Overview

It has an international reputation, and graduates are currently employed as academics in leading universities, as teachers, as school principals, and as education policy makers and innovators in the public and private sector.

Features

On the Education and Lifelong Learning programme at University College Dublin, students must complete a substantial thesis of typically around 80,000 words, detailing an original research study that has made a significant contribution to knowledge.

The structured component is thirty credits of taught modules including at least one research methods module. The other two modules may be any graduate level modules of choice offered at the School of Education or more broadly within the College of Social Sciences and Law.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

A large range of supports are also available within UCD, for all graduate researchers.

These include library study pods, training in many aspects of research and research management, and superb library facilities.

UCD also has a state-of-the-art leisure centre with an Olympic swimming pool, a cinema, theatre, and a medical centre.

In addition, our students are supported in writing applications for grants and scholarships, and we have a very high level of success in attracting student awards from the Irish Research Council, and the National University of Ireland.

Our students present their research at the All-Ireland doctoral conference, hosted annually by UCD and QUB, and they also present at international conferences.

Many of our research students have won places on prestigious graduate summer schools.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-09-01 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

Credits

30 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Education View 8 other PhDs in Education in Ireland

Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University College Dublin and/or in Ireland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

High honours in an appropriate master’s degree (or equivalent) and/or evidence of other academic standing and/or relevant professional experience that demonstrates suitability for PhD study.

Evidence of meeting the School’s English language requirements for PhD study. These are: IELTS of 7 total score, with no band below 6.5, or alternatively a masters’ degree graded at 2:1 or above, written in English and obtained from an English speaking institution in an English speaking country, within the past 3-years from date of application.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

13730 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 13730 EUR per year during 48 months.
EU/EEA

7130 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 7130 EUR per year during 48 months.

The displayed fees are for 2024. Fees for 2025 will be updated soon.

Living costs for Dublin

1100 - 1800 EUR /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Education and Lifelong Learning.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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