:format(webp)/799x0:4001x3202/prod01/channel_5/courses/media/maynooth/content-assets/course-images/Branded20Jumper.jpg)
PHD NURSING
- Qualification
- Philosophiae Doctor Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH02O (FT);MH03O (PT)
- Award Type and NFQ level
- RESEARCH PH.D. (10)
- Study Mode
- Full time
Overview
The PhD in Nursing seeks to expand research capacity in health disciplines, supporting the School of Nursing’s commitment to evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary research, and the development of the next generation of nurse scholars and clinical leaders.
The programme is designed to provide a structured and research pathway for nurses seeking to advance knowledge, innovation, and leadership in nursing and health sciences.
Students are an integral part of the School community and they will be encouraged to become involved in the activities of the School. Each student will be assigned an experienced supervisor from the School of Nursing as well as a co-supervisor and/or a mentor (advisor). This team will be the student’s key support throughout their PhD journey.
Structured support is also offered through transferable skills modules and specialist modules to provide students with academic and professional skills needed for employment and career progression.
While research applications are accepted at any time, commencement dates are in September and February. Applications, which must be developed in liaison with the prospective supervisor, should be submitted well in advance of these dates.
Course structure
Duration: 4 years full-time, 6 years part-time
The PhD is typically completed over 4 years full-time or 6 years part-time. The core objective of the PhD programme involves a substantial and original contribution to knowledge in a health-related area and the production of research outputs suitable for peer-reviewed publication.
PhD research students take a minimum of 30 credits in taught modules over the course of the programme, 15 of which will be in transferable skills modules and 15 in subject specific modules).
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Careers
Completion of the PhD in Nursing programme will prepare individuals for a wide range of career options in academic, research, leadership and clinical practice. It will prepare advanced and other practitioners for joint appointment roles that are expected to be developed in the Irish health sector.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level. This should be at first or upper second-class level in a health subject. Additional qualifications, such as a Master’s degree in a relevant subject may also be considered.
As this is a PhD in Nursing, applicants will be required to provide proof of professional registration.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.
Research Interests
The School of Nursing’s research mission is to generate, advance, and apply knowledge that supports compassionate, caring, competent, and innovative nursing practice, and that meaningfully shapes the future of healthcare. Our research is grounded in the values of care, compassion, inclusion, diversity, and clinical excellence, and seeks to improve outcomes for individuals, families, communities, students, and the nursing workforce, particularly recognising workforce wellbeing, resilience, and sustainability as essential in the delivery of compassionate, safe and high-quality care.
The School’s approach recognises nursing’s unique position at the intersection of health, social care, education, and community, and its capacity to lead and contribute to cross-disciplinary research. The MU School of Nursing supports a broad and evolving range of research themes, including but not limited to:
•Diversity, Inclusion, and Compassionate Care in Ageing
•Lifecourse Approaches to Health and Wellbeing
•Innovative and Digital Nursing Education and Practice
•Health Systems, Policy, Governance, and Sustainability
•Ethics, Advocacy, and Person-Centred Care
To read more about potential supervisors in School for Nursing and their research interest, go to Our People.
How to apply
Your first step in applying to register for the PhD in Nursing is to identify a general research area you are interested in and a potential supervisor from our School of Nursing. Current research and research interests of potential supervisors within the Department can be viewed here. You should only apply for the programme once you have received written confirmation from a relevant member of staff who has agreed to supervise your research.
To make an application please click here.
Please ensure you have the following documents to upload to your application:
- Evidence of your primary degree
- Academic transcripts
- A copy of your passport
- Proposed Thesis Title and Summary
- A personal statement
- An academic letter of recommendation
- A professional letter of recommendation
- Your CV
- Proof of professional registration
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.