Geography - Research

Our flagship research degree is our structured PhD programme. The structured PhD focuses on the completion of taught modules in conjunction with a research thesis. This has proven to be highly successful and enables our PhD students to achieve the best possible experience of graduate research and training. Making a substantial and original contribution to knowledge, normally leading to peer-reviewed publications is a core goal of doctoral studies in the UCD School of Geography.



Doctoral students normally have two supervisors, a research advisory panel that consists of experts who support the students from cognate areas of research. A two stage process ensures that students have developed their research design and have achieved the high standards expected of doctoral degrees. Stage transfer offers students the opportunity to present their work and receive feedback from scholars outside of their research team and gives invaluable viva experience. The doctoral programme in the school is overseen by the Research Director who is a key point of contact for current students.



The School of Geography offers two Research Masters Programmes (MLitt - Human Geography and MSc - Physical Geography). These degrees are suitable for students who want to carry out research either with the view to progressing towards a PhD degree in the future or simply gaining the skill set that accompanies investigative research.

Geography W117, W229 Graduate Research MLitt FT / PT 2/4 Years

Geography W137, W138 Graduate Research PhD FT / PT 4/6 Years

Geography W124, W311 Graduate Research MSc FT / PT 2/4 Years

Global Human Development W204 Graduate Research PhD On Campus FT 4 Years

PhD and Research Masters (MLitt) for 2018/19:


EU: fee per year - €6,170 (full-time)

EU: fee per year - €4,080 (part-time)

non-EU: fee per year - €11,885 (full-time)


Fees are subject to change