Overview
In most but not all instances, your stipend, university fees, consumable, equipment and travel costs will be paid from a research grant from a national or international grant agency or charity. Your supervisor usually competitively obtains this grant, but students can also obtain their own scholarships, such as from the Irish Research Council (IRC). Scholarship awards, such as the John Hume Scholarship, are also available from Maynooth University via an annual call. There is usually no support available for extra time required to complete your degree, so you should try and manage your research and thesis writing to take place within the allocated timeframe (usually 3-4 years).
Upon entering the Biology programme from Maynooth University each student will be assigned two additional mentors, an Advisor and an Assessor. The Advisor provides additional mentorship for the student throughout the four-year programme and is someone the student can discuss issues with in addition to their supervisor. The Assessor is a member of staff who will provide an annual constructive critique of the students work programme and will aid, together with the Advisor, in outlining possible future research plans. Visit the programme website for more information
In addition to the research project, training is provided through compulsory attendance of a variety of generic and transferable skills as well as subject specific modules. For example, the established Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning will provide research students with experience in practical class demonstrating and teaching and learning methodologies. Training in subject specific skills is provided through modules offered either through the Biology Department or through other third level institutions. Finally, research students will be encouraged to attend at least one international conference during their four-year programme, at which they will be expected to present an oral or poster presentation.
Career Options
Postdoctoral research in academic research labs in Ireland or worldwide, positions in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries, Teaching, Scientific writing, etc. Modules available for PhD students at Maynooth University provide transferrable skills for careers in both academic and industry settings.
Programme Structure
Courses Include:
- Advanced Immunology
- Professional Certificate in Postgraduate Teaching and Learning: Tutors and Demonstrators
- Innovation and Research Commercialisation
- Vaccines and Adjuvants
- Applied and Molecular Immunology
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- PTE Academic: 63
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
Applicants must have a recognised primary degree that is considered equivalent to Irish University primary degree level. Usually a first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant biological subject is required. Additional qualifications such as an MSc degree or relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration.
