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1. Study
2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Doctorate
5. Education (Cohort PhD)

Course Fact File

Duration	4 Years
Qualifications	PhD
NFQ Level	Level 10
Closing Date	Closed for applications
Non-EU Closing Date	Closed for applications
Start Date	September 2024

Course Outline

The Cohort PhD in Education is a full-time cohort-based programme which runs for 48 months from the date of first registration for the programme.

The programme involves the completion of high-level research work leading to the submission and examination of a PhD Thesis (up to a maximum of 60,000 words), work on which is undertaken over the 48 months of the programme. The thesis will be completed and submitted for assessment at the end of Year 4. To support preparation of the thesis candidates take a minimum of coursework/research training modules to the value of 40 credits over the first three years of the programme.

Why Choose This Course

In keeping with its strong emphasis on research and publication, the School of Education UCC offers a Cohort PhD programme in Education that welcomes applicants both national and international. 

The introduction of the Cohort PhD in the School of Education in 2008 was a response to the demand for doctoral-level work in the field of education in Ireland. It was also a response to changing views about doctoral study reflected in the international critique of the solo scholar/supervisor model of the traditional PhD, particularly concerning the need for more systematic training in a broader range of advanced research methodologies. The Cohort PhD offers a cohort experience from the beginning of the four-year programme, requiring the kind of collaboration and responsibility expected in high-level professional practice.  

 It aims to enhance high-level professional practice in the field of education by enabling professionals to articulate existing and new expertise and develop the knowledge and skills required of the expert. An expert is someone who has an intellectual and practical ability, particularly in terms of collaboration, reflexivity and responsibility, to meet the challenge of developing new and responsive practices and to mediate knowledge in increasingly complex professional environments. The Cohort PhD develops such expertise by meeting professional research needs within a structured learning environment. The central aim of the programme is to enable education professionals to develop the kind of advanced knowledge and analytical skills necessary to interpret and undertake varied kinds of research to enhance policy and professional practice in a wide range of educational settings.

Skills and Careers Information

Cohort PhD researchers in Cohort 1 (2008), Cohort 2 (2011), and Cohort 3 (2019) have been or are working in schools (teachers and school management), adult/further education sectors, third-level (lecturers in university) and others working in the field of education (agencies, government departments) or cognate areas of professional practice with an interest in developing their expertise in teaching, learning, assessment and/or policy analysis. 

Requirements

Applicants must have: 

• A Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) and an appropriate Postgraduate Diploma (NFQ, Level 9) and/or Master’s (NFQ, Level 9) with at least a Second Class Honours and
• At least three years relevant professional experience in education or cognate field. 

As part of the online application applicants must supply statements detailing: 

Research interests, which must include each of the following headings: 

• What area/topic do you plan to research 
• What research experience do you have 
• What is the significance of your research area/topic and why does it motivate you 

Please note that the above is not a detailed research proposal but rather a brief statement (max. 2,000 characters/~500 words) of your research interests and experience in research to date.  The detailed research proposal will be developed later, post admission.

Motivation statement, which must include each of the following headings: 

• Why do you want to do a PhD 
• What elements of doing a PhD do you expect to be most demanding for you 
• What elements are you most looking forward to 

Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements as stated above but who present with suitable professional qualifications and substantial education-related professional experience. In such cases, the applicant must clearly set out the grounds upon which they wish to be considered in the motivation statement. 

 

Fees and Costs

How To Apply

The closing date for non-EU applications is Closed for applications

Apply Now