What Can I Study as a Postgraduate in UCC?

In this section you will find details on our postgraduate study options for across four Colleges: College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, College of Business and Law, College of Medicine and Health and the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science ranging from Higher Diplomas to doctoral research degrees. With over 200 taught and research programmes, UCC is one of the most popular universities for postgraduate study in Ireland.

The University offers two types of research degrees:

·        Diploma- and Masters-level taught programmes

·        Research-based programmes leading to Masters and Doctoral degrees

We hope that our on-line prospectus will inspire you to choose one of the wide variety of taught postgraduate programmes and answer any questions you may have about how to apply.

How do I choose a postgraduate programme?

The first step is decide if you would like to undertake a taught or a research programme. The postgraduate taught route is ideal for students who prefer a structured framework for their studies but one which also allows a certain degree of flexibility and scope for building research skills. Research degrees are ideal for anyone who would like to pursue study in a specialist research area of interest to them. Research degrees involve students following their own timetable of academic study, under the supervision of an academic supervisor. All research students have the opportunity to develop their research and transferable skills through the University’s programme of generic skills modules. In theory most research degrees can be started at any time of the year but the majority of students begin their studies in October with a smaller number starting in January and April.

The next step is to start researching the programme which is right for you. We provide a number of ways for you to do this, either through our taught programme search, A - Z list or listing by College and programme type. Under each programme check out the information such as entry requirements, modes of study and programme content. If you are interested in a research programme, you should contact the Department in the first instance to discuss your research proposal and check that there is an academic staff member who would be able to supervise you.

Our postgraduate programmes are generally open to those who have already completed an undergraduate degree programme. If you do not have a degree, but you have relevant work experience you may still qualify for entry onto some programmes so it is worthwhile checking out the entry requirements for specific programmes you are interested in apply for. For details of our research programmes click on What are My Research Options? All the taught postgraduate programmes at UCC are divided into levels in accordance with the National Framework of Qualifications (www.nfq.ie).

Higher Diploma (Level 8) (60 credits)

A Higher Diploma is a taught postgraduate programme, usually of nine months duration, which can be completed after a primary degree. These diplomas are often called conversion courses as they mean graduates develop stills in an area not covered by their primary degree. The structure and assessment of taught courses normally involve formal lecture and seminar programmes over two semesters (end of September to May), which are assessed by written examination and the assessment of course work.

Postgraduate Diploma (Level 9) (60 credits)

A postgraduate diploma is a taught programme designed for graduates to deepen their knowledge in a subject from their primary degree. A postgraduate diploma can sometimes form the first year of a Masters degree. In other cases it can be offered as a completely separate programme. The structure and assessment of taught courses normally involve formal lecture and seminar programmes over two semesters (end of September to May), which are assessed by written examination and the assessment of course work.

Taught Masters Degree (Level 9) (90 to 120 credits)

These are 12 to 24 month programmes. Our wide range of taught Masters programmes offer the opportunity to specialise in subject areas covered at undergraduate level in order to develop your skills further in a particular area of interest. Some of our Masters can also serve as conversion programmes, helping you to change your area of specialisation or take a change in career path. The structure and assessment of taught courses normally involve formal lecture and seminar programmes over two semesters (end of September to May), which are assessed by written examination and the assessment of course work. Taught Masters degrees usually conclude with a project or thesis which is completed over the summer months.

Research Masters Degree (Level 9) (90 to 180 credits)

UCC also offers opportunities to undertake supervised research in all disciplines of the University, at Research Masters level. Research degrees provide training in a particular subject through original exploration and research. The research culminates in a thesis which sets out the conclusions of the research undertaken and assessment is on the basis of the thesis. Students may register either for full-time or part-time study. Study can be wholly within the University or in association with other research centres. The precise focus of research is agreed between the supervisor and the student.  UCC has recently introduced a number of structured PhD programmes which can be found under the taught programme listings.

PhD (Level 10) (270 to 360 credits)

The PhD is a 3 or 4 year full-time programme which provides the opportunity to do advanced scholarly research under the direction of a supervisor. During the first year, students may be required to undertake some formal research and/or transferable or disciplinary skills training which is compulsory in some disciplines. Assessment for PhDs is on the basis of a thesis and viva-voce. Students may also choose to register for part-time study.

Practitioner Doctorate (Level 10) (270 to 360 credits)

The practitioner doctorate is a 3 or 4 year taught programme which enables experienced professionals to make a significant contribution to knowledge and practice through a combination of coursework and original research in their specialised area.  We offer a variety of these programmes including DBA Business Economics, DSocSc, DOccT and DClinDent orthodontics and DClinDent Oral Surgery.

What are my Research Options in UCC?

UCC has a worldclass research reputation with many internationally reknowned Research Institutions and Centres.

We offer students the opportunities to undertake supervised research in all departments of the University, at Masters or Doctoral level.Assessment is by thesis which is examined at the end of your study period.

The structure and assessment of research degrees can vary. Students may register either for full-time or part-time study. Students are afforded the choice of studying wholly within the University or in collaboration with Universities within Ireland or Internationally.  Research degrees involve students following their own timetable of academic study, under the supervision of an academic supervisory team.

Why study research at UCC?

• Expert supervision from leading scholars in their fields, engaged in cutting-edge, international-quality research
• A large, friendly and diverse graduate community
• Regular research events (conferences, workshops, seminars)
• Generic and transferable skills modules provided free of charge to Research Students
• Attractive campus and stunning local scenery, located in a city-centre location
• We have over 60 research centres and institutes that conduct multidisciplinary research

What research degrees are available to me in UCC?

Research Degrees

In addition UCC offers a number of structured PhD programme.  

Practitioner Doctorates:

Further information on particular Masters Programmes can be found below

MSC by Research (MIS)

MSC by Research (Managment and Marketing)

MComm (Government and Public Policy)

MComm (Supply Chain Managment)

What are my Research Options in UCC?

UCC has a worldclass research reputation with many internationally reknowned Research Institutions and Centres.

We offer students the opportunities to undertake supervised research in all departments of the University, at Masters or Doctoral level. Assessment is by thesis which is examined at the end of your study period.

The structure and assessment of research degrees can vary. Students may register either for full-time or part-time study. Students are afforded the choice of studying wholly within the University or in collaboration with Universities within Ireland or Internationally.  Research degrees involve students following their own timetable of academic study, under the supervision of an academic supervisory team.

Why study research at UCC?

• Expert supervision from leading scholars in their fields, engaged in cutting-edge, international-quality research
• A large, friendly and diverse graduate community
• Regular research events (conferences, workshops, seminars)
• Generic and transferable skills modules provided free of charge to Research Students
• Attractive campus and stunning local scenery, located in a city-centre location
• We have over 60 research centres and institutes that conduct multidisciplinary research

What research degrees are available to me in UCC?

Research Degrees

In addition UCC offers a number of structured PhD programme.  

Practitioner Doctorates:

Further information on particular Masters Programmes can be found below

MSC by Research (MIS)

MSC by Research (Managment and Marketing)

MComm (Government and Public Policy)

MComm (Supply Chain Managment)