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PhD Scholarship
J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics PhD Scholarship,
Accountancy & Finance Discipline 2023
Applications are invited for a PhD scholarship in the Discipline of Accountancy & Finance at J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, University of Galway, commencing 1st September 2023. The Discipline of Accountancy & Finance is looking for a talented, creative and highly qualified individual to work under the supervision of an academic faculty member and become part of the Discipline’s vibrant research community.
Our PhD programme has a strong track record in terms of the research student experience and the achievements of our PhD graduates, presenting an opportunity for scholarship candidates to engage in research in areas aligned to one or more of the thematic fields listed below. Our research activities embrace differing organizational settings in the Public, Non-Profit, and Private sectors covering both policy and practice in sectors such as health, welfare and other public services, general business, and industry, addressing challenges at the corporate, social, economic and political levels.
About the Scholarship
The Scholarship will cover an annual stipend of €18,500 (for a maximum of 4 years) and payment of PhD fees (for a maximum of four years), subject to satisfactory performance. The successful PhD student will be provided with a dedicated desk and computer and will have the opportunity to participate in research seminars, workshops and avail of research supports through their doctoral programme. The scholarship is not intended for students who already have access to alternative substantial sources of funding (e.g. students working on funded projects or in receipt of other scholarships). However, at the earliest possible opportunity during the tenure of a scholarship, the Scholar will be required to prepare one, or if necessary two, application(s), under the guidance and advice of the supervisor, for external research funding under the Irish Research Council (IRC) Post-Graduate Scholarship Scheme, if eligible to do so.
About the Discipline of Accountancy & Finance
J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics is nestled on the north side of the NUI Galway campus, right in the heart of Galway city. With a population of just under 72,000, of which at least one in four are students, it is no surprise that Galway has always had a reputation as a young and student friendly city. Energised by our regional edge on the west coast of Ireland, we are a globally engaged school of business and economics for the public good that makes a transformative impact for students, society and business. We aim to deliver a high-impact, globally centric, scholarly environment in which faculty and students contribute to society, industry and academia through quality engagement and research. The Accountancy & Finance Discipline is one of five discipline areas in the School, allowing for collaborative engagement with the School’s other disciplines: Economics, Management, Business Information Systems and Marketing. The Discipline of Accountancy & Finance currently has 14 fulltime academic staff with strong professional backgrounds and experienced teaching and research profiles. As a discipline we embrace the value of collegiality and professionalism in all that we do.
Research Thematic Fields & Research Supervisors – Discipline of Accountancy & Finance
Thematic Field* |
PhD Supervisors* |
Performance Management / Measurement |
Prof Breda Sweeney Dr. Geraldine Robbins Dr. Patricia Martyn Dr. Frank Conaty Dr. Emer Curtis |
Management Control Systems / Practices |
Prof Breda Sweeney Dr. Geraldine Robbins Dr. Patricia Martyn Dr. Frank Conaty Dr. Emer Curtis |
Accountability |
Prof Breda Sweeney Dr. Geraldine Robbins Dr. Frank Conaty Dr. Orla Lenihan |
Taxation, policy & practice |
Prof Emer Mulligan |
Corporate Governance & Sustainability |
Dr. Orla Lenihan Dr. Frank Conaty |
Auditing |
Prof Breda Sweeney Dr. Emer Curtis |
Financial Literacy
|
Dr. John Nolan |
*The thematic fields above are deliberately broad and applicants will be welcome from prospective students with an interest in any area in accounting, finance and related fields. Individual faculty contact details and research profiles with particulars on specific areas of interest are available at: Discipline of Accountancy & Finance - Research Supervisor Profiles or
|
The Application Process and Guidelines
It is essential that applicants have engaged with one or more of the potential supervisors above in the preparation of their research proposal, and have their agreement to supervise the PhD, if successful. Initial informal enquiries can be made to individual supervisors directly, or to the Head of Discipline, Prof Emer Mulligan (emer.mulligan@universityofgalway.ie ).
Please note while only applicants who have a relevant Master’s degree may normally be admitted to the PhD programme, applicants with a relevant primary degree coupled with relevant professional practice/management experience may be considered; however familiarity with academic research would be desirable. Overseas applicants may be required to submit an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable. Successful applicants must register with the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics as a Year 1 full-time PhD student for the academic year 2023/24. Scholarships will only be awarded to those who register as full-time PhD students for the period of the award.
To be admitted to the PhD programme, you must:
- Identify, and secure the agreement of, an academic supervisor from the Discipline of Accountancy & Finance.
- Submit a research proposal (PhD Proposal FormPHD Proposal Form) of approximately 2,500 words, including the following:
- Abstract
- Aims, objectives and central research questions
- Methodology
- Expected research outcomes
- Research schedule and timeline
- Submit a CV and cover letter.
- Letter or email from a faculty member confirming their willingness to act as supervisor.
- Two letters of reference
The above documentation should be submitted to accounting@universityofgalway.ie with the subject line: PhD SCHOLARSHIP ACCOUNTANCY & FINANCE 2023 – CANDIDATE APPLICATION
Your application will be formally considered by the Discipline of Accountancy & Finance PhD Programme Committee for final approval.
The closing date is: 15th March 2023.
Scholarship commencement: 1st September 2023
Queries
If you have any queries in relation to the application process contact: accounting@universityofgalway.ie – with the subject line: PhD SCHOLARSHIP - QUERY
Downloads
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Business Postgraduate Programmes 2024 PDF (4.7 MB)
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Postgraduate Prospectus 2025 PDF (3.3MB)
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Business Undergraduate Prospectus 2024 PDF (1.57MB)
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Undergraduate Prospectus 2025 PDF (12.4MB)
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A Level Quick Guide 2025 PDF (337 KB)
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Leading Business Alumni Book PDF (1.57)
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Quick Guide to Courses 2025 PDF (362 KB)