Frequently Asked Questions: Ph.D. Programme

• How do I qualify to undertake the Ph.D. at the Irish Centre for Human Rights?
• What is the closing date for applications?
• How do I get to know the expertise at the Centre so that I can find the appropriate supervisor for my thesis?
• How long after I have applied for admission will I know whether I have been accepted or not?
• When do I register as a Ph.D. student?
• What is the fee for the Ph.D. per year?
• Is there any funding available?
• How long does the Ph.D.> take?
• What is the Annual Doctoral Seminar about?
• Who awards the degree?

How do I qualify to undertake the Ph.D. at the Irish Centre for Human Rights?

If you have a high honours master's degree, or you are able to demonstrate that you have other qualifications that make you a suitable candidate, you should apply to the Postgraduate Admissions Office. For those who are applying from North America , a B average or 3.6 GPA would constitute high honours. In United Kingdom or Irish terms that would be a 2.1.After the application is made, you will be informed whether you have been accepted into the programme.The University requires a minimum IELTS (Internet English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 for its Law programmes, with not less than 5.5 in any of the four components (reading, writing, listening and speaking). This equates to a score of 580 in TOEFL (paper-based); 240 in TOEFL (computer-based); 92 in TOEFL (internet-based) and 750 in TOEIC

What is the closing date for applications?

There is no closing date as applications are processed throughout the year.

How do I get to know the expertise at the Centre so that I can find the appropriate supervisor for my thesis?

Candidates are expected to look up the biography of the teaching staff at the Centre to ascertain this through the website. Individual contact and dialogue with a proposed supervisor are encouraged.

How long after I have applied for admission will I know whether I have been accepted or not?

This can take up to two months. Occasionally, it can take longer. Students accepted during summer months are issued with a letter of offer stating that registration material will be sent to them in September. Students accepted during term are issued with an offer letter, registration material and a specific date to register. All notification about admission is made via the Postgraduate Admissions Office.

When do I register as a Ph.D. student?

The start of the academic year is in September each year. However, should you register for the Ph.D. at any other time other than in September, you may be required to pay full fees for the year underway. In other words, if you register in March, for example, you may pay the full fees for the year underway, and then will be required to pay full fees again in September. For some students, this is a serious financial burden, and this encourages registration in September. Allowance for such situations may be taken into account by the Fees office during your final year and late registering students are encouraged to check with the Fees Office about this [ feesnuigalway.ie].

What is the fee for the Ph.D. per year?

For candidates from the European Union the fee was €4,700 for 2011-2012. For candidates from outside the European Union the fee is €13,000.00 per annum. However, for candidates who do not reside in the European Union a limited number of fee concessions are awarded to candidates each year when the supervisor writes to the Registrar applying for the granting of such a fee concession. The Registrar reviews each application and a decision is made on a case by case basis. The Fees Office should be consulted for up to date information regarding fees.

Is there any funding available?

Candidates may seek assistance from a range of outside sources or apply for a Doctoral Fellowship at the Centre. Fellowships are valued at 16,000 Euro for 12 months and Fellows are expected to work on research and other projects at the Centre for about 20 hours a week in addition to completing their own research. Applications for Fellowships are made to the Director of the Centre or the Director of the Doctoral Programme by August 1 each year. The application should contain information about your research interests, previous experience and skills. Fellowships are advertised on the website where available.

How long does the Ph.D. take?

Four years is the standard period of enrollment for the Ph.D. degree full-time, or six years part-time. However, it may possible to complete it within a shorter period of time (such as two years) with permission from the University.

What is the Annual Doctoral Seminar about?

Every year, usually in late April or early May, the Irish Centre for Human Rights organises a one-week seminar, featuring prestigious international academic visitors. All students registered in the Ph.D. programme, including those who might not then be normally resident in Galway , are expected to attend. The seminar is an opportunity for students to present their research to faculty and fellow students.

Who awards the degree?

The degree is awarded through the Faculty of Law at the National University of Ireland, Galway. The Centre is part of the Law School.   

• Disclaimer
• Privacy
• Copyright
• Accessibility