MD by Prior Publication

This route to an MD allows scholars who have sufficient research experience at doctoral level, as demonstrated through already published material, to gain academic recognition for their work over a minimum registration period of one year.



Researchers who have published their own original research, which examiners deem has made a significant contribution to knowledge, can obtain an MD award in recognition of this work when it is presented in the form of a coherent thesis and successfully assessed in a viva voce examination.



Programme requirements

In order to be awarded the MD, participants must complete the following



Research ethics training (Recognition of Prior Learning may be considered if evidence of equivalent learning can be provided)

Progress review

Final thesis and viva voce examination

To be eligible for the MD by Prior Publication, you must meet all of the following criteria:



Be a research-active member of RCSI staff (at any of our campuses), an RCSI Honorary appointment, or an RCSI Trainee, Member or Fellow;



Hold and have obtained the degrees of MB BAO BCh;



Be eligible for full registration as a medical doctor with the Irish Medical Council;



Have been actively engaged in medical, surgical, clinical or health sciences research for a period of at least five years within the last ten years at an organisation that has a recognised research function; and



Have published and be a senior author (first or last author) on a minimum of three data-based original research papers in journals ranked Q1 or Q2 in their relevant fields in the ten years prior to the date of application for admission (note: work in preparation for publication will not be considered; the work must be already published or in press).



English language requirements

Candidates whose first language is not English must also supply a copy of an academic IELTS examination, or equivalent.

Your Future



Your postgraduate degree at RCSI builds skills, expertise and specialist knowledge in your chosen field, in preparation for career pathways across many employment sectors including higher education, health, and industry and entrepreneurial roles.



Your degree will equip you with a transferable skill-set that is highly valued by employers particularly for problem-solving, critical reasoning, thinking in-depth along with the ability to project manage and evidence of a range of 'soft' skills, like communication and collaboration.



As a graduate of RCSI, you join a community of over 28,000 alumni worldwide.



With campuses located in Dublin, Dubai, Bahrain and Malaysia, some of the world's most exciting career opportunities are available to you and your network as a graduate of RCSI.