StAR PhD Programme

Background

The RCSI StAR PhD Programme is a four-year structured PhD training programme that aims to encourage scientists to develop innovative research projects in the field of the Health Sciences. The aim of this programme is to attract high-achieving students to an attractive and efficient structured PhD programme at RCSI.

The PhD Programme is designed for those students with a profile and a background in Biomedical or Health Research coming from primary degree courses focusing on

• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Clinical and Translational Sciences
• Medical Sciences
• Bioengineering
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Nursing and Midwifery 
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Genetics and Neurosciences
• Population Health
• Health Services Research  
• Education in Health Sciences

RCSI will fund each four-year PhD Scholarship, covering student fees (€6,600 p.a.) and student stipend (€18,000 p.a.).

Programme structure

The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) degree by dissertation is the highest postgraduate award at level 10 on the National Framework of Qualifications and represents a substantial body of research work performed over four calendar years. The structured StAR PhD Programme provides students with five core taught modules/workshops that they can attend at any time throughout the four years.

This will ensure that each student is not only equipped with state-of-the-art training in their chosen discipline but that they will be equally equipped for the competitive job market. RCSI is committed to supporting an effective supervisory system for students to ensure that the successful applicants optimise their research and career potential through the programme. Clear oversight and supervision of all PhD projects will be provided by principal and co-supervisors, and all projects are reviewed annually.

Requirements

In order to be admitted to PhD Programme, candidates must have been awarded a 2.1 grade, or above, in a relevant accredited undergraduate degree (Bachelor degree or recognised equivalent degree from an accredited Higher Education Institution). If such a degree was not obtained through the medium of English language, applicants must show certified evidence of proficiency in the English language at an IETLS level of 6.5 or above.

Applications 

Applications open	10 February 2017
Applications close	31 March 2017 (17:00 GMT)
Shortlisting	10 April 2017
Interviews (Skype may be used)	May 2017
Positions begin	October 2017

Applications must include:

• a completed application form
• two-page CV
• a cover letter
• official transcript(s) of previous university-level degrees
• contact details for two referees (in the application form - only shortlisted candidates' referees will be contacted).

Apply now through the SPGS recruitment portal

All documents must be:

• in PDF format
• in English
• accessible, clear and legible
• easily identifiable.

Please label all files in the following format: StAR_PhD_2017_JoeBloggs_CV.pdf. Replace "_CV" with "_letter", "_form" or "_transcript" as appropriate. 

 

Shortlisting of applicants will be undertaken by the panel of assessors. All shortlisted candidates will be interviewed. Additional interviews with supervisors of the candidates’ favourite projects will also be set up to help match students with preferred supervisors and projects.

Details of these funded positions can be found here.

Please email starphd@rcsi.ie for further information.