UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN · IRELAND
PhD in Information and Communication Studies
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
The UCD School of Information and Communication Studies offers a doctoral programme designed to foster original research in information, communication, media, and library science. This program provides a supportive environment for motivated students to conduct research that significantly contributes to their fields. You will work with experienced supervisors who are actively engaged in research and have the chance to collaborate with research groups within the school and across the university.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Information and Communication Studies?
- You typically need a Master's degree in a relevant subject with Distinction (GPA > 3.08) or a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 2.1 (GPA > 3.08). Applicants without a Master's may be considered for the MLitt program. English language proficiency requires an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any strand.
- How do I apply for the PhD program?
- The application process involves identifying a potential supervisor whose research aligns with yours, contacting them with an expression of interest, and preparing your application. Once a supervisor agrees to support your application, you can submit it through the UCD online portal, specifying your chosen supervisor.
- When is the application deadline?
- The application portal closes on June 13th for the 2025/26 academic year. It is recommended to contact potential supervisors at least 3-4 months before funding deadlines.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Specific tuition fees for graduate research programmes are available on the UCD Fees website. Fees are subject to annual increases.
- Are there any scholarships available for this PhD program?
- Yes, the School of Information and Communication Studies offers ICS PhD Scholarships. Eligibility requires a Master's degree; applicants without a Master's are not eligible for these scholarships.
- How long does the PhD program typically take?
- The program includes 30 credits of coursework, followed by research focused on completing your doctoral thesis. The duration in years is not specified in the provided data.
Entry requirements
Master's DegreeIn a relevant subject with Distinction (GPA > 3.08) from an accredited institution.
Bachelor's DegreeA minimum of 2.1 (GPA > 3.08) from an accredited institution.
IELTS (Academic)6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any strand.
Applicants without a Master's degree may apply but will enter via the MLitt program and may have the option to transfer to the PhD after a successful assessment. Note that applicants without a Master's degree are not eligible for ICS scholarships. Academic transcripts for all degrees must be submitted. Letters of recommendation and research experience are encouraged but not mandatory.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the UCD Fees page for specific tuition fees for graduate research programmes. Fees are subject to change annually.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the UCD Fees page for specific tuition fees for graduate research programmes. Fees are subject to change annually.
LivingEstimated living costs for students in Dublin can be found on the UCD Residences and International Student Experience pages.
Fees are subject to annual increases. A €5 levy was applied to students registered for the 2025-2026 academic year for a student union referendum. Specific fee details for EU and non-EU students are available on the UCD Fees website.
How to apply
1. Step 1: Review Funding SchemesResearch available funding opportunities (e.g., ICS PhD Scholarships, external funding) and carefully read their eligibility requirements, application processes, what fees are covered, stipend details, submission dates, and required documents. Pay close attention to deadlines.
2. Step 2: Identify a Potential SupervisorExamine the Academic Staff Research Profiles on the ICS website. Identify faculty members whose research interests align with yours. Review their publications on platforms like Google Scholar or ORCID, and their UCD profiles to understand their expertise and previous research projects.
3. Step 3: Contact Potential SupervisorsSend an expression of interest email to potential supervisors. This should ideally be done 3-4 months (or more) before a funding scheme's deadline. Include your CV and a draft of your proposed research project. Securing supervisor support is crucial before submitting your application.
4. Step 4: Prepare and Submit ApplicationOnce you have secured a supervisor's agreement to support your application, you can proceed with the formal application through the UCD online portal. Ensure you meet all academic and English language proficiency requirements. You must specify your chosen supervisor in your application; applications without a nominated supervisor will be rejected.
Scholarships
ICS PhD ScholarshipsNot specified
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Information and Communication Studies?
+
You typically need a Master's degree in a relevant subject with Distinction (GPA > 3.08) or a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 2.1 (GPA > 3.08). Applicants without a Master's may be considered for the MLitt program. English language proficiency requires an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any strand.
How do I apply for the PhD program?
+
The application process involves identifying a potential supervisor whose research aligns with yours, contacting them with an expression of interest, and preparing your application. Once a supervisor agrees to support your application, you can submit it through the UCD online portal, specifying your chosen supervisor.
When is the application deadline?
+
The application portal closes on June 13th for the 2025/26 academic year. It is recommended to contact potential supervisors at least 3-4 months before funding deadlines.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Specific tuition fees for graduate research programmes are available on the UCD Fees website. Fees are subject to annual increases.
Are there any scholarships available for this PhD program?
+
Yes, the School of Information and Communication Studies offers ICS PhD Scholarships. Eligibility requires a Master's degree; applicants without a Master's are not eligible for these scholarships.
How long does the PhD program typically take?
+
The program includes 30 credits of coursework, followed by research focused on completing your doctoral thesis. The duration in years is not specified in the provided data.