12 PhD programmes offered by the university

The Social Science programme from Maynooth University is designed to provide advanced professional and research skills to qualified, experienced practitioners in lead roles in youth work, community work, social work, rights and social change focused organisations.

The Spanish and Latin American Studies programme from Maynooth University will introduce students to academic communication and educate them in the same through active participation and presentation at departmental graduate symposia, at research conferences nationally and internationally.

Interested individuals of this Applied Social Studies programme from Maynooth University are encouraged to make an informal approach to the Department to discuss their proposal and establish an initial fit between their interests and the Department's research priorities and expertise.

The Anthropology programme from Maynooth University is an advanced research degree that requires considerable initiative on the part of the student to engage in independent, original scholarship. 

The Economics programme from Maynooth University  is built on the foundation developed in the MSc programme. While this programme provides the basic skills and technical knowledge base via taught courses and a directed thesis, the PhD programme builds on this to further students’ skills and knowledge to enable them to do world class research.

The German programme from Maynooth University offers research opportunities relating to all German-speaking countries and, uniquely, relating to theoretical and applied linguistics as well as the theory and practice of Teaching German as a Foreign Language. 

This Geocomputation programme at the Maynooth University helps you enhance advanced specialist knowledge in Geocomputation alongside transferable and generic skills.

The goal of the structured Psychology programme from Maynooth University is to provide a high quality research experience with integrated taught support. 

The Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Studies programme from Maynooth University offers research opportunities for students with specific interest in the field of Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Studies. 

The Sociology programme from Maynooth University aims to ensure that students will make a contribution to the advancement of knowledge in sociology.

The Chinese Studies programme at the Maynooth University offers research degree opportunities for students with specific interest in the fields of Chinese language, literature and culture. 

The Geography degree from Maynooth University is research degree, awarded on the basis of a research thesis. Thesis presentation is supported by a number of taught mandatory Graduate Education modules (GREPs).