How do I apply for a Research Master’s/ MD/ PhD?
First, you will need to decide on a topic or area of research that you are interested in, then find and contact a supervisor in the same field– you can find information Here
A proposal will need to be drawn up (with approval from the supervisor) and submitted on the Apply Online on our website:
A proposal will need to be drawn up (with approval from the supervisor) and submitted on the Apply Online on our website:
What are the entry requirements for an MSc by research?
Applicants should hold a 2.2 in an Honours Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a relevant subject and meet the English language requirement
What are the entry requirements for an MD?
Applicants should hold a primary medical degree and meet the English language requirement. please note that 3 years must have passed between award of the medical degree and the MD
What are the entry requirements for a PhD?
Applicants should hold a 2.1 in an Honours Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a relevant subject and meet the English language requirement
I did my degree overseas, can I still apply?
Yes, you can check if your qualification meets our minimum requirements through NARIC/ QQI online. If your transcripts are not in English, you will also need to provide a certified translation of your certificate and transcript.
I have submitted my application online and I haven’t heard anything. What should I do?
Your application will initially be reviewed and if there is an issue you will be contacted by staff otherwise your application will go to the next Committee meeting to be approved. Committee meetings take place on average every 2-3 months so the length of time you will wait for confirmation will depend on when you apply and the date for the next Committee meeting. If you haven’t heard anything from us after 3 months, please contact the School of Postgraduate Studies,
I am a non-native English speaker, what level of English do I need to have?
Non-Native English speakers are expected to have at least 6.5 in IELTS or equivalent (Cambridge/ TOEIC etc).
| CEFR level | IELTS | Cambridge CAE | Cambridge CPE | TOEIC | TOEFL | TOEFL | TOEFL | Pearson |
| Paper | CBT | IBT | PTE Academic | |||||
| C1 | 6.5 – 7.0 | Grade A / B / C | Minimum: Level C1 (score of 180-199) | 605 – 780 | 550 – 587 | 213 – 240 | 79 – 95 | 65 and above |
| C2 | 7.5 – 9.0 | Grade A / B / C | 785 – 990 | 590 – 677 | 243 – 300 | 96 – 120 | 78 | |
| Top Score: | 9 | 100 | 100 | 990 | 677 | 300 | 120 | 90 |
I would like information on Taught Masters courses for example the MCh by module
For information about specific taught postgraduate courses please check the department website or for further information please contact the department running the course.
What is the application process/ course information for Graduate Entry Medicine?
To apply for Graduate Entry Medicine please contact the admissions office in relation to GEM at admissions@RCSI.ie for further information on GEM see their webpage or contact aegan@rcsi.ie for further information.
Am I expected to teach undergraduate classes while doing my PhD?
No. But it may be of benefit to you to receive some teaching experience during the course of your postgraduate studies. Some PhD students are asked to supervise undergraduate research projects in the laboratories. Some students are asked to demonstrate undergraduate practical classes.
You are however limited in the amount of time you can devote to these activities. Most PhD students are tax exempt because they complete a tax exemption form. This tax exemption is predicated on them not ’working’ for their stipend. However, the irish revenue office accepts that teacher-training is important for PhD students but specifies that such teaching should not occupy more than 6 hours per week during active term time (i.e. 144 hours per year)
You are however limited in the amount of time you can devote to these activities. Most PhD students are tax exempt because they complete a tax exemption form. This tax exemption is predicated on them not ’working’ for their stipend. However, the irish revenue office accepts that teacher-training is important for PhD students but specifies that such teaching should not occupy more than 6 hours per week during active term time (i.e. 144 hours per year)
Must I pay tax on my PhD or Masters stipend?
Most PhD and Msc students are tax exempt because they complete a Revenue scholarship declaration form. This tax exemption is predicated on them not ’working’ for their stipend. However, the irish revenue office accepts that teacher-training is important for research students, but specifies that such teaching should not occupy more than 6 hours per week during active term time (i.e. 144 hours per year)
Is there a template for my project proposal?
Yes, all applicants must include a project proposal as per the http://www.rcsi.ie/files/SchoolofPGStudies/20160330031837_Project%20Proposal%202016-17%20v2.zi.zip and it must adhere to the 4-page page restriction.
Where can I find information about PhD projects available through RCSI?
Projects are available on two different projects’ pages: the first lists funded projects:
http://www.rcsi.ie/CurrResProj while the second lists non-funded projects
http://www.rcsi.ie/phd_projects
http://www.rcsi.ie/CurrResProj while the second lists non-funded projects
http://www.rcsi.ie/phd_projects
FEES: what are the fees for Irish Students, EU students or non-EU students?
Please go to the fees page.
RPL: I am not eligible to apply for the Research Masters course. However I have significant laboratory experience and am capable of completing an MSc by research. What is the RCSI policy for Recognition of Prior Learning to enable me to apply for an MSc.
A Recognition of Prior Learning Form (Type 1) needs to be filled out, signed by the applicant, and submitted to the School of Postgraduate Studies. This will be reviewed by the RPL committee who will make a decision regarding the candidate’s eligibility for the course in question (in this case a Research MSc).
RPL: I would like to be exempt from a module/course that I have already completed elsewhere. What is the RCSI Recognition of Prior Learning policy for module exemption?
A Recognition of Prior Learning Form (Type 2) needs to be filled out, signed by the applicant, and submitted to the School of Postgraduate Studies. This will be reviewed by the RPL committee who will make a decision regarding the candidate’s eligibility for exemption from the module/course in question.
CEs: What is the process to follow if a Clinical Educator (previously CLaT) wishes to apply for an MD/PhD?
- Most important first step is identifying a suitable supervisor, then to submit their application.
- Application form? – Yes, the SPGS has an online application form that must be completed by the candidate. The information requested includes DOB, address, previous employment and also names and contact details of three referees.
- Any other documentation required? – Yes, there is Higher Degree by Research Project Proposal Form on which the applicant outlines their research proposal. This form is signed by the applicant and supervisor.
- Closing dates? – No closing date, applications will be accepted at any time as the committee meets 5 times per year and registration takes place in October or April
CEs: What are the eligibility criteria for an MD?
Candidates must have obtained the degrees of MB BCh BAO and a period of at least 3 years must have elapsed from the time they obtained their undergraduate degree before they can graduate with a MD.
CEs: On what basis will applications for MD/PhD be assessed?
The School of Postgraduate Studies assesses each research proposal on a case by case basis. All Research Postgraduate candidates (PhD/MD/MSc/MCh) are reviewed by the SPGS Board at regular meetings. See the Deadlines/Events section for the next SPGS Board meeting date. Candidates will be notified after this meeting.
CEs: What % of fees will be covered by RCSI for CEs enrolled in MD/PhD?
80%. CEs can choose to pay the remaining 20% through monthly salary deductions.
CEs: Will CEs doing MDs/PhDs be given protected time to study or conduct research as part of their role?
There will be peaks and troughs in teaching and examining time which will allow them to conduct research. Each individual needs to work with their supervisor to look at how best to accommodate their clinical, teaching and research commitments within the academic year, to ensure that the MD submitted is of the appropriate quality. For PhDs, protected time will be provided in the final year.
PG_MD: I am an international Medical Doctor interested in further specialisation. What postgraduate training do you offer?
Medical postgraduate training towards specialisation is only open to Irish graduates. More information for foreign medical doctors interested in working/training in Ireland is available on the Medical Council website. If, however, you would like to do a research postgraduate degree, then please consult our website.