First of all, make sure you meet the Academic requirements

• PhD applicants must have an honours primary degree (NFQ level 8) with a minimum of a 2H1 (second class honours, grade 1) to apply.
• Master by Research applicants need an honours primary degree (NFQ level 8) with a minimum of a 2H2 (second class honours, grade 2) to apply.
• Check our qualification comparison website here for equivalencies.
• Check our English language requirements. 
• Although students generally choose a topic for their research from their degree discipline you may not be restricted to your primary degree subject(s). 

Once you know which area or topic you wish to research, you will need to find a Lead Supervisor.

• The best way to find a prospective supervisor is to review the staff bios and research activity in the relevant discipline.  A good place to start is to review the research profiles of UCC staff who work in your area(s) of interest.  
• Once you have narrowed down your search, you must make direct contact with the prospective supervisor to initiate a conversation and informally discuss your proposal, their availability to supervise and any funding opportunities.  
• Only after you have informally secured a UCC supervisor can you actually apply to become a research student. Your supervisor will let you know if you need to prepare a formal research proposal in advance.  You may need to submit this proposal directly to the School/Department and/or submit it with your online application.
  • Typically applicants who apply to research programmes in Arts, Celtics Studies and Social Sciences, in Law and in Medicine and Health are required to submit a research proposal of approximately 1,500 words.
  • Typically in the case of the Cork University Business School (CUBS), a proposal of approximately 500 words is required.

The next step is to gather your supporting documentation.

• The following documents will be required in support of your application.
• Evidence of all qualifications listed on your application, including transcripts of examination results for each year to date that have not been completed at University College Cork
• International applicants are also required to submit their parchments (graduation certificates)
• Proof of ID in the form of a Passport or Birth Certificate or NDLS drivers licence. 
• Your research proposal (check with your Lead Supervisor if this should also be submitted to the School/Department)
• Any supplementary forms requested

Your application cannot be processed until all supporting documentation has been submitted.  

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. 

View the minimum English language requirements currently accepted at University College Cork.

After confirming your research area and supervisory arrangements (as detailed above) applicants apply online at the UCC application portal. There is a €50 application fee for applications.

Full details on fees can be found at: Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025-26 | University College Cork