Academic Regulations Governing Postgraduate Degrees by Research and Thesis

2. Qualification Requirements

1. To register for a postgraduate degree programme, a candidate must normally have obtained a primary degree classification equivalent to lower second class honours or above, from an approved University or an approved equivalent degree-awarding body, or have an approved equivalent professional qualification in an area cognate to the proposed research topic. Initially, all such candidates will be registered for a masters degree. At St Patrick's College, a higher second class honours or above primary degree classification is preferred in many instances.
2. In exceptional circumstances only, candidates who do not meet the stipulated entry qualifications but who can demonstrate exceptional ability or aptitude for academic research may apply to pursue studies for a higher degree. Such candidates, if accepted by Academic Council, will be required initially to complete successfully an appropriate masters qualifying examination. The nature and extent of the masters qualifying examination shall be determined by Academic Council, or, in the case of St Patrick's College, the registrar and the research coordinator, following consultation with the relevant Head of School/Department and the External Examiner(s) in the subject area of the proposed research. Candidates wishing to apply for admission under this category must provide the names of two suitable persons who will attest to the candidate's academic aptitude and fitness for postgraduate research. All official communications relating to such applications shall be conducted through the Registry.
3. Candidates holding an appropriate masters degree obtained by research may apply directly for a PhD degree in a cognate area. Candidates with a taught masters degree or an equivalent qualification in a cognate area may proceed towards a PhD degree, subject to satisfactory performance in the first year as certified by the internal supervisor and another internal Examiner approved by Academic Council.
4. Application for transfer from the masters register to the PhD register may not normally be made less than one year after the effective Master's registration date. Such applications must be supported by the candidate's supervisor and will be subject to satisfactory performance in an oral examination conducted jointly by the supervisor and another internal examiner. In determining whether or not such transfer shall take place, Academic Council will require evidence that the candidate's progress to date has been satisfactory and that the programme of research envisaged provides a satisfactory basis for work at PhD standard. Candidates transferred to the PhD register will be granted appropriate retrospection normally to the date of original registration.
5. In exceptional circumstances only, a candidate pursuing a course of study leading to a masters degree may, on the recommendations of his/her supervisor, another internal examiner and the relevant Head of School/Director of Centre/ Head of Department after at least nine months of full-time study, apply to Academic Council to seek transfer to the PhD register and thus present for examination for this higher degree.
6. A candidate who has completed a taught masters degree may apply and be considered for direct registration onto the PhD register. Such an application will be considered on a case-by-case basis and an applicant will be assessed on his/her demonstrated capacity to undertake research at a higher level. The Supervisor and the Head of School/Department /Director/Coordinator of Research will make a recommendation to Academic Council Standing Committee, or in the case of St Patrick's College, the research committee. The factors to be taken into account in assessing the application will include the degree of cognacy of the taught masters degree, whether and at what standard a dissertation or thesis was completed as part of the taught masters, whether the applicant was awarded a first class or upper second class honours at primary degree level, the extent to which project work was included in the applicant's primary degree and whether the applicant has published in peer reviewed journals. Applicants should apply for direct entry to the PhD register using Form PGR9.

 

Last Updated: Tuesday February 26 2008