PhD by Prior Published Work

1. Entry via this admission route is open to applicants who fulfil the current admission standard for PhD in UCC, i.e., Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8), in an approved primary degree.
2. In order to be considered an applicant must demonstrate a substantial body of published research output (as per disciplinary norms), and a coherent sub-set of output that will form the basis of the PhD thesis.
3. Potential applicants must in the first instance contact the relevant School/Department/Unit (henceforth Unit) who will advise the applicant of their suitability for entry through this route and on the formal application process.
4. After a preliminary discussion with the Unit and identification of a potential supervisors, the applicant must make an application via UCCApply which must include the following:
5. The name of the Lead Supervisor and co-supervisors or advisor as agreed with the Unit;
   • A Curriculum Vitae;
   • A list of the published research output (as per disciplinary norms) demonstrating their ability as a researcher. This list should include evidence of the public availability and traceability of the publications;
   • A summary of the contribution to knowledge represented by the published output;
   • A statement identifying where and when the research contributing to the published output was undertaken;
   • In cases where any work to be considered has been written in collaboration with other persons, the candidate shall submit a statement quantifying their contribution to the formulation, execution, analysis and publication of the research;
   • The subset of published research output which the candidate proposes to include in their thesis should be identified and a statement provided establishing how the works constitute a coherent body of study.
6. The application will be considered by the appropriate Unit Graduate Studies Committee. The local Graduate Studies Committee will invite the applicant to present research (in person or  virtually), which will allow any issues to be clarified through questions. The Graduate Studies Committee will determine whether the published works submitted demonstrate a substantial research output (as per disciplinary norms) and whether the subset of published research output prima facie constitutes a qualification for the degree. In forming a judgement the Graduate Studies Committee may take account of the general criteria for the award of a PhD, and, in addition, may take into account the following:

1. • The number and quality of the individual outputs;
   • The proportion of sole author and principal author outputs;
   • The coherence of the subset of outputs.

7. The local Graduate Studies Committee may consult with the Professor of the Discipline and external experts in arriving at their decision.
8. The local Graduate Studies Committee will determine the appropriate registration period, with a minimum of 1 year.
9. The local Graduate Studies Committee will make a recommendation to the Head of Unit (normally the Head of School/Department or appropriate nominee), in which the programme is to be pursued.
10. All applications for admission to a PhD programme under this route shall be finally approved by the relevant College Graduate Studies Committee.
11. If the application is approved, the applicant must register as a PhD student for the year(s) prescribed, as a minimum.

 Approved: Amended by Academic Board December 2016.  
 Academic Council March 2015, Academic Board, February 2015 on the recommendation of Academic Council Graduate Studies Committee.