates must have a proposed supervisor. If you have not identified a proposed supervisor just complete Part A of the form and submit it. Once this step is completed, the Faculty member you have selected will review your form. If the Faculty member wishes to work with you as a potential research student, they will contact you directly and you will both work together on Part B of the form.
If the Faculty member cannot take you on as a potential research student the School will notify you that you have been unsuccessful in obtaining a supervisor. You may then repeat the process choosing another Faculty member
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.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
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.