About

Course details

Each unique structured Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) project is carried out over a minimum of three years and a maximum of six years (full-time).

Within this time you will be guided through your research project with the support of your supervisors and the RCSI School of Postgraduate Studies.

This PhD Level 10 NFQ major award is accredited by RCSI and the National University of Ireland.

Develop your skills as a researcher at RCSI

You will have a range of resources, research development opportunities and training at your disposal during your PhD, including:

Core and optional modules as part of our research development training – all PhD scholars are expected to complete all four (PC01-PC04) core modules as part of their degree.
International placements – we have a competitive award for those without funding who can apply for three-month international secondment award (RCSI-funded).
Dissemination of your research. The perfect starting point for this is our annual Research Day; apply for a poster or oral presentation and practice key presenting and communication skills.
Dedicated write-up space in our Postgraduate Suite in our new Library.

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Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

To be considered eligible for the programme, you must:

Have an upper second class (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or;
MB/BAO/BCh degrees or;
An MSc degree in a relevant subject.
Have an RCSI supervisor with whom you have agreed the topic of your thesis and the logistical details for your candidature (e.g. start date, location for initial research training etc.).

You will also need to supply a copy of an academic  IELTS examination, or equivalent (for candidates whose first language is not English).  Read more about minimum English language requirements here.

English Program Requirements

Entry requirements

To be considered eligible for the programme, you must:

Have an upper second class (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or;
MB/BAO/BCh degrees or;
An MSc degree in a relevant subject.
Have an RCSI supervisor with whom you have agreed the topic of your thesis and the logistical details for your candidature (e.g. start date, location for initial research training etc.).

You will also need to supply a copy of an academic  IELTS examination, or equivalent (for candidates whose first language is not English).  Read more about minimum English language requirements here.

Policies and guidelines

Discipline Research

Qualification PhD

Delivery Full and part-time

Type Research

Career

Your future

Your postgraduate degree at RCSI builds skills, expertise and specialist knowledge in your chosen field, in preparation for career pathways across many employment sectors including higher education, health, and industry or entrepreneurial roles.

Your degree will equip you with a transferable skill-set that is highly valued by employers, ranging from problem-solving, critical reasoning, and thinking in-depth to the ability to project manage, communicate and collaborate effectively.

As a graduate of RCSI, you join a community of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.

With campuses located in Dublin, Dubai, Bahrain and Malaysia, and a global network of strong and productive collaborators, some of the world’s most exciting career opportunities are available to you as a graduate of RCSI.

Doctor of Philosophy