For the structured PhD programme in Quantitative and Computational Social Science, applications are welcomed from applicants with a Master’s degree in data science, computer science, quantitative political science, economics, statistics, and other social science subjects. Applicants to our research degree programmes must have completed and earned a minimum of a 2.1 grade (GPA: 3.6) in a taught Masters (MA, MSc, MLitt, etc.) programme.

Application Procedure
Applications will be considered when the documentation below, including references, has been emailed to [email protected]

Application Form (fillable word doc) https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ucd.ie%2Fspire%2Ffilestore%2FUCD_PhD_QCSS_AppForm_Preliminary_2024.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK
Cover letter, stating reasons for interest in QCSS programme.
Research proposal (1,500-2,000 words maximum) which should include:
a statement of the research question;
a brief literature review that points to research gaps the PhD project could address;
an outline of theoretical approaches considered;
a brief discussion of the proposed methodology.
Copies of ALL Academic Transcripts (Undergraduate and Postgraduate)
CV or Resume (2 pages maximum)
Evidence of English language competence, where non-native English speaking applicants have NOT obtained previous university degrees from a university in an English-speaking country. Click on the link for further details on UCD English Language Requirements. The language proficiency certificate should be no more than 2 years old.
Two academic references: These should be sent directly by the referees to [email protected] with the applicant's name in the Subject field. Actual letters (on headed institutional paper) preferred. If sent by email, they must be from an institutional email address. The QCSS programme reserves the right to verify all references. Sending only the contact details of referees is not sufficient.
If you have had contact with a potential supervisor prior to application, please indicate this clearly in the application form and in the cover letter, including detail on the extent of engagement
This documentation should be emailed to Ms Dara Gannon (PhD Administrator) at (opens in a new window)[email protected]

The submission of original academic transcripts and other documentation will be required as a condition of the final award of a place on the programme.

How does the application process work?
Once all documents, including references, have been received, the application will undergo an initial evaluation by the review committee to assess that it satisfies the minimum requirements in terms of academic achievement and language skills
Once it has been confirmed that the applicant is, in principle, eligible to join the QCSS PhD programme, the application gets circulated among the relevant academic staff to determine if a potential supervisor is available and interested in taking on the applicant.
If someone is potentially interested in supervising / co-supervising, a Zoom/Skype call is usually arranged between the potential supervisor(s) and the applicant so that further questions on the project can be asked. The Programme Director will often sit in on the call to ask general questions and/or provide more information on the programme.
Following the call, if the potential supervisor(s) is willing to take on the applicant as a student, the registration process is initiated by the programme’s PhD administrator.
If an application is not deemed suitable, a letter will be sent to the applicant informing them of the decision. The programme does not provide individual feedback.
Please note that the application review process does not take place until after the the relevant application deadline. For Honohan Scholarship applicants the application deadline is 9th February 2024 and for 2025 IRC candidates the deadline is 8th September 2024.
There is a rolling deadline for other, externally-funded students.

Honohan Scholarship Applicants
The Honohan Doctoral Scholarship covers a full EU/non-EU fee remission, plus an annual stipend of €25,000. The deadline for applications is 9th February 2024.

IRC Applicants
The (opens in a new window)Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, funded by the Irish Research Council (IRC) covers EU fees plus a stipend. The 2025 call will open in September 2024. The application process is highly competitive so collaboration with a local supervisor to develop the application is recommended. See this page for more information. If the IRC fee/stipend allowance does not match that of the school's Honohan scholarship, the school will provide a 'top up' payment.

Please note: If you wish to work with a SPIRe supervisor and use that supervisor's name on your IRC application, you must go through the school application process first, even if the SPIRe academic has indicated his/her willingness to work with you.

Entry to the programme is in September only.

When Can I Apply?
There are three application deadlines for the Quantitative and Computational Social Science programme:

1. Applicants to the Iseult Honohan Doctoral Scholarship: 9th February 2024
2. IRC Government of Ireland Doctoral Scholarship 2025 applicants: 8th September 2024
3. All other funded applicants: a rolling deadline between 1st October 2023 and 31st July 2024 (for non-EU applicants the deadline is 30th June 2024)

Note: The Quantitative and Computational Social Science PhD programme only accepts students who have a Honohan Doctoral scholarship, an IRC scholarship or alternative external funding, to include a full fee remission and appropriate living expenses. Self-funded applicants are not eligible.

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.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.