Doctoral Programme

The Irish Centre for Human Rights is at the forefront of doctoral research on international human rights law in Europe.

The doctoral programme is unique not only because of the exceptional standard of research and level of publication but also because of the environment in which doctoral students work. A thriving research community exists at the Centre with around 50 doctoral candidates enrolled on the program. Students from a range of academic backgrounds are engaged in research on a broad spectrum of issues related to international human rights law, international criminal law, international humanitarian law and international relations.

Doctoral studies normally take a period of four years full-time or six years part-time. This period may be reduced subject to supervisor and University approval if a student’s attainments so justify. Successful students are awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) from the School of Law. Under the direction of a faculty supervisor, candidates develop a programme of individual study and research. 

Participation in the activities of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, including attendance at lectures and seminars delivered by visitors to the Centre, is encouraged. Doctoral candidates are invited to audit seminars that are offered by the Centre as part of the post-graduate teaching programmes and to contribute to research projects carried out at the Centre. In addition, opportunities exist for doctoral candidates to deliver lunchtime seminars on their specific topics and to gain valuable teaching experience both on an off campus. For students undertaking the structured Ph.D programme such activities would be eligible for attaining the necessary credits for each academic year.

For the benefit of doctoral candidates, the Centre organises a week-long doctoral seminar which features a distinguished panel of visiting academics in the field of human rights. During the seminar, candidates are invited to present and defend the findings of their research. Throughout the academic year, doctoral candidates also meet with the Centre’s director on a monthly basis to discuss recent developments and case-law of mutual interest as part of their regular study programme. Meetings also take place on a weekly basis for discussion of recent developments in international criminal law.

Upon completion of the thesis, which should not take more than six years, candidates are examined orally by a board normally consisting of an internal examiner and an external examiner with expertise in the field of study. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy will not be awarded unless the examiners report that the work is worthy of publication, in whole or in part, as a work of serious scholarship.

Over the years, the achievements of the Centre’s doctoral graduates have paid great tribute to quality of the Ph.D. programme.  Most of our graduates have taken up permanent teaching positions at prestigious institutions and the vast majority have published, or are in the course of publishing, their doctoral theses (with publishers such as Oxford, Cambridge and Hart). A small number are also working at a high level for various inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Please send queries relating to the doctoral programme to Professor Ray Murphy ( ray.murphynuigalway.ie).

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• Doctoral Candidates
• Doctoral Seminar
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