PHD PROGRAMME

A PhD dissertation should make a substantial and original contribution to its field of knowledge. The PhD degree is awarded for work that is 'worthy of publication, in whole or in part, as a work of serious scholarship' ( NUI Galway Calendar). The length of the dissertation in English is normally 60,000 to 80,000 words. The duration of research is usually three years.

Click here for Research Resources for English at NUI, Galway

Application Procedure
The minimum qualification necessary to be considered for admission to the PhD programme is a high honours primary degree, or 'other such evidence as will satisfy the Head of Department and the Faculty of his/her fitness' ( NUI Galway Calendar). It is more usual, however, for successful applicants to have already gained a Master's degree.

To apply for admission to the PhD programme, you must complete an online postgraduate application form on http://www.pac.ie/.
The application form asks you to detail your qualifications and to name two referees. You must include transcripts and arrange for two academic referees to complete the attached Referee’s form, seal it in an envelope, and forward them to PAC within 10 days of  application. You must also submit a sample of academic writing (e.g. a recent BA or MA course essay) and a 1500-word research proposal. This proposal should be structured under the following headings:

1. Description of proposed research (800 words) 
This section should describe clearly the subject and scope of your research. You should indicate the critical problems or questions you propose to investigate.

2. Critical context (350 words) 
This section should describe, as far as you can tell, the extent of the scholarly work already done on your topic. You should be able to explain how your research will challenge or extend this existing knowledge.

3. Methodology (250 words)
Here you should describe the research methodologies you will employ, and explain why you have chosen them (e.g. critical biography, feminist analysis, genre study, etc.)

4. Sources and archives (100 words)
Give a preliminary indication of the primary and secondary material you expect to examine,
and how much of the material may be found at NUI Galway. You will be able to avail of
inter-library loans and will be eligible to apply for some travel funding during the course of your research (see Funding below).

Your application will be assessed by the Postgraduate Studies Committee of the Department of English. Acceptance will depend on a number of factors: the quality and viability of the proposal, the applicant's qualifications and achievements to date, the reports of the two referees, and the availability of appropriate supervision.

Funding
In the first instance you should consult the careers office of your home university for information on funding schemes for which you may be eligible. You may also wish to explore the following:   

Click here for details on a range of fellowships offered by the College of Arts, Social Science and Celtic Studies http://www.nuigalway.ie/faculties_departments/arts/fellowships.html     

Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded on the basis of national competition.  Scholarships are valued at up to €16,000 per annum. They will be awarded initially for one year, but subject to terms and conditions, are renewable for up to two additional years. Fees will also be covered for the period of the Scholarship. Information about these may be obtained from the Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences, Brooklawn House, Shelbourne Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. (tel. 353 (0)1 660 3652). You may also visit their website for information. 


Part-time Teaching in the NUI Galway Department of English 
A limited amount of part-time undergraduate tutorial or seminar teaching may be available within the department for PhD students in their second or third year. 

NUI Regulations on Submission and Formatting of PhD Theses

You should become familiar with the National University of Ireland regulations for PhD theses. You will find these in the NUI Galway General Calendar, or you may obtain them directly from the Registrar, National University of Ireland, 49 Merrion Square, Dublin 2.

 
Dr Lisa Padden, Dr Julia Walther, Dr William Burke, Dr Katrin Urschel and
Dr Sheila McCormick, Department of English PhD graduates 2011, with
their supervisors.

 
Professor Kevin Barry, Dean of Arts, with Dr Kinga Olsewszka, 
Dr Caoilfhionn Ni Bheachain and Dr Patrick Lonergan, PhD Graduates 2005

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