English language requirements for international candidates

Course details

a high standard of written and spoken English is required. IELTS high standard of written and spoken English is required. IELTS or equivalent English language test scores are accepted e.g. TOEFL, Cambridge, etc. An IELTS score of 7.0 is desirable, but scores > 6.5 are acceptable.

Applications to register are made through the School of Postgraduate Studies.

Candidates pay fees each year until they submit their thesis and are allowed six years from initial registration in which to complete the degree. In our experience, candidates usually complete their PhD within four years. In unusual circumstances a PhD may take longer and if it is more than six years, candidates must re-apply for registration.

All PhD candidates complete a written thesis on their project which is submitted to one external examiner* and one internal examiner for examination. Following the recommendation of the examiners including successful completion of an oral (viva voce) examination at RCSI a PhD may be awarded.

*Members of academic staff require examination by two external examiners.