Research Programmes (Levels 9 & 10) - Masters by Research / PhD

Last Updated: Monday, May 17, 2010, 18:52 by Paul Hegarty

What is on Offer?

Are you interested in engaging in research leading to a doctorate? Mater Dei Institute of Education is committed to encouraging original research in the areas of Religion, Education and Culture. The Institute offers both an MA and a Ph.D. research degree programme in the areas of:

  • Education
  • English
  • History
  • Irish Studies
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Religious Education
  • Theology

A Ph.D is awarded on the basis of three years of fulltime study and an MA by research on the basis of two years fulltime study. It is of course possible to study for both degrees on a part time basis.

What is Involved?

Basically a research degree is awarded on the basis of a major thesis (90,000 words for a Ph.D; 60,000 words for a research MA). This is of course based on a wider supervised research project. The programme also includes foundational and ongoing research seminars to establish and develop the necessary research skills.

As a research student you work closely with an assigned supervisor to investigate a research area of strategic importance to the Institute, of professional importance to yourself, or of academic interest to your supervisor. You also participate in the broader research activities of the Institute and its Research Centres.

General Admissions Requirements

Applicants should be able to demonstrate an aptitude for scholarly research and have a firm academic foundation in RE or Theology or Education or the Humanities.

If you hold a research MA in you may apply to be admitted directly to the Ph.D. programme.

If you hold a primary degree with a first class honours classification (or a taught Masters degree with a first class honours classification) you may apply to be admitted directly to the doctoral programme on what is known as the Ph.D. track.

If you hold a primary degree with a 2.1 classification (or a taught Masters degree with a second class honours classification) you may apply to commence your research at the level of a research MA and subsequently transfer to the doctoral programme.

It is of course possible to register for an MA by research as an alternative award.

Equivalencies can also be considered such as substantive professional experience, previous involvement in major research or a strong publication record.

The Research Proposal

In addition to the above general entry requirements actual admission to the Institute's Research Thesis Register depends upon the approval of a precise Research Proposal submitted to the Institute's Research Committee.

The first step in the process, if you meet the General Admission Requirement, is to discuss a potential research project with a suitably qualified member of staff of the Institute. This discussion is facilitated by the Chairperson of the Research Committee.

Once a potential research project topic and potential thesis supervisor have been identified, the second preparatory step is to submit an application for admission to the Research Proposal Module during which you will participate in a number of seminars and work with your nominated supervisor to prepare the formal Research Proposal. A card fee of €132 is payable for this module which enables you to register for the module and which gives you access to your supervisor and to the Institute's Library and ICT facilities. The preparation of the Research Proposal should take between 3 and 6 months of part-time study.

It is on the basis of the submitted Research Proposal that you are considered for registration as a research student of the Institute. (Full fees are then payable on an annual basis).

Code of Good Research Practice (DCU)

As a College of Dublin City University, Mater Dei Institute of Education adheres to the University's Code of Good Research Practice.

In addition to the criteria outlined in the University's Code, it should be noted that the financial management of Research Grants in Mater Dei Institute is the responsibility of the Institute's Research Committee. Researchers at Mater Dei Institute whose projects require ethical approval should apply in the first instance to the Mater Dei Institute Research Ethics Committee.

Allegations of research misconduct should be addressed in the first instance to the Mater Dei Institute Research Ethics Committee. Researchers at Mater Dei Institute should take all necessary steps to ensure that intellectual work arising from their work is properly protected. For details of the university's policy on managing intellectual property, see, Intellectual Property.

Fees and Grants

For Fees and Grants info click here.

Application

For Application info click here.