Overview

It has an international reputation, and graduates are currently employed as academics in leading universities, as teachers, as school principals, and as education policy makers and innovators in the public and private sector.

Features

On the Education and Lifelong Learning programme at University College Dublin, students must complete a substantial thesis of typically around 80,000 words, detailing an original research study that has made a significant contribution to knowledge.

The structured component is thirty credits of taught modules including at least one research methods module. The other two modules may be any graduate level modules of choice offered at the School of Education or more broadly within the College of Social Sciences and Law.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

A large range of supports are also available within UCD, for all graduate researchers.

These include library study pods, training in many aspects of research and research management, and superb library facilities.

UCD also has a state-of-the-art leisure centre with an Olympic swimming pool, a cinema, theatre, and a medical centre.

In addition, our students are supported in writing applications for grants and scholarships, and we have a very high level of success in attracting student awards from the Irish Research Council, and the National University of Ireland.

Our students present their research at the All-Ireland doctoral conference, hosted annually by UCD and QUB, and they also present at international conferences.

Many of our research students have won places on prestigious graduate summer schools.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-07 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

More details

Students should contact the advisors first, explaining their motivation for pursuing the degree and their intended area of research.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

OTE

140

Credits

30 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dublin, Ireland

Disciplines

Education View 10 other PhDs in Education in Ireland

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

OTE

140

Other requirements

General requirements

High honours in an appropriate master’s degree (or equivalent) and/or evidence of other academic standing and/or relevant professional experience that demonstrates suitability for PhD study.

Evidence of meeting the School’s English language requirements for PhD study. These are: IELTS of 7 total score, with no band below 6.5, or alternatively a masters’ degree graded at 2:1 or above, written in English and obtained from an English speaking institution in an English speaking country, within the past 3-years from date of application.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University College Dublin and/or in Ireland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

13730 EUR / year

≈ 13730 EUR / year
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

7130 EUR / year

≈ 7130 EUR / year

Living costs

Dublin

Ireland

1100 - 1800 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Education and Lifelong Learning.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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