Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the deadline for PhD applications for the September 2013 entry?
- How do I apply?
- What sort of qualifications do I need to be admitted to the PhD programme? Do I need a Master’s Degree or a previous degree in Political Science to apply?
- What sort of topics can I study in the PhD programme for Political Science at Trinity?
- How competitive is admission to Trinity’s PhD programme in Political Science?
- Do graduates of Trinity’s PhD in Political Science frequently follow an academic career?
- What financial package does Trinity offer to PhD students in Political Science?
- What do I need to do to be considered for financial aid when I apply?
- Does Trinity offer financial support for non-EU PhD students?
- What are the English language requirements for the students who do not speak English as their first language?
- Are there any guidelines for the research proposal to be submitted with an application?
- Should I contact one of Trinity’s academic staff before applying?
- Can I expect an academic staff member to review my research proposal in advance of my application?
- When supplying references, do they have to be from academic referees?
- Where can I find the application materials?
- Can I pursue the Trinity PhD programme in Political Science on a part-time basis?
- Can I pursue the Trinity PhD programme in Political Science through distance learning?
- I have an offer of a place from another PhD programme and I need an early decision from Trinity. What can I do?
- How and when will I hear the results of my application?
- Can I start the PhD programme in January?
- Can I ask for feedback on my unsuccessful PhD application?
When is the deadline for PhD applications for the September 2013 entry?
The deadline for admissions for entry in September 2013 is likely to be 31 March 2013.
How do I apply?
If you would like to apply for the PhD programme, please apply via the Courses section of the TCD website.
What sort of qualifications do I need to be admitted to the PhD programme? Do I need a Master’s degree or a previous degree in Political Science to apply?
There are no absolute requirements for admission to the PhD programme. We look for promise of academic excellence in Political Science in the round. We admit both students with and without Master’s Degrees, and with and without previous degrees in political science. We encourage applications from prospective students with a wide variety of backgrounds.
What sort of topics can I study in the PhD programme for Political Science at Trinity?
Look at the web pages of academic staff in the department and see the research topics that they focus on, or at the department's research page. Staff interests cover a wide variety of topics, but many staff have an interest in different aspects of the politics of European integration and in party politics, and of course in Irish politics. You would be wise to apply for a topic which matches the interests of at least one member of our staff.
How competitive is admission to Trinity’s PhD programme in Political Science?
Very competitive. We admit fewer than 20% of our applicants. We certainly encourage you to apply to other PhD programmes if you wish to be sure of admission to a programme.
Do graduates of Trinity’s PhD in Political Science frequently follow an academic career?
Yes, to learn more have a look at our Former Post-Graduate Students webpage.
What financial package does Trinity offer to PhD students in Political Science?
In recent years, Trinity has ensured that all entering PhD students have their fees paid and generous stipends provided, whether by Trinity or by an outside funding body. As part of admission and in return for financial assistance, Trinity expects PhD students to participate in teaching Trinity’s undergraduate courses, something that provides valuable professional training for the job market.
What do I need to do to be considered for financial aid when I apply?
All applicants are considered for financial aid as part of the process of considering admission. No special application is needed.
Does Trinity offer financial support for non-EU PhD students?
Yes, Trinity offers financial support for non-EU PhD students.
What are the English language requirements for the students who do not speak English as their first language?
Regarding English language requirements, the programme follows the standardised requirements set by the Graduate Studies Office and specified on their website.
Are there any guidelines for the research proposal to be submitted with an application?
We recommend a 2-3 page research proposal, identifying a research question on the basis of the existing scholarship addressing the topic. A shorter research proposal is often better than a longer one. We know of course that applicants have not yet been properly trained in research design, so that we do not expect perfection in applicant’s research proposals, but we do expect evidence of reading and assessment of at least some of the existing scholarship. You may also wish to include a writing sample, such as a chapter of an undergraduate or Master’s thesis. Sometimes also the department may contact applicants to ask them to provide such a writing sample if available.
Should I contact one of Trinity’s academic staff before applying?
You are invited to contact Trinity’s academic staff with a short email outlining your academic background (your degrees, your grades) and a brief indication – one paragraph should be enough – of your research proposal/interest. That will ensure that this staff member is aware of your application when the department meets to discuss applications and admissions.
Can I expect an academic staff member to review my research proposal in advance of my application?
We regret that we do not review research proposals before applications are submitted.
When supplying references, do they have to be from academic referees?
Academic references are preferable, but where these are not available professional references are acceptable also.
Where can I find the application materials?
You can find application details on the Graduate Studies website.
Can I pursue the Trinity PhD programme in Political Science on a part-time basis?
We regret that the Trinity PhD programme is only available on a full-time basis.
Can I pursue the Trinity PhD programme in Political Science through distance learning?
Students must expect to be resident in Dublin throughout the PhD programme at Trinity, except as agreed with supervisors.
I have an offer of a place from another PhD programme and I need an early decision from Trinity. What can I do?
We do not make early decisions and all applicants are notified at the same time in April.
How and when will I hear the results of my application?
Trinity College’s Graduate Studies Office will write informing students of the results of their applications, approximately within eight weeks of the application deadline.
Can I start the PhD programme in January?
We admit new PhD students only in September because of the structured nature of the first two years of the programme.
Can I ask for feedback on my unsuccessful PhD application?
We regret that we cannot offer feedback on unsuccessful applications to the PhD programme.