English Drama & Film - Research

PhD Programme

The School of English Drama and Film at UCD welcomes applications from potential PhD students. A UCD PhD is a four year research degree, undertaken within a clearly structured programme leading to the production of a thesis of around 100,000 words which will make an original contribution to knowledge. The programme includes taught modules, a Research and Professional Development Plan and the possibility to develop teaching skills.



Potential PhD researchers wishing to start in the Autumn trimester are required to apply by 1st July 2023 (Sept 2023 start) and 15th June 2024 (Sept 2024 start). Those applying for January start need to submit before 15th October. For a May start, applications must be completed and submitted by 1st March.



MLitt Programme

An MLitt is a master's-level research degree based primarily on an independent research project, usually proposed and developed by the student, and carried out under the guidance of a supervisor and a research studies panel. In the case of the MLitt, or the research master's, the student will produce a thesis of 40,000- 60,000 words.



The MLitt degree is normally carried out over 6 trimesters (2 years) full time (or 3 years part time). MLitt students who do not complete the requirements for the degree within these timelines must apply for permission to continue.



MLitt students may be eligible to transfer to a doctoral programme on successful completion of a transfer assessment following a minimum three trimesters and maximum of six trimesters of registration (full-time) or a minimum of six trimesters and maximum of twelve trimesters (part time) on the research master’s degree programme. This will also be subject to approval of the Graduate Research Board and any policy the University may establish.



Potential MLitt researchers wishing to start in the Autumn trimester are encouraged to submit their completed online application before the 1st of July at the latest. Those applying for January start need to submit before the 15th October. For a May start, applications must be completed and submitted by the 1st of March.



General Information

All students are assigned a primary supervisor. In some cases where the work is interdisciplinary, co-supervision will be offered. Students are supported by supervisors in their programme of independent research, which frequently culminates in the production of research worthy of peer-reviewed publications.



The School of English, Drama and Film and the College of Arts and Humanities at UCD are consistently ranked highly. Members of the School have attracted some of the most competitive research grants and awards available in Ireland and internationally. These include funding from the following bodies: European Research Council, Irish Research Council, Fulbright Ireland, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Award Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Foundation.



At the School of English, Drama and Film, we offer wide-ranging experience in the supervision of PhD students Many of our PhD students have been successful in obtaining postdoctoral funding following their research.



School members have also played a significant and recognized role in shaping their respective fields of study. A full staff list can be found here . The list includes links to staff research profiles.

It is expected that PhD students will have an academic background necessary to support doctoral level research. The majority of our candidates have a strong graduate and postgraduate record (a high MA result of 2:1- 1:1 or GPA above 3.2). The School requires an IELTS band 8 if English is not your first language. A potential supervisor will be able to advise on the knowledge they expect their students to have gained before applying for entry to the programme.



MLitt students are also required to have an academic background necessary to support independent research. The School requires an IELTS band 8 if English is not your first language, and a high BA result 2:1- 1:1 or GPA of GPA above 3.2. A potential supervisor will be able to advise on the knowledge they expect their students to have gained before applying for entry to the programme.



In addition to subject specific knowledge, all PhD and MLitt students are expected to have a basic understanding of research methods before applying for entry to the PhD and MLitt programme. It is compulsory to complete Research Intergrity Training during all UCD research degrees and it is expected that students will complete any modules, either in the School or in UCD, required to meet research needs.

Potential PhD researchers wishing to start in the Autumn trimester are encouraged to submit their completed online application before the 1st of July at the latest. Those applying for January start need to submit before the 15th October. For a May start, applications must be completed and submitted by the 1st of March.



Potential MLitt researchers wishing to start in the Autumn trimester are encouraged to submit their completed online application before the 1st of July at the latest. Those applying for January start need to submit before the 15th October. For a May start, applications must be completed and submitted by the 1st of March.



While you can submit an application without consulting anyone in the School, it is not advisable. You should first send a proposal to a member of academic staff that you would like to act as your supervisor. Anyone thinking of applying for a PhD or MLitt is required to share a project proposal.



If you are unsure as to who to contact, you could contact someone working in the general area that interests you, who may be able to recommend a potential supervisor. Alternatively, you can email graduateedf@ucd.ie with your proposal. Staff research interests are listed on the School webpages. This may be helpful to you in identifying a potential supervisor.



You should have at least a general proposal prepared before contacting a potential supervisor. The key purpose of contacting your potential supervisor is to satisfy yourself, as the supervisor must also be satisfied, that you can work with each other toward the completion of your studies. However, the success of this does not guarantee that you will be offered supervision or a place on the programme, as the School must consider your application in relation to a range of other factors.



Preparing a proposal and contacting a potential supervisor:



First you need to identify what has already been done in your chosen research area and identify a gap in the existing knowledge that your research could fill. Following this, you need to articulate a clear focus and approach for your research, and a breakdown of provisional chapters. Once you complete the proposal, you should make contact with a potential supervisor to discuss possible directions to your project.



As well as an in-depth proposal a future supervisor would also need to see



a short academic CV,



a sample of academic writing (ideally a chapter from a postgraduate dissertation, or if applying for an MLitt a lengthy chapter or research essay)



If a member of staff is interested and willing to provide supervision after reading your proposal, you should arrange to meet with your potential supervisor—meetings and conversations may also take place online if you are unable to travel or are living outside Ireland. If the supervisor provisionally agrees that the work has merit, you can work with the supervisor on the proposal then begin the application process. You should seek the advice of your potential supervisor about your ideas, choice of materials, methodologies, or background reading, but the potential supervisor is not expected to edit or revise your application proposal.



Portal for electronic application

All research degree applications are reviewed by the School's Research Degree Admissions Board. The time from application submission to formal communication of the application outcome takes two months on average. International students should apply with sufficient time to arrange visas in advance of degree commencement date should they receive an offer.

Z109 English, Drama & Film Master of Literature FT 02 Years

Z121 English, Drama & Film Doctor of Philosophy FT/PT 03/06 Years