Applied Psychology

In the first instance, you are advised to consult with a member of the staff of the School whom you think has expertise in your proposed area of research. You will find staff members’ research interests and expertise on the School website (http://www.ucc.ie/en/apsych/staff/). If you are not sure which member of staff to consult contact the School office or the head of the Research Group that is closest to your area of interest. Should you and a staff member find an area of common interest that is suitable for PhD research, you will be required to write a 1,500 word research proposal to accompany your submission. This proposal should be developed in conjunction with your proposed principal supervisor. It is a very important element of your application.

You will find the relevant application form and instructions for making an application below. You should follow the instructions carefully and if you have any difficulty with them contact Maura O’Brien in the School office (maura.obrien@ucc.ie).

The School has studentships available most years. Some, which are associated with specific projects and research groups, are advertised at (Url). They normally involve an application process in which you submit an expression of interest before writing any proposal. Other studentships may be available for research proposals that are not covered by the topics advertised. For those you apply in the normal way indicating on the form that you would like to be considered for a studentship. The studentships cover fees for the three years of PhD study and provide a small annual stipend (approximatively €3,000 in 2011-2012). They commence in mid-September and are tenable for three years subject to satisfactory progress in PhD research. Studentships entail some tutoring and marking duties.

In the School of Applied Psychology postgraduate research students normally register for PhD track (i.e. provisional registration for a PhD) in the first instance, though it is possible for students with a relevant Masters degree to register directly for PhD. All postgraduate students in the School participate in an annual review process, which is designed to be a constructive and facilitative process as well as a measure of progress and standards. For PhD track students it can also serve the function of demonstrating sufficient progress to be considered for transfer to the PhD.

Application form and dates

Applications for PhD are welcome throughout the year. However the University has identified four official starting dates for PhDs: October, January, April and July. You are advised to apply at least two months before your desired start date to allow your application to be officially processed in time for the start date. If you would like to be considered for a studentship you must make your application before the 24th June 2011. A studentship includes payment of fees and a maintenance award, and is made in return for undertaking teaching and other related duties.