Professor Eduardo Saccone Research Master's Scholarship

The Department of Italian at University College Cork will award one Research Master’s (MRes) scholarship for the 2026-7 academic year. This scholarship is designed to provide an opportunity for a suitable applicant to develop research skills while working on a project on Italian literature linked to the research interests of one or more members of the Department’s academic staff. The successful applicant will be expected to prepare an application for funding for a PhD at UCC, and will benefit from mentoring by the experienced staff members.

The MRes scholarship covers full EU fees* plus a stipend of €5000 as a contribution towards living expenses. In addition, the successful applicant may be offered some 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 Italian (Studies) or a joint or combined degree involving Italian, including evidence of Italian 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 for funding to undertake a PhD in Italian at UCC in the academic year immediately following, if successful – intensive mentoring will be offered to support the development of a competitive application;
• be able to articulate a preliminary research project which aligns with the research expertise of one or more members of the Department.

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 upload the following documentation at this link: https://www.dropbox.com/request/6wayjca0atk91sgmf4em

1. a curriculum vitae (including information about your undergraduate studies, supplemented if necessary by a Transcript of Marks) and
2. a short (500 words max.) research proposal, outlining what you would like to work on, the methodological approach, and how your work would advance existing scholarship).

Deadline: 17:00 (Irish Summer Time) on Friday, 14 August 2026. Please email m.chu@ucc.ie once you have uploaded your documents so that he can confirm receipt.

The Department may conduct online interviews of a shortlist of candidates. For informal inquiries please contact Dr Mark Chu, Head of Department, at m.chu@ucc.ie

* 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.

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Terms and Conditions, 2026-2027

1. The Eduardo Saccone MRes Scholarship in Italian Literature will fund one year of study for the degree of MRes in Italian.

2. The recipient will be awarded the title ‘Eduardo Saccone MRes Scholar in Italian Literature’.

3. Applicants must have at least Second Class Honours (Grade 1) or equivalent in their first or subsequent degree.

4. Applications are invited from students who will commence an MRes programme in September 2026.The successful applicant, if not already accepted on the MRes programme in Italian, will subsequently have to apply through UCC’s application process: see https://www.ucc.ie/en/apply/ . The award of the scholarship is contingent on the student being accepted to the MRes programme.

5. Applicants should include relevant supporting materials and non-returnable transcripts of their academic record. Graduates of University College Cork do not need to supply transcripts. Applicants should obtain two letters of support for their application. Application materials should be submitted electronically via the link provided.

6. Applications will not be assessed if they are incomplete, or have been received after the advertised closing date.

7. Selection of successful applicants on the basis of the materials supplied will be by the Scholarship Committee established for this purpose in the Department of Italian. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to an online interview. The award of the scholarship(s) will only take place if the Committee is satisfied that there are candidates of sufficient merit who have feasible research topics of academic value.

8. The Department of Italian should be notified in good time of any medical or personal problems likely to cause disruption to the scholarship holder’s research schedule.

9. Applications will be assessed on the project proposal, academic record, writing sample, and references.

10. The successful applicant must confirm their intention to take up the Scholarship by the date indicated in the letter of offer.