Overview

NFQ Level 9, Major Award

The Degree of MPhil involves research work by thesis (approx. 40,000 words) and is normally completed in two years from the date of first registration for the programme. See also under General Regulations for the Degree of Master by Research.

The MPhil is available in the following areas:

• Applied Mathematics
• Applied Linguistics
• Applied Psychology
• Asian Studies
• Archaeology
• Béaloideas
• Celtic Civilisation
• Chinese Studies
• Composition
• Drama and Theatre Studies
• Early and Medieval Irish
• Economics
• Education
• English
• European Studies
• Folklore
• French
• Geography
• German
• Greek and Roman Civilisation
• Hispanic Studies
• History
• History of Art
• Italian
• Mathematical Studies
• Mathematics
• Modern Irish
• Music
• Philosophy
• Policy Studies
• Politics
• Study of Religions
• Social Policy
• Social Work
• Sociology
• Women's Studies

Students registering for the MPhil may, on the recommendation of the Head of Department and/or Supervisor and the approval of the academic bodies be permitted to transfer to the PhD after at least one year from the date of first registration for the programme and will be required to demonstrate progress in the form of a minimum of 10,000 words of written work, as well as defending their work at interview.

The regulations set out apply to MPhil degree applicants in the subjects indicated.

Examinations

Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.

Programme Requirements

Archaeology

To be eligible for consideration to enter the programme of research and study for the degree of MPhil, a candidate must have obtained a standard of at least a Second Class Honours, Grade I (or equivalent) in Archaeology or Anthropology, or in a closely cognate subject area approved by the Department.

Composition

An applicant for the MPhil degree in Composition must have obtained the BMus (Hons) Degree or equivalent, and have obtained at least a Second Class Honours in the relevant technical or historical part of the examination in which he/she wishes to proceed to the Master's degree.

A programme of study not involving formal tuition will be devised and supervised by a member of the teaching staff of the department in accordance with the candidate's ability, interests, and progress; the programme will be subject to the approval of the Head of Department. The degree will be awarded on a portfolio of original works, each accompanied by a commentary, to be submitted for assessment on completion of the Second Year from the date of first registration for the programme.

The Head of Department necessarily takes responsibility for all departmental decisions concerning higher degrees in Music, but will seek the advice of supervisors in particular areas of study. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to discuss their circumstances and intentions informally with the Head of Department before submitting a formal application.

Drama and Theatre Studies

To be eligible for consideration to enter on a programme of study and research for the degree of MPhil, a candidate must have obtained a standard of at least Second Class Honours, Grade I, in an approved Primary Degree, or presented such other evidence as will satisfy the College/Faculty of his/her fitness. To embark on a practice-based research project, candidates will be expected to have appropriate professional experience in relevant areas of theatre/performance practice in addition to having the other entry requirements above.

Education

In this University an applicant who

1. is the holder of a primary degree and the Professional Diploma in Education (formerly the Postgraduate/Higher Diploma in Education) (or its equivalent) with Second Class Honours, or
2. who is the holder of a BEd (Hons) Degree (or its equivalent) with Second Class Honours, or
3. who is the holder of a BSc (Hons) (Education in Physical Sciences) (or its equivalent) with Second Class Honours, or
4. who is the holder of a BA (Hons) (Early Childhood Studies) (or its equivalent) with Second Class Honours

is eligible to apply for entry to the MPhil programme.

In addition to the above requirements, an applicant who has achieved an honours grade in one of the following:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Administration,
• An tArd-Teastas i dTeagasc agus i Litríocht na Gaeilge,
• Postgraduate Diploma in English and the Teaching of English,
• Postgraduate Diploma in the Teaching of Religious Education,
• Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support/Higher Diploma in Compensatory and Remedial Education,
• Postgraduate Diploma in Curriculum Studies (Civic, Social and Political Education),
• Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling,
• Postgraduate Diploma in Spanish/Italian for Post Primary Teachers or
• equivalent

will be considered the equivalent of an honours in the Professional Diploma in Education (formerly the Postgraduate/Higher Diploma in Education), BEd (Hons) or BSc Education in Physical Sciences.

The applicant must also be recommended by the Professor or Lecturer concerned and accepted by the Graduate Studies Committee. An applicant for the MPhil degree in Education may not pursue any other programme except with the express permission of the College. Students can either be assigned to an individual supervisor or to a supervisory team. This allocation will be at the discretion of the Department.

An applicant for the MPhil degree in Education:

1. must submit a major thesis (40,000 words) on an approved subject; and
2. may be required to attend an oral examination.

European Studies

The Department of History offers an MPhil in European Studies. This involves supervised research and preparation of a 40,000 word dissertation, usually over a two-year period from the date of first registration for the programme. The Department particularly welcomes applications in the area of comparative European politics, the history and politics of European integration, and international relations, as well as on Ireland's relations with Europe. Prospective applicants should contact the Department of History for more information.

French

The MPhil in French is a research degree involving independent research and the completion of a 40,000 word dissertation.

German

First or Second Class Honours, Grade I in the BA Examination in German or equivalent qualification will be considered by the Department for admission to MPhil studies. Applicants presenting for the degree of MPhil in German must have spent a period of six to nine months' duration in a German-speaking country. A stay abroad at undergraduate level may fulfil this requirement.

An introductory programme of approximately 15 hours will either be shared with MA applicants in UCC or taken at a University in a German-speaking country during the stay abroad.

Greek and Roman Civilisation

Applicants for the MPhil degree in Greek and Roman Civilisation will be required to complete a dissertation (40,000 words) and must have obtained at least 30 credits in either Greek or Latin language by the end of their period of study for the MPhil Degree as set out below.

1. If they enter with no previous knowledge of Greek and Latin, they must take either Greek (GK6001 ) or Latin (LT6001 ) and fifteen credits from modules at Second and Third Arts level in that language.
2. If they already have one language, at any level, they must take the other one (GK6001  or LT6001 ) and fifteen credits from modules at Second and Third Arts level in one of the two languages.
3. If they already have both languages at intermediate or advanced level, they must take 30 credits of modules at Second and Third Arts level in both of the languages.
4. Language credits may also be obtained by attending the Summer School as follows: For those starting a language, 25 of the 30 required credits may be obtained by attending GK6101 or LT6101; GK6002 or LT6002; GK6003 or LT6003; plus 5 credits chosen in consultation with the Head of Department. For those who already have one language, 10 credits at the Second Arts level may be obtained by attending GK6002 or LT6002; GK6003 or LT6003. The remaining 20 credits chosen in consultation with the Head of Department.

History of Art

To  be eligible for consideration to enter the programme of research and study for the degree of MPhil, a candidate must have obtained a standard of at least a Second Class Honours, Grade I (or equivalent), in History of Art or in a closely cognate subject area approved by the Department.

Music

An applicant for the MPhil degree in Music must have obtained the BMus (Hons) Degree or equivalent, and have obtained at least a Second Class Honours in the relevant technical or historical part of the examination in which he/she wishes to proceed to the Master's degree.

A programme of study not involving formal tuition will be devised and supervised by a member of the teaching staff of the department in accordance with the candidate's ability, interests, and progress; the programme will be subject to the approval of the Head of Department. The applicant will be examined mainly by dissertation or portfolio, which may not be submitted until at least one year has elapsed since first registration. The applicant may also be required to undergo an oral examination. At present the department can offer supervisory expertise in the following areas: Irish traditional music; medieval music; renaissance music; baroque music; twentieth century music.

The Head of Department necessarily takes responsibility for all departmental decisions concerning higher degrees in Music, but will seek the advice of supervisors in particular areas of study. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to discuss their circumstances and intentions informally with the Head of Department before submitting a formal application.

Politics

In the case of the MPhil (Politics) a candidate must normally hold a minimum of a Second Class Honours, Grade I, primary degree in Politics or an approved cognate primary Degree and/or present such other evidence as will satisfy the Politics Convenor in consultation with the Politics Graduate Studies Committee, the prospective Supervisor and the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences of his/her fitness. This may include the submission of a sample essay (max 5,000 words), which the applicant considers to be typical of their best advanced undergraduate work. All candidates must submit a research proposal with the application following consultation with the prospective Supervisor and the Politics Convenor.

Spanish

Applicants should normally have obtained a First or Second Class Honours, Grade I in Spanish in the BA Examination. They may be required to present themselves for interview or further assessment before a final decision is made.

Examinations

Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.