Ireland : Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

There are nine universities, 14 institutes of technology and a number of independent third-level colleges in Ireland offering postgraduate study. Check Universities Ireland   and Universities Worldwide  for further information. The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) was introduced in 2003. This is a ten level system capturing all learning, aimed at increasing the mobility of EU citizens and which allows learners to compare international qualifications. The Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) promotes full access to third level education for disabled students in Ireland.

What courses are available?

Irish universities and most institutes of technology offer a range of postgraduate qualifications at PhD, Masters and diploma levels. Postgraduate certificates/diplomas usually last one to two years. Normally these are taught courses. Masters degrees last one to two years and these can be taught or research courses. PhDs are by research for a minimum of three years (Education Ireland). A searchable up-to-date and detailed listing of taught courses offered by higher education institutions in Ireland is available on postgradireland. Qualifax is Ireland’s National Learner’s Database, providing the most comprehensive information on courses available.

Where can I study?

For a listing of all higher education institutions and their websites, see Higher Education Authority Ireland  and Universities Worldwide . Official rankings can be found at Top Universities  and Times Online .

What are the entry requirements for postgraduate study?

Each college has specific entry requirements, similar to UK requirements. A general guideline is at least a 2:2 honours undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. Some institutions may require 2:1 or higher. A certain level of research experience is usually required for PhD programmes. Requirements are always subject to availability, level of knowledge and expertise. Refer to individual institutions for further information on specific entrance requirements.

When do I apply?

Postgraduate courses can be applied to throughout the year. Closing dates vary for different courses. Some courses accept applicants during the year and hold some places until results are announced.

How do I apply?

Most applications are made via the university’s official application form. You may be able to download a form from the institution’s website. An increasing number of institutions are accepting online applications via the Postgraduate Applicatons Centre (PAC). You can apply to each institution separately, so you can get offers from all five and then decide.

The Statement of Interest is of vital importance, as it communicates your motivation, personal experience, enthusiasm for the course, reasons you feel you are qualified and what you hope to gain from the experience. You will need to submit academic references. Choose those with whom you have built up a good relationship and who will remember specific details about your achievements.

Postgraduate applicants will typically be required to submit the following: application form, application fee of €45 (approx £38), copy of birth certificate, your CV, transcript of academic results, statement of interest, academic references, research proposal (for research courses) and evidence of English competency - TOEFL or IELTS results.

How much will it cost?

Course fees average €5,000 (approx £4,200) per year for EU students. Fees for non-EU students are double that. Further information is available at Student Finance Ireland.

Are any scholarships available?

For Higher Education Authority Grants, apply to your local county council and check the deadlines at the Department of Education and Science Ireland. If you are a European Union (EU) national you may be entitled to a local authority grant, however, you will have to satisfy stringent residency requirements.

Further sources of funding and scholarships:

• Arts Council Ireland 
• Department of Education and Science Ireland - has details of Irish Government and Exchange Scholarships.
• The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) 
• Enterprise Ireland 
• Health Research Board Ireland 
• Higher Education Authority Ireland 
• The Ireland Funds 
• The Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority (Teagasc) 
• Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences 
• The Millennium Partnership Fund - funded by the Department of Education and Science.
• The National Disability Authority Ireland 
• The O'Reilly Foundation 
• Royal Irish Academy 
• The Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) 
• Student Finance Ireland - contains information about funds, grants and allowances available.

Are there any exchange programmes?

UK students on undergraduate degree programmes or postgraduate Masters and some PhD programmes may be interested in spending time studying in Ireland through Erasmus. This programme is open to all subject areas but check with your institution’s Erasmus coordinator first (usually in the international office) to see which countries they have links with and in what subject areas.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

If you wish to compare your professional, vocational or technical qualifications with Irish qualifications, you can consult the UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom)  website.