POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

There are a number of different levels of postgraduate degree programmes in the Irish Higher Education System, however the most common levels for international students studying in Ireland are Masters and Doctoral (Ph.D.) programmes.

Masters Programmes

There are two types of Masters degrees offered at NUI Galway: a Taught Masters and a Research Masters.
 
Taught Masters normally last 1 or 2 years and consist mainly of classes, seminars and coursework and may also include a written thesis or dissertation.

Entry to a Taught Masters is open usually to applicants holding the international equivalent of an Honours Level (NFQ Level 8) Bachelor degree.

Research Masters usually last a minimum of two years and involves working on a research project under faculty supervision and the completion of a thesis. Entry to a Research Masters is open usually to applicants holding the international equivalent of an Honours Level (NFQ Level 8) Bachelor degree.

Depending on the programme, students undertaking a Research Master students may transfer to a Ph.D. after one year of study, provided they have demonstrated the necessary ability.

Doctoral (Ph.D.) Programmes

The traditional Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree programme involves carrying out research under faculty supervision, usually for a period of four years and the completion of a thesis.

Structured Ph.D. programmes also take four years, but also include a significant amount of professional and general skills training in addition to research.

Postgraduate Programmes
Research at NUI Galway