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If you enjoyed researching and writing your final year project/graduate BSc or BA thesis then you might enjoy carrying out a more in-depth piece of research at MSc (by research) or PhD level.
 

• Research students are part of a lively community; Every student has access to a faculty postgraduate researcher space in which AHSS PGRs can work alongside their peers;
• Funding is available to research students annually to take part in conferences and carry out fieldwork/archival visits in Ireland and overseas;
• Research degrees develop a wide range of skills that are valued by employers (for example, excellent communication skills [written and oral), and critical/analytical skills);
• Our PhD and Master’s by Research graduates are employed in a wide range of sectors: education, research and consultancy, civil and public service, business, non-governmental sector and local government.

In addition to carrying out research, students enrolled on a Master’s by Research/PhD take part in generic/transferable skills training, including, for example, research methodologies and statistics, interview skills and career planning, bibliographical management, academic writing, and research networking.

Master’s by Research:

• A Master’s by Research  involves in-depth research on a topic leading to a thesis of 60,000 words over the course of one to two years.

Master’s by Research/PhD:

• With UL Geography students may start a Master’s by research thesis, but then apply to transfer to a PhD after their first year if research is expanding; or students may register for a PhD thesis directly.

PhD:

• This involves in-depth research on a topic and an original contribution to knowledge, leading to a thesis of 100,000 words, examined by a viva voce exam. The PhD thesis generally takes 4 years to complete.

Applicants will normally be expected to hold an BSc or BA Honours  primary degree (minimum 2.1) or equivalent in a discipline appropriate to their area of proposed research.

Entry points may differ for applicants with postgraduate qualifications. Please contact the Course Director for further information.

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

Payment by instalment is facilitated by the Fees Office.  Please contact the Fees Office directly at student.fees.office@ul.ie for details.

Graduate profile

1. Knowledge and Understanding

• An understanding of spatial processes and patterns in human and physical geography is desirable.
• Expertise in research methodologies, both qualitative (e.g., ethnography, interviews) and quantitative (e.g., spatial statistics, modeling).
• In-depth knowledge of key theoretical frameworks and contemporary debates in geography.
• Specialized knowledge in a chosen field (e.g., climate change, urban planning, political geography, geomorphology, GIScience).

2. Skills

• Research Skills: Ability to design and conduct independent geographic research, from conceptualization to data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Technical Competence: Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, spatial modeling, and data visualization.
• Analytical Skills: Capacity to critically analyze spatial data, policies, and environmental or social challenges.
• Communication Skills: Ability to present research findings clearly in written, oral, and digital forms to both academic and non-academic audiences.
• Problem-Solving: Application of geographic knowledge to address real-world issues such as climate change adaptation, sustainable development, urban inequality, or resource management.

3. Attitudes and Values

• Ethical awareness in research, particularly with respect to communities, data use, and environmental stewardship.
• Commitment to sustainability and socially responsible practice.
• Interdisciplinary openness, recognizing how geography connects with environmental science, economics, sociology, politics, and technology.
• Global and local awareness, with sensitivity to cultural, ecological, and socio-economic contexts.

4. Career Readiness

Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

• Academic researcher.
• Policy analyst in government or NGOs.
• GIS/remote sensing specialist.
• Environmental consultant or planner.
• International development or humanitarian professional.
• Corporate sector roles in sustainability, logistics, or market analysis.