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The S&E Faculty Master’s by Research is a Level 9 programme, as defined by the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and is weighted at 180 ECTS. It is deemed to be an honours award without classification. UL offers Master’s by Research degrees in Science (MSc), Engineering (MEng) and Technology (MTech). 

To qualify for the Master’s by Research degree, a student must be registered with UL for a minimum of one year.

Master’s by Research Thesis (180 ECTS):

A thesis submitted for a Master’s by Research degree must show evidence of independent enquiry and/or originality in either conclusions or method.

Academic requirements:

The following minimum entry requirements apply for entry to the Master’s by Research as set by UL and are outlined in the Handbook of Academic Regulations and Procedures:

1. An appropriate NFQ Level 9 Master's (or equivalent) qualification, in a discipline cognate to the intended PhD research area, or

2. An NFQ Level 8 honours primary Bachelor's degree with a minimum classification of 2.1 honours (or equivalent qualification), or

3. An NFQ Level 8 honours primary Bachelor's degree with a minimum classification of 2.2 honours (or equivalent qualification). Students who enrol with a 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent qualification) will be required to undergo a progression review after the first six months of their programme of study, or

4. A degree, or equivalent qualification, other than that specified in a), b) or c) above and a minimum of four years’ acceptable professional experience at an appropriate and relevant level may. Students within this category without a minimum of four years’ acceptable professional experience will be considered for entry under regulation 5.4.4.

Applicants who do not possess a primary bachelor’s degree may be considered for entry under regulation 5.4.4.

English language requirements:

Applicants from non-English speaking countries are expected to have a high level of competence in English. The minimum English language requirements are available here and are also outlined in the Handbook of Academic Regulations and Procedures.

Fees for all postgraduate programmes are revised on an annual basis.  Detailed information on fee schedules and fee regulations is available on the Fees Office website. 

Payment by instalment is facilitated by the Fees Office. 

Please contact the Fees Office directly at student.fees.office@ul.ie for details.