FAQ's for Research Programmes
FAQS for Applying for Research Programmes:
Is there a closing date for research applications?
No, there is no closing date for research applications. However, students are advised to apply 2 months in advance of their preferred start date.
How many applications can I make?
In any one year you can only make one application to UCC s research postgraduate programmes. You may include up to 3 programme choices in your research application. If after applying, you wish to add more course choices/programmes to your application and you have NOT applied for the full cohort you should contact the Graduate Studies Office in UCC (email graduatestudies@ucc.ie) if you are an EU applicant. If you are a NON-EU Applicant you should contact the International Education Office (email: internationalpostgrad@ucc.ie).
How long will it take before I hear if I have been accepted?
If can take up to 2 months before you receive confirmation that you have been accepted onto your course choice.
What are the start dates for research?
January, April, July and October.
What is PhD Track?
PhD track is currently available in the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Commerce and Law. PhD track is not a qualification in its own right, but is essentially provision registration for a PhD. In order to progress onto a PhD students will be subject to a review within 12 to 18 months from the date of registration and will be required to demonstrate progress in the form of 10,000 words minimum written work, as well as defending their work at interview. Students may then on the recommendation of the Head of Department and the Supervisor and with the approval of Faculty/College transfer to the PhD
How can I find a supervisor?
You must first contact the department where you wish to carry out your research. Below please find link off all departments in UCC and their contact details.
Can I apply for a research programme in two departments?
Yes, you can be jointly supervised by two departments.
I dont have a research topic. Can I still apply?
No, you must have a research topic before you can apply online.
How does the system work for research applicants?
You fill in an online application form and then post in (to PAC) other supporting documentation in hard copy format. Once your application is complete it is then sent to the department for approval. Once the department approves your application it is then sent to the Faculty/School for approval. After the graduate studies office receives confirmation that your application has been approved we will write out to you with registration/payment information. An email will be sent to your when your application has been sent to the department, Faculty/School and finally when you have been approved.
How do I get my PAC application number?
After you have submitted your application fee payment details on the online application system, you must print the Application Receipt. The Application Receipt page will include your PAC application Number. There is also a facility on the Application Status to view your PAC application.
How can I pay the application fee?
By credit/debit card, or by bank draft, or by direct bank transfer only (details will be given as you proceed through the online system). PAC does not accept personal cheques or postal orders.
Why am I not getting any emails from PAC or UCC?
Applicants using webmail email addresses, please note if you have the high junk mail filtering option in your email account, emails from the Postgraduate Applications Centre and University College Cork may be flagged as Junk. You will need to either reduce the Junk mail filter or else add the Postgraduate Applications Centre (info@pac.ie) and Trinity College Dublin email addresses as two of your safe senders.
You may be asked to send in any or all of these (we recommend within 7 days of submitting your application): transcript (non-UCC applicants; applicants who have still to graduate must send in this on receipt), evidence of English language competency, references and a research proposal. Your receipt at the end of the online process will highlight which items you must post in. Note that documentation submitted cannot be returned.
How will I know when a decision has been made regarding my application?
You will receive an email alert from the Postgraduate Applications Centre to check your application status on the 'Application Status' section of the online application system. It is vital that you give the correct email address on your online application and that your email account is working. It is also important that you check your email regularly.
How do I check my application status?
Web Address: http://www.pac.ie/ucc Select Option : Login To view current application status: Click on Application Status.
If I cannot access the internet, can an application be posted to me?
No, you must complete an online application. You will also need a working email address to use this facility as all correspondence with regard to your application will be communicated to you by email.
Can I submit more than one application through PAC for UCC programmes?
In any one year, you may not present more than ONE online Taught postgraduate application to UCC’s postgraduate programmes. You may include up to five taught programme choices on your online taught application. You will be considered for each of the programme choices mentioned on your application form as soon as the relevant closing date for each programme has passed.
Is PAC a preference-based system?
No, PAC is not a preference-based system. Students have up to 5 programme choices and each programme choice is considered individually. Please note it is not necessary to complete all 5 programme choices on the online taught application form. Applicants should only apply for postgraduate programmes they are specifically interested in being considered for and should check the entry requirements on the online Postgraduate Prospectus before submitting their online application.
How will I be contacted about my application?
All correspondence about your application is through e-mail. You will be notified by email that the status of your application has changed and will be advised to log into your PAC account for more information. Please note if you have a high junk mail filtering option in your e-mail account, e-mails from the Postgraduate Application Centre, Galway and University College Cork may be flagged as Junk. You will need to either reduce the Junk mail filter or else add the Postgraduate Application Centre, Galway (info@pac.ie) and University College Cork e-mail addresses as two of your safe senders.
