The school is now accepting applications for its PhD programmes across its three constituent subject areas - Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice. Our Programmes form part of the UCD Structured PhD programme. Our expert faculty all conduct research in their own fields and welcome expressions of interest from prospective students wishing to study in areas including, but not limited to, those in the list below.
UCD’s PhD programme has been designed to not only provide first class supervision in relation to a student’s own research, but also to support that research through access to a broad range of taught modules covering both general research methods training and specific subjects.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
Belfield Campus
Belfield,
Belfield,
Dublin,
D04 V1W8, Leinster, Republic of Ireland
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
January 2026
Belfield Campus
Belfield,
Belfield,
Dublin,
D04 V1W8, Leinster, Republic of Ireland
Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by Princeton University
A minimum score of 600 in the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), with Test of Written English at 475 +.
A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section
Cambridge Examinations
English language examinations administered by the University of Cambridge: 176+ on Cambridge English scale (with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English)
Acceptable Examinations:
Proficiency Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2).
Advanced Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2)
First Certificate, Grade A (i.e. CEFR Level C1)
Pearson English Language Text: Minimum of 63 and at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
UCD is the most international and diverse university in Ireland, and is the destination of choice for over 10,400 international students.
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