Education - Structured

Key Features

A team of renowned academics will deliver innovative master classes and international schools. You will enjoy excellent facilities and have an opportunity to avail of very attractive funding schemes. The Structured PhD programme from Mary Immaculate College has a collaborative link with the Structured PhD programme in the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick which will provide you with opportunities for mobility between programmes on both campuses.



Blended learning through Moodle will be used to support students throughout the programme.



Students are allocated supervisors and work with a supervisory panel. There is periodic assessment and guidance to ensure you complete your PhD within a four year period. Guided by Professional Development Planning, you can organise your coursework and research activities over the course of your studies.

Programme Content

A balance between taught and research components is a hallmark of the programme. You will be guided through a set of core and optional modules and design, conduct and write an original and rigorous research thesis.



Examples of core modules include:

• Epistemological and Ontological Foundations of Education

• Paradigms, Policies and Practices

• Principles and Practices of Research Design in Education

• Critical and Interpretive Research in Educational Settings

• Complementary Art and Science Research Methods

Applicants will normally hold a Masters degree in Education



Evidence of academic standing and/or relevant professional experience that will satisfy Graduate Studies in Education of your suitability for doctoral studies



Letters of reference from two academic referees who can assess your intellectual ability, maturity and motivation



English Language Requirements:

If applicants come from a non-English speaking country, they are required to meet the minimum English language requirements to study at MIC (see outline below).



Matriculation Examinations: From European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved



Irish Leaving Certificate English: Ordinary Level Grade D or above



TOEFL: 580 (paper-based) or 90 (internet-based)



IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5* with no less than 6.0 in any component.



*Please note, we can only accept Academic IELTS (or equivalent TOEFL/Duolingo). General IELTS will not be accepted.



ETAPP (English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes): Grade C1



GCE ‘O’ Level English Language/ GCSE English Language: Grade C or above



University of Cambridge ESOL: Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English - Grade B



GCE Examination Boards: Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations - Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate - School Certificate Pass 1-6



University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council - School Certificate Pass 1-6



PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic: A minimum score of 61 (with no section score below 59)



Duolingo English Test (DET) The minimum score of 110 with no less than 100 in any component. An interview may also be required in conjunction with this test for certain programmes.



Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements.



If students do not meet the English language requirements above, there are a range of short-term English language programmes offered at MIC.

How to Apply:

EU Applicants:

Please read How to Apply for a Research Programme at MIC from our website. Please inform the programme leader before approaching a supervisor as they will facilitate this process for you.



- After you have read How to Apply for a Research Programme at MIC, download and complete the application form. For applications in Irish, download and complete the application form. Both forms can be downloaded from our website.



- The application form must also include your university transcripts and contact details for two referees.



- In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IETLS (or equivalent) is required.



- Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using Stripe here, and email the completed application form to: RGSO@mic.ul.ie.



Non-EU Applicants:

For advice on visas and the practicalities of living in Ireland, please contact the International office at international@mic.ul.ie.



- Entry requirements and the application process may vary according to country of origin. For information that is specific to your home country please see our website.



- After you have read How to Apply for a Research Postgraduate programme at MIC, download and complete the application form. For applications in Irish, download and complete the application form. Both forms are downloadable from our website.



- However, please inform the programme leader before approaching a supervisor as they will facilitate this process for you.



- The application form must also include your university transcripts and contact details for two referees.



In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IETLS (or equivalent) is required.



Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using TransferMate here and email the completed application form to rgso@mic.ul.ie.

EU/Non-EU Status Assessments



The designation of a student as being from the EU or a Non-EU country determines the fees they will pay at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) i.e. there may be cases where a non-EU national acquires EEA citizenship during the course of their third level studies and would qualify for EU fees, for example.



For more information on EU/Non-EU assessments which will be conducted by MIC International office please go to the Provider's website.

4 years full-time.

Career Opportunities

There are numerous career opportunities that are available to graduates of the structured PhD in Education. The most common is the access to teach and work in higher education where a PhD is often required as a minimum qualification. Additionally it provides a useful qualification to progress leadership roles within a variety of educational institutions and schools.