Research Options

UCC has a world-class research reputation with many internationally renowned research institutions and centres. UCC has a wide range of research programmes on offer. These include Structured PhDs, Research Masters, MD and PhD track programmes. A full list of programmes is available on the Postgraduate Application Centre website.

We offer students the opportunities to undertake supervised research in all departments/schools of the university, at master 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 are afforded the choice of studying wholly within the university or in collaboration with other universities in Ireland or internationally. Research degrees involve students following their own timetable of academic study, under the supervision of an academic supervisory team. For more information on UCC research centres and institutes please check out our UCC Research website.

Why undertake 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 located in the heart of Cork city
• Over 60 research centres and institutes that conduct multidisciplinary research

Research Degrees available at UCC

Thematic PhD Programmes

Practitioner Doctorates

Postgraduate Academic Calendar

For more detailed information on postgraduate programmes please visit the University Postgraduate Calendar: http://www.ucc.ie/calendar/postgraduate/

Book of Modules

The Book of Modules contains information on modularisation along with descriptions for all modules offered in the University's modularised courses. Please visit the following link: http://www.ucc.ie/academic/modules/

Fitness to Practice

Some students are required to undertake placement and training that involve dealing directly with patients, clients or service users. Since it is of over-riding importance to protect members of the public from harm and to maintain the trust and confidence of the general public in the professions and the University, it is vital that students are deemed fit to practise while on placement. To describe an individual as ‘Fit to Practice’ in the context of certain professions is to say that he/she possesses the attributes considered necessary in an individual to allow on-going practice as an independent practitioner in the relevant profession. 

For further information on Fitness to Practice policies and procedures click here: http://www.ucc.ie/en/academicsecretariat/fitnesstopractise/

Application Procedure for Postgraduate Research Programmes

Contact the relevant department/school with your research proposal to identify a proposed supervisor.

1. Once you have established a supervisor and you have discussed your proposed research area, you can apply online through PAC at www.pac.ie/ucc
2. Include an application fee of Euro 50 (non-refundable) payable by Bank Draft, Postal Order or Credit Card - Laser and Visa accepted.
3. Applicants must submit scanned certified true copies of all relevant supporting documentation.

For more information on the Academic Departments in University College Cork and particular research interests, please browse the UCC academic web pages at http://www.ucc.ie/acad

Supporting Documents Checklist

Below is a checklist of documents that must be provided with your application - click on this to download a printer-friendly version.

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If you are unable to provide any of the documentation listed above at the time of application, please email internationaloffice@ucc.ie  advising us when you expect to forward it. Outstanding documentation should be uploaded to PAC. 

Please note: Conditional offers will be made to successful applicants who have not yet completed their studies. Conditional Offers are not acceptable for the issuing of visas.

Opening and Closing Dates

• Applications for research programmes are accepted throughout the year.
• There are 4 official start dates – September/October, January, April and July.
• You should apply at least 3 months prior to the commencement date to allow for your application to be processed and approved.
• You should factor in 8 weeks approximately to obtain a Student Visa (if applicable).

How is my application processed?

Acknowledgement:
The International Office will send an e-mail to the applicant to acknowledge the receipt of the application within 5 working days.

Registration, Verification and Decision:

• Applications are registered and all supporting documents are verified. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
• All applications go through two different stages of approval:

1. Department/School
2. College

• A decision will be made on individual assessment of each application. The International Office will send a Letter of Acceptance or Conditional Letter of Acceptance to successful applicants

Letter of Acceptance

A Letter of Acceptance is an important document which should kept for immigration purposes, registration at UCC and throughout the duration of your study. This letter is also important for applicants from a visa requiring country for visa application purposes.

Conditional Letter of Acceptance

A Conditional Letter of Acceptance contains one or more conditions which need to be met by the applicant, for example: providing final results, a higher IELTS/TOEFL score, etc.  A Letter of Acceptance will then be issued once you fulfil the condition(s) of the offer.

It is important to note that a Conditional Letter of Acceptance will not be accepted when applying for a visa, therefore you will need to obtain a Letter of Acceptance prior to beginning your visa application.

List of Agents and Partners

International Office Approved Agent List 2016

Applications will normally be considered from applicants whose qualifications are equivalent to a UCC Bachelor (Hons) degree and whose grades are equivalent to a UCC Second-Class Honours Grade 1. Additional information is available at http://www.ucc.ie/calendar/postgraduate/.

Postgraduate English Language Requirements

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. English language tests must be undertaken no more than two years prior to commencement of a programme.

The following approved English language qualifications are currently accepted at UCC:

IELTS Minimum Requirements

TOEFL Minimum Requirements

Cambridge Proficiency Exam

Cambridge Advanced Exam

Pearson PTE

UCC English Language Centre

The UCC Language Centre offers a range of English Language courses, which may assist students to meet the required standard of English language and thus be eligible for entry to postgraduate study at University College Cork. For more information on the English courses which are offered at the Language Centre, please follow the link: http://www.ucc.ie/en/esol/.

Other tests/qualifications may be accepted as equivalent to the qualifications listed above. Please contact the relevant Admissions Office for further information.

Certain tests (e.g. IELTS and TOEFL) have a two year time limit in their validity and these will be applied.

Please note that Secure English Language Test (SELT) scores must be achieved from one sitting of the relevant qualification (e.g. IELTS). We will not accept a combination of individual component scores from multiple tests.

List of Tuition Fees

The 2016/2017 Undergraduate Fees Schedule is available at: www.ucc.ie/en/financeoffice/fees/

Scholarships

University College Cork offers a range of scholarships to Non-EU students interested in pursuing a Taught Master Programme at the institution and these can be viewed at the Scholarships and Funding section of the website.

Payment Methods

UCC offers international students four methods for payment of fees. Please click on the appropriate button below to choose your preferred payment method.

Tuition Fees Payment Deadline

All international students are required to pay a non-refundable deposit when accepting a place at University College Cork, details of which will be specified on offer letter. The tuition fee balance must be paid no later than 1^st August.

International students in receipt of Government funding or a loan from a recognized loan institution should supply documentary evidence of same in lieu of paying fees upfront.

Tuition Fee in Installments

Normally all international students in Year 1 are required to pay their fees in full prior to registration. Students in Year 2 and beyond can pay their tuition fees in 2 installments.

Cost of Living

Students will need to budget for accommodation, food, books, transportation, utilities and other personal expenses, and these can be viewed at our cost of living section: Cost of Living

To view the orientation and semester dates for undergraduate students, please follow this link: Key Dates

Student Info Hub

Moving to a new university, new city, and new country is exciting, but not without challenges. Our Student Info Hub is designed to give you as much assistance as possible before you arrive in Ireland, after you arrive at UCC and when living in Cork. Some important steps include:

Visas and Immigration

For information on visa and immigration please click on the following link: Visa and Immigration

Accommodation

For information on accommodation please click on the following link: Accommodation

Orientation and Registration

For information on orientation and registration please click on the following link: Orientation and Registration