Department of French Research Master's Scholarship for 2026-7

The Department of French at University College Cork will award one Research Master’s (MRes) scholarship for academic year 2026-7. This scholarship is designed to give a helping hand to one exceptional applicant intending to pursue a career in the discipline by leading directly into a fully-funded PhD, subject to success in the Research Ireland Postgraduate Awards competition for the PhD.

The MRes scholarship covers full EU fees* plus a stipend of €5000 as a contribution towards living expenses. In addition, the successful applicant will be offered first refusal of a range of paid duties in the Department, including teaching support for suitably experienced applicants.

The successful applicant will:

• already hold, or be able to demonstrate that they are likely about to be awarded, a First-class degree (or international equivalent) in French (Studies) or a joint or combined degree involving French, including evidence of French language skills at CEFR level C1 or above;
• commit to relocating to Cork city or the surrounding area if not already resident;
• commit to applying to Research Ireland for PhD funding to undertake a PhD in French at UCC in the academic year immediately following, if successful – intensive mentoring will be offered to support the development of a competitive application;
• have a good sense of the area in which they wish to work, which aligns with the research expertise of one or more members of the Department and be able to articulate this convincingly.

The MRes is a full-time programme running over 12 months and comprises a substantial research thesis (25,000 words), researched and written under expert supervision, and a small number of taught modules which develop research-specific, professional and transferable skills. 

To apply please email Professor Oliver Davis, Head of Department, at odavis@ucc.ie with a curriculum vitae (including information about your Undergraduate studies, supplemented if necessary by a Transcript of Marks) and a short (500ww max.) research proposal (outlining what you would like to work on, which angles or questions you would like to investigate, how your work would advance existing scholarship and why your project is significant), before the closing date, 12 midday Irish time on Friday 29th May 2026.

The Department may conduct online interviews of a shortlist of candidates. For informal inquiries please contact Oliver Davis at the above email address. 

* A successful International (non-EU) applicant would have the EU portion of their fees paid. UK students normally benefit from EU-level fees at Master’s level thanks to the Common Travel Area. For further information on the determination of fee status please see here. For 2026-7, EU fees for this programme will be in the region of €5,840 and non-EU fees in the region of €15,070.