PhD

Course details

A PhD requires candidates to attend and carry out research under appropriate RCSI supervision for a minimum of three years full time. An equivalent length of time is required for part-time PhD students.

• For example, a member of staff who obtains funding from a funding agency to conduct a research study will advertise a research studentship to attract suitably qualified candidates to complete the project. Usually the member of staff who receives the funding becomes the main supervisor of the student for the project.
• Alternatively, individuals seeking such an opportunity can approach RCSI in general and/or potential supervisors in particular to discuss potential PhD opportunities.
• In some cases, a student may receive funding from their own funding sources in which case they may approach potential supervisors to see whether they would be interested in supervising the proposed project.

Each route is acceptable. Information about RCSI, its facilities and programmes, including research activities, can be found on the relevant pages of the RCSI website.

A PhD requires candidates to attend and carry out research under appropriate RCSI supervision for a minimum of three years full time. An equivalent length of time is required for part-time PhD students.

In order to register for a PhD at RCSI, candidates must have obtained at least an upper second class (2.1) honours degree in a relevant subject. Candidates must also have an RCSI supervisor with whom they have agreed the topic for their thesis and the logistical details for their candidature, for example start date, location for initial research training and so on.