Structured PhD

Prospective Students

A PhD is an NFQ Level 10 qualification, the highest level awarded by universities in Ireland. Pursuing a PhD involves conducting original research that will make a significant contribution to existing knowledge. PhD students work under the guidance and mentorship of a primary Supervisor and a Graduate Research Committee made up of experienced researchers. Our postgraduate research community is also supported by University of Galway’s Researcher Development Centre.

Most PhD students in the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies at the University of Galway are enrolled on one of the many Structured PhD Programmes that we offer. More information on the structure of and requirements for these courses can be found here. Please feel free to reach out to the relevant Academic Coordinator if you have any questions about PhD programmes in your area or if you could use assistance identifying a suitable Supervisor.

While the majority of our PhD students produce traditional supervised theses, we also offer Article-Based PhDs and Practice-Based PhDs in selected areas.

You can apply for our PhD programmes online using this application portal.

Incoming and Current Students

Incoming postgraduate research students should refer to this Guide for New Postgraduate Research Students.

Current PhD students should consult the University Guidelines for Research Degree Programmes as well as the various forms and policies available via the Graduate Studies Website.

Supervision Record Form

It is recommended that all research students keep records of formal meetings with their research supervisor(s). This means that they will be able to trace the history of how their project developed over time. These records may also help to prevent misunderstandings and will assist with reminding both supervisor and supervisee of deadlines agreed, action points to be taken, or issues to follow up. 
 
It is up to individual supervisors and supervisees to determine what sort of record keeping system will work best for them. Some supervisors request that their students email them a meeting summary following each formal supervision. Others recommend keeping a dedicated logbook or shared document. A sample Supervision Record Form that can be used or adapted by postgraduate research students is available below.

• Sample Supervision Record Form

Local Guidelines

Local guidelines exist for the following programmes in the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies at University of Galway:

• CASSCS Local Guideline for PhDs
• CASSCS DPsychs Clinical Psychology calendar entry