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History PhD

PhD (NFQ Level 10)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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A UCD PhD is a structured four year research degree (six years part-time), undertaken within a clearly structured programme including training, taught modules, a Research and Professional Development Plan and opportunities to develop teaching skills. All students are assigned a primary supervisor and a variety of academic supports, including what is called a Doctoral Studies Panel (DSP).  The panel draws together expertise from a number of colleagues, and offers excellent support in particular for cross-disciplinary projects.  Students are supported in their programme of independent research which will normally culminate in the production of research worthy of peer-reviewed publications. UCD School of History staff are experienced in supervision of PhD students and have wide ranging expertise. Many of our doctoral students have been successful in securing postdoctoral funding and academic posts. 

The PhD enables 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, remains the core objective of doctoral studies. The PhD includes several innovative measures designed to support you in achieving your academic and professional objectives.

About This Course

 

For a better idea of what your PhD journey could entail, please click here

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 2 Core Modules
HIS50020 Introduction to Research & Writing Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
HIS50010 Advanced Research and Writing Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Modules considered appropriate by your School are listed below. For 2025/26 intake, this includes HUM50010 only.
HUM50010 Tutor Training for Arts Autumn  10

History PhD (Z125) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 7130
nonEU    fee per year - € 13730

PhD History (Z125) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 7130
nonEU    fee per year - € 13730

History PhD (Z126) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4710
nonEU    fee per year - € 9200

PhD History (Z126) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4710
nonEU    fee per year - € 9200

***Fees are subject to change

The School will normally consider applicants with at least a 2:1 in their undergraduate BA and a 2:1 in an appropriate Masters-level programme. Once considered by the School, all applications are forwarded to the Graduate School Board who alone have the authority to admit research students.

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet UCD's English language requirements.

You must include the following in your application:

Two academic references
Transcript
Personal statement
CV
Example of academic writing

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes


 



Applicants should have a strong sense of the project, and its viability, they wish to pursue and are strongly encouraged to liaise with an appropriate member of the School’s staff in advance of submitting any proposal. A full list of staff and their research interests can be found at http://www.ucd.ie/history/about/staff_contacts_pictures/ 


General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to History PhD:

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
Z125
History PhD
Doctor of Philosophy

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Research
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
Z126
History PhD
Doctor of Philosophy

Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Research
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
Z125
History
Doctor of Philosophy

Full-Time
Commencing January 2026
Graduate Research
Not available to International applicantsOpens 01 Oct 2025
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
Z126
History
Doctor of Philosophy

Part-Time
Commencing January 2026
Graduate Research
Not available to International applicantsOpens 01 Oct 2025
* you can change options at the top of the page