UCC School of Law hosts Ireland’s most successful graduate research programme in Law. Researchers are provided with an unparalleled experience within a well-established and vibrant community of over 40 graduate researchers, with easy access to experienced supervisors who are internationally recognised experts in their fields and a suite of tailored supports, facilities and activities.

In September 2021, nine of our PhD candidates recorded a special podcast episode showcasing their research. The breadth of scholarship across so many legal areas – from family law to company law, gambling regulation to the environment – is indicative of the high-quality research undertaken in the School.

You can listen to this podcast episode below:

Application Process

If you are interested in applying for a postgraduate research degree or a PhD, please

1. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Prof Femi Amao (famao@ucc.ie) or your prospective supervisor to discuss a potential research project.
2. Fill out the Law School Research Degree Application Form available to download here: UCC School of Law Research Programme Application Form  You will need to provide details of your proposed project, as well as its methodology and a research plan.
3. Apply through UCC's application system and submit your completed Law School Research Degree Application Form.

For further details and selection criteria, see Study Research | University College Cork (ucc.ie) 

Scholarships

Many of our graduates are in receipt of prestigious scholarship awards. As well as internal funding opportunities, the School supports graduate researchers in applying to the Research Ireland for fully-funded research scholarships. Research Ireland normally has a closing date for these applications in November of each year. 

• Administrative queries (e.g. queries about the application form, fees etc): lawpostgrad@ucc.ie.
• Academic queries (e.g. about your proposed research idea, potential supervision etc): Dr Jonathan McCarthy, Deputy Director of Graduate Studies, jonathan.mccarthy@ucc.ie
• List of potential supervisors: People

School of Law PhD Scholarship - At a glance

• Value: tuition fees (fully funded for either EU or non-EU applicants) and a stipend of EUR 25,000 per year for a maximum of 4 years

•  Questions about this scholarship can be directed to lawpostgrad@ucc.ie

We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for a scholarship to pursue PhD study at the School of Law commencing in Autumn 2026. The application deadline closes at 5pm GMT on 19 June 2026. General enquiries may be directed to lawpostgrad@ucc.ie. Full details and application form here

Contact Information

• Administrative queries (e.g. queries about the application form, fees etc): lawpostgrad@ucc.ie.
• Academic queries (e.g. about your proposed research idea, potential supervision etc): Dr Jonathan McCarthy, Deputy Director of Graduate Studies, jonathan.mccarthy@ucc.ie
• List of potential supervisors: People