Doctor of Philosophy

PhD
Research

How to apply

Only candidates who have already been recruited/accepted by a supervisor can begin the registration process here.

Available projects are listed here. Alternatively, you can contact a researcher directly via their research area. 

Pre-registration checklist

Before you can begin your registration, you must answer 'yes' to the following questions:

  • Do you meet the entry requirements?
  • Have you obtained confirmation of your funding source (or been offered a scholarship through a programme or from a supervisor)? 
  • Have you engaged with a supervisor who has agreed to supervise your project?
  • Have you discussed and agreed your proposed research project with your supervisor (this is a key step in the registration process; poorly constructed proposals will delay your registration). 
  • All research PhD, MD, MSc, MCh programmes have an open rolling registration throughout the year. However, scholars are grouped into April [Nov-Apr] or October [May-Oct] registration groups for administrative purposes – which one are you registering for?
  • If you are applying to a larger programme like SPHeRE or StAR, have you received your official acceptance letter and/or scholarship offer?
  • Have you read the Privacy Statement and Terms of Use?
Full-time
Part-time

SPHeRE programmes

SPHeRE programmes open for applications in April 2025 for scholars commencing in October.

Documents required

Please ensure you have all required documentation (as listed below) completed and ready to upload.

  • Completed project proposal form, available to download below. 
Higher Degree Postgraduate Research - Project Proposal DOCX | 121.5 KB
  • Passport-sized photograph (PNG/JPEG/TIFF)
  • Evidence of qualifications (transcripts)
  • Curriculum Vitae (recent, maximum three pages with a specific section listing relevant clinical/research experience)
  • Evidence of competency in English

    • Please note

    • Please save all documents – except the photograph – as PDFs and only upload PDFs.
    • All non-EU applicants will need a valid study visa before arriving in Ireland. It is your responsibility to organise your own visa from the INIS.

    What happens next?

    Once you have completed the registration process, your documents and transcripts are reviewed, along with your project proposal, by the RCSI Academic Review Committee.

    Applications are sent for review by the committee on the first Wednesday of each month, and we aim to reply to all applicants within four weeks.

    If you have a stipend set-up, we will provide you with a temporary (three-month) student card to get you started while you wait for the formal registration process to be completed.