Politics and International Relations

This overview proposes a new structured 4-year PhD programme for the School of Law & Government that will act as the umbrella programme for graduate students registered in the School with a focus on conducting discipline-based research. The student’s original research is presented in thesis format and this thesis is the sole means of assessment for the award of the PhD. 

In addition, during their period of registration students can avail of a mix of modules to provide discipline specific knowledge and develop generic skills and autonomy to augment and support their postgraduate research.

These will include: • Up to 20 credits of core-discipline specific modules; • 10 credits of core-generic and transferable skills; • Up to 20 additional credits for selected elective modules. 

Students will normally take 10 credits each year for years 1-3, with year 4 most likely focused exclusively on research, but discretion about the number of annual credits is permitted to suit the work programme of each student.

A student may register for alternative modules to those outlined on this structure if the original module(s) are not available provided the alternative meets the required research/graduate training objective as agreed with the Supervisor. Early notification of any change should be provided to the Research Administrator in the Faculty Office to ensure approval in the first instance by the Faculty Research Committee.

Along with level 9 modules, appropriate level 8 modules may be taken following discussion with the Supervisor, Head of School and module coordinator.

It is policy in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences that all research students who are assigned any teaching-related responsibilities must complete GS602/A Postgraduate Tutoring Principles and Practice.

All research students in their first year of registration must also complete the self-directed online research integrity module RI-SB01 ‘Research Intregrity Online Training - Social and Behavioural Science Stream’ (available via Loop). Students should register for these modules via their Portal page through the Faculty’s GTE programme.

The Structured Pathway workplan for each student should be discussed and agreed in the first instance with the Supervisor and progress (including confirmation of completion of RI-SB01 and other modules) recorded on the annual PGR2 form.

Research students are also encouraged to take advantage of additional training opportunities offered by the Graduate Studies Office as appropriate throughout their period of study. In year one at the time of initial registration new students are expected to attend orientation sessions, the GSO & library run programme and other relevant induction sessions. 

To register for a Postgraduate Research programme, a candidate must normally have obtained a primary degree classification equivalent to Lower Second Class Honours or above, from an approved University or an approved equivalent degree-awarding body, or have an approved equivalent professional qualification in an area cognate to the proposed research topic.  PhD: Candidates holding an appropriate Master's degree obtained by research may apply for direct entry to the PhD register to conduct research in a cognate area. 

In the case of all applications, evidence MUST be provided of competence in the English language. The list below indicates the minimum standards in the English language, which should be met for entry to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in DCU.

In certain circumstances, results in examinations other than those outlined above may be accepted as proof of competence in the English language. This is the case, for example, for students who have successfully achieved Grade D or higher in examinations which are deemed by DCU to be the equivalent of GCE A-Level examinations and non-native speakers of English who have completed their education through the medium of English. Please include the details of any English language examinations and proof of successful completion when applying to DCU.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Dublin City University is proud to award merit-based scholarships to high achieving students who enter the Faculty of Engineering and Computing and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for the 2016/17 academic year. These scholarships are available to Indian applicants only and are based on academic merit to those who have a Full Offer. 

The Faculties also award scholarships of €1,000 to high achievers entering Masters and Bachelor programmes who are ranked by academic achievement. 

1. DCU Postgraduate Research Conference and Travel Grant

Each postgraduate research student, full-time or part-time, can apply in the period of his or her studentship for a Conference and Travel Grant from the DCU Research Committee. The scheme is administered through the Graduate Studies Office (GSO), based in AG40 Albert College Building. 

2. Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI)