Key Information
- Duration: Full-time — 48 months
- Start date: September 2028 (application deadline not specified; the UC online application portal usually opens around mid October)
Overview
The introduction of this Cohort PhD in Education programme from University College Cork in 2008 was a response to the demand for doctoral-level work in the field of education in Ireland. It was also a response to changing views about doctoral study reflected in the international critique of the solo scholar/supervisor model of the traditional PhD, particularly concerning the need for more systematic training in a broader range of advanced research methodologies. The Cohort PhD offers a cohort experience from the beginning of the four-year programme, requiring the kind of collaboration and responsibility expected in high-level professional practice.
Skills and Careers Information
Cohort PhD researchers in Cohort 1 (2008), Cohort 2 (2011), and Cohort 3 (2019) have been or are working in schools (teachers and school management), adult/further education sectors, third-level (lecturers in university) and others working in the field of education (agencies, government departments) or cognate areas of professional practice with an interest in developing their expertise in teaching, learning, assessment and/or policy analysis.
Programme Structure
Modules
- Educational Inquiry and Philosophies of Educational Research
- Advanced Research Methods for Contemporary Issues in Education
- Colloquium in Designing and Conducting Educational Research
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- GPA: Upper Second Class
English Requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL iBT: 90 (or new TOEFL iBT 1-6 score 4.5)
- PTE Academic: 63
- OTE (Oxford Test of English): 140
- IELTS: 6.5
General Requirements
- A Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) and an appropriate Postgraduate Diploma (NFQ, Level 9) and/or Master's (NFQ, Level 9) with at least a Second Class Honours and
- At least three years relevant professional experience in education or cognate field.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (Non-residents): 2,751 AUD / year (≈ 1,700 EUR / year)
- EU/EEA Nationals: 2,751 AUD / year (≈ 1,700 EUR / year)
Living Costs
Cork, Ireland: 1,392-2,265 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Scholarships
PhD scholarship opportunities are available for the Cohort PhD in Education, including the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, Erasmus+ Grants for Study Mobility, the Government Of Ireland Scholarships, and others.