Postgraduate Application Step by Step

Did you know that UCC is also one of the leading research universities in Ireland? 

In fact, we rank #1 in Ireland for research income from Industry sources.

We have over 70 Research Centres and Institutes, and we have received nine European Research Council (ERC) awards to date! As an internationally competitive, globally-focussed, research-led institution, we are a leading university for research, discovery, innovation, entrepreneurship and societal impact.

Our postgraduate research community is built on a foundation of academic excellence. UCC is an environment where you will form enduring professional and personal friendships that will be integral to your intellectual development and your future career.

Here at UCC, we will empower and enable you to observe and question, to discern and reflect, to analyse and act, to enhance your potential and advance your ambition! You will have your own individual goals, dreams and hopes for your future and we will be here to help you to achieve them.

How To pply

Step One - Chose a Course 

Academic Requirements 

• PhD applicants need an honours level degree (NFQ level 8) with a minimum of a 2H1 (second class honours, grade 1) to apply
• Master by Research applicants need an honours level degree (NFQ level 8) with a minimum of a 2H2 (second class honours, grade 2) to apply.
• Check our qualification comparison website here for equivalencies.
• Check our English language requirements here. 
• Although students generally choose a topic for their research from their degree discipline you are not restricted to your primary degree subjects.

Step Two- Identify a Supervisor 

The first and most improatnt step of your application to study a postgraduate course is to identify a supervisor. Here in the Department fo Pharmacology & Therapeutics we have supervisors across a range of areas, from Cancer, Neurobiology , Stroke, and Cardiovascular to name a few. You can see a list of areas and supervisors here. Our staff are always open to discussion with prospective applicants and can help guide you in the process. 

You must choose your supervisors and discuss your research proposal with them before applying. Your supervisors will let you know if you need to prepare a research proposal and will need to approve your proposal before you submit it. You may need to submit this proposal directly to the School/Department and/or submit it with your online application. Applicants who apply to research programmes in Medicine & Health are required to submit a research proposal of approximately 1,500 words. 

Step Three- Gather Supporting Documentation 

The following documents will be required in support of your application.

• Evidence of all qualifications listed on your application, including transcripts of examination results for each year to date that have not been completed at University College Cork
• Proof of ID in the form of a Passport or Birth Certificate or NDLS drivers licence. 
• Your research proposal (check with your Supervisors if this should also be submitted to the School/Department)
• Any supplementary forms requested

Your application cannot be processed until all supporting documentation has been submitted.

Step Four- Apply Online 

After confirming your research area and supervisory arrangements (as detailed above) applicants apply online at the UCC application portal. There is a €50 application fee for applications.

Fees & Funding 

Fees

 International Postgraduates: 

 Academic Year 2023_24 entrants please note there will be a 2% year on year increase for continuation years up to and including AY 2025_26. 

 Students may apply for a partial fee waiver to reduce the Tuition fee to 'EU' rates. Students should contact their Department/School for further information. 

EU & International Postgraduates: 

 PhD students pay a continuation fee of €1,700 for Year 5 and subsequented years.

 You can find further information at The Fees Office 

Funding  

Funding for Research Courses

• Irish Research Council 
• Universities Ireland
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Teagasc 
• Irish Cancer Society
• Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)
• Bioinnovate Ireland 
• SPHeRE Programme (Structured Population and Health-services Research Education) 

FAQ

Please see our FAQ section here 

Where can students live?

For information on accommodation please click on the following link: Student Info Hub

What are the fees?

Please see the Undergraduate Fees Schedule  at: https://www.ucc.ie/en/financeoffice/fees/schedules/

What student services are available at UCC?

In UCC, there is a strong peer support network where students from other years in the programme will help and advise you on study, books, etc. You will also be assigned a faculty mentor in the medical school who can advise you on academic issues. The School of Medicine has a dedicated Student Welfare Service which can refer to the Student Health Centre or counselling services.  Because of the large number of international students studying Medicine in UCC, there is a very strong peer-support and social network which helps students settle in quickly and supports academic progression.