¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ

The S&E Faculty SPhD is a Level 10 programme, as defined by the National Framework of Qualifications(NFQ) and is weighted at 300 ECTS. It is deemed to be an honours award without classification. The SPhD consists of two major components:

• PhD research and thesis, weighted at 270 ECTS, and

• Coursework, weight at 30 ECTS, comprising of:

  • A minimum of 12 ECTS in specialised modules, which may include NFQ Level 8 or 9 modules taken within or outside UL, and

  • 18 ECTS in Generic and Transferable Skills, delivered through a summer or winter school within UL. 

To qualify for the SPhD degree, a student must be registered with UL for a minimum of four years.

The SPhD offers more than a research thesis; it provides a cohort-based experience that fosters a sense of community among students. This approach is particularly valuable for those working in isolation or in small research groups and supports international students in integrating both academically and socially.

As part of the programme, students gain formal recognition for developing transferable skills in research methods, project management, and communication early in their PhD journey. These skills are embedded within the coursework component, which complements the research element and encourages interdisciplinary engagement beyond the S&E Faculty.

For students without a Master’s degree, the specialised modules offer an opportunity to strengthen and broaden their knowledge base. These modules are designed to deepen understanding and develop expertise that directly supports PhD research.

PhD Thesis (270 ECTS):

A thesis submitted for a SPhD degree must show evidence of independent enquiry, originality in the methods used and/or in the conclusions drawn and must make an appreciable new contribution to knowledge or thinking in the candidate’s field.

Specialised modules (12 ECTS):

Students are required to select a minimum of two specialised modules, agreed with their PhD supervisor, with a combined weight of at least 12 ECTS. These modules aim to strengthen the student’s background in the chosen research area. Normally, specialised modules should be selected from fourth-year NFQ Level 8 or Level 9 postgraduate modules, taken either within or outside UL, over the four years of the SPhD programme. It is recommended that these modules be completed within the first 18-24 months.

Generic and Transferable Skills (18 ECTS):

The Generic and Transferable Skills modules (18 ECTS), offered by the UL Doctoral College, are delivered annually as either a summer school (May-August) or a winter school (January-April). It consists of six modules, each carrying 3 ECTS:

The summer/winter course includes a residential week (available in separate face-to-face and online formats), followed by a series of online activities organised into three blocks. Each block consists of two modules delivered over a four-week period.

Academic requirements:

The following minimum entry requirements apply for entry to the SPhD 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.

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.