Postgraduate Research

The Department of Politics and Public Administration - Postgraduate Research

The Department of Politics and Public Administration has a research ethos that is well-established and consciously sustained. Within this context, doctoral research and supervision is a vital part of the departmental research culture. We strive to support an inclusive research community that embraces different approaches and areas. 

Our postgraduate research (PGR) programmes

We have two PhD programmes in the Department of Politics & Public Administration: the Structured PhD in Politics (which includes two semesters of taught modules during which you develop the basis for your PhD) and the traditional PhD. You can also register for an MA by Research.

Before applying, you should contact a prospective supervisor whose expertise can support your proposed research project. You can find profiles of our faculty here; you are welcome to contact us if you need guidance in finding a supervisor.

Funding for postgraduate students

Our PGR students’ funding comes from a variety of sources. The Department offers supports for those who are applying for funding; ask your prospective supervisor for further information about this. 

• The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship is open to all research topics. Its deadline usually falls in early October for funding that would begin the following September.
• You should check if you qualify for funding from SUSI.
• Our faculty advertises fee-waivers each year in the Spring.
• Non-EU students can apply for the one-year Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship. This is usually advertised early in the new year.
• US citizens who are applying for Fulbright grants are welcome to contact us.
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Developing a funding application for a postgraduate research project can be a lengthy process, so we encourage prospective students to contact their potential supervisor long in advance of the application deadline for any given funding scheme and at least 6 weeks before the GOI Postgraduate Scholarship deadline. It is absolutely necessary to receive the consent of a prospective supervisor before you can name them in an application for funding or in an application for a place on our postgraduate research programmes.

You can find out more about potential funding opportunities at the Doctoral College pages and your prospective supervisor may be aware of other sources of field- or topic-specific funding.