Nursing Midwifery & Health Systems - Research

Masters (MSc) Research Degree

The Masters (MSc) Research degree provides students with rigorous research training and an opportunity to complete an independent research study, presented as a major thesis. This is a 90 credit major research thesis degree, however, you may be required to attend modules which will support and complement your research. The programme enables students to develop their research knowledge and skills whilst completing a major research study under the guidance of an academic supervisor and a research studies panel. You will develop your knowledge of a research topic, research methods, literature searching, presentation and publishing skills. Successful completion of this programme (following examination) includes submission of a final bound thesis that will be retained in the UCD library.



UCD is commited to the promotion of an environment which maintains the highest standards in relation to its educational mission and research activity. As part of this policy all new entrants to a research degree programme from September 2019 are required to complete a programme of Research Integrity Training.



The period of registration for the Research Masters degree will be not less than 3 trimesters (one year) and not more than 6 trimesters (two years) for a full-time student. For a part-time student the period of registration is not less than 6 trimesters and not more than 12 trimesters. Applicants can select to register for either a September, January or May commencement date.



Applications for entry to the programme are welcome from those in nursing, midwifery or a health-related discipline. Please note closing date for receipt of full applications in the tab below.

Entry requirements

Applicants seeking admission to a course of study and research leading to a PhD or research master's degree must fulfil of the following criteria



The candidate has obtained a minimum of an upper second-class degree or equivalent in a relevant honours Bachelor’s degree;

The candidate has obtained a relevant master’s degree;

In certain circumstances, the candidate has demonstrated other evidence of academic standing and/or relevant professional experience as satisfies the Governing Board of their suitability for admission to the degree programme. These criteria are considered non-standard admission requirements.

If you are unsure if you are eligible you should contact the Programme Administrator.



English Language Requirements for entry to Graduate Programmes at UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems

Candidates whose first language is not English and whose primary degree was obtained in a country where English is not the official language of instruction must provide proof of proficiency in English such as IELTS or TOEFL.



The original certificate of completion of an English language test must be enclosed with the application. In all cases the test results must not be more than two years old. There are no exceptions to this requirement. Candidates whose existing degree was obtained in a country where the official language of instruction is English may, at the request of the School, still be subject to the same requirements where English is not the candidate’s first language.



The following are the English language tests and scores accepted by this School:



UCD Minimum English Language Requirements https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/policiesandgeneralregulations/generalrequirements/minimumenglishlanguagerequirements/

What to do before applying

If you are considering applying to the programme first contact the Programme Administrator (researchdegrees.nmhs@ucd.ie).



1. Check your eligibility for the programme -Open blue tab ' Eligibility requirements and English language requirements' for further guidance. In addition consider and identify who will be funding your research degree.



2. After confirming your eligibility and funding you must contact a potential supervisor before you apply. Open tabs 'How to find a Supervisor' and 'Contacting potential Supervisors' for further guidance below.



How to make an application and fee information

You can apply once you have the agreement of a member of Faculty who has developed your research proposal with you and, is supporting your application



Applicants are required to meet either face-to-face or via telecommunication with their nominated supervisor prior to submitting an application as part of the development process

- Applications are made online through UCD Applications.

- Documents to include with your application- See requirements in tab 'Documents to include with your application'

- Please note closing dates - apply as early as possible as all documents must be received prior to the closing date.

- Please note application fee available here.

- Please note course fees (EU and Non-EU) here.



When making your application online please note the required major codes for full time or part time registration.

Major Codes Research Masters

Full time X219



Documents to include with your application

You must upload the following documents with your online application:

- A personal statement of 150 - 250 words outlining your reasons for applying: what attracts you to that subject area, how your studies and/or work experience have influenced you, your career plans, any publications to date.



- A research proposal of 1500 - 2000 words. The proposal must be approved by the nominating Supervisor.



- Official transcripts of your bachelor’s and master’s degrees as appropriate.



- Evidence of meeting the English language requirements (if applicable).



- You must download the Academic Reference Form and forward to TWO persons familiar with your academic work. Your referees will provide details about your academic abilities and motivation and they must return a completed form directly to (opens in a new window)researchdegrees.nmhs@ucd.ie

You must download the Supervisor Nomination Form. Ask your proposed Supervisor who is nominating you to the programme to complete and return the form to you to submit with your application.



UCD comes under the terms of the Freedom of Information Acts, 1997 and 2003. In the context of the Online Applications system, this means that an applicant can request any documentation presented as part of the applications process, including references sent directly by the referee to the institution.



Application queries should be directed to the Research Degrees Administrator: (opens in a new window)researchdegrees.nmhs@ucd.ie



Research proposal - what to include

Normally a proposal should be between 1,500 and 2,000 words and may include the following ( be guided by whoever is supporting you in the development:



A working title of the topic area:

General overview of the area: brief abstract of the general area of study and identify the discipline(s) within which it falls. You might also refer to the way in which your own background gives you competences in your chosen area.

Identification of the relevant literature: demonstrate that you are aware of the debates and issues raised in relevant bodies of literature and demonstrate that your proposed area has not been studied before, so you need to identify your niche which will lead on to the thesis preparation.

Key research questions: Since you need to demonstrate that the topic can be completed within the normal time period allowed, you need to demonstrate that it is manageable, and so focus on key questions within your niche area.

Aims and objectives: State objectives of the research to be undertaken.

Methodology: You need to demonstrate an awareness of methods available to you and show some understanding of which would be suitable for your research.

Timescale/research planning: You need to demonstrate an awareness of the need for planning and the timescale of the research. Please try to prepare a realistic timescale.

Reference List: You should include a shortlist of references to key articles and texts included in the application.

Your research proposal must be developed and approved by a nominating Supervisor in advance of submitting an online application.



Applications will not be accepted if details for Faculty member or nomination form are omitted.



Closing dates for applications

These are the final dates for submission of applications. Is it advisable to submit your application as early as possible as it will be reviewed by separate School and College committees:



January 2024 registration: closing date for receipt of full application is November 2023

May 2024 registration: closing date for receipt of full application is March 2024

September 2024 registration: closing date for receipt of full application June 2024



For queries about required documentation or submission dates, please contact the Programme Administrator ((opens in a new window)researchdegrees.nmhs@ucd.ie)

1 year full-time.

Start Date(s): January, May or September