Structured PhD Programme
Applications
Applications can be made at any time of the year, and the programme starts in March and September. If you are looking for funding to do a Ph.D. (see Finance and fees) then it is best to apply between January and April, as the majority of research projects are awarded funding at that time and will be looking to hire new students for a start in September of the same year.
The first step in the application process is to contact a supervisor in the School. The supervisor is an academic member of staff in the School who acts as your guide and mentor.
i) If you already have a specific research proposal for your Ph.D. in mind, you should look at the list of staff in the School to identify who might be interested in supervising you, and contact them directly with your proposal.
or
ii) If you do not have a specific proposal in mind then the best approach is to browse the Discipline webpages. Most Disciplines advertise research projects that their members are interested in supervising, often through the webpages of the research groups that are listed therein. They also advertise which of these projects come with funding for fees and living expenses.
If a member of staff agrees to support your application for a Ph.D. then the next step is to apply for the programme. Click here for general details on how to apply for this course at Trinity College.
Please note all applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. For details of English language requirements please click here.
Accommodation
Limited accommodation is available for postgraduates on campus. If you have been accepted to do a Ph.D., you should apply as soon as possible for on campus accommodation, as priority is given to research students. Further details may be found on the college accommodation website.
If you wish to find accommodation outside of Trinity, one of the best places to look is DAFT. This is a website where you can find properties to rent anywhere in Dublin. The best time to look for accommodation is August/September, as lease agreements will be coming to an end at this time. If you arrive in May/June, you may be able to sublet an apartment from another student - people advertise these on the notice boards in House 6, Front Square.
Graduate Student Union
International Students
The School's Ph.D. students are a very diverse group that come from all corners of the globe! We welcome interest in our programme from any well-qualified graduate. The University's International Office has a lot of information for foreign students who are thinking about studying in Trinity College, including details of visas and immigration, finding accommodation, what to do when you arrive, life in Ireland, etc.