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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose University of Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at University of Galway is all about here.
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About University of Galway
About University of Galway
Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
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Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.
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Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
There are 128,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide. Stay connected to your alumni community! Join our social networks and update your details online.
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Accessibility & LanguagePhD and Research Degrees
Are you interested in making an original contribution to your field of study? If so, the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies at University of Galway offers a welcoming, supportive, and intellectually stimulating environment for postgraduate researchers.
Students who pursue research degrees with us gain the knowledge and tools to make a difference in the wider world. Over the course of their studies, they make new discoveries and address societal challenges while also cultivating valuable specialised and transferable skills. Our postgraduate research students are mentored and supported by established researchers working across an exciting array of fields.
Collaborative, creative, interdisciplinary, and entrepreneurial opportunities for postgraduate researchers exist in: Education; Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; English, Media and Creative Arts; Geography, Archaeology, and Irish Studies; History and Philosophy; Sociology and Political Science; and Psychology.
Structured PhD programme
The core component of the structured PhD programme is the advancement of knowledge through original research. It is recognised that doctoral education is an individual journey. The purpose of structuring doctoral education is to create a supportive environment.
PhD Scholarship Opportunities
External and University-Wide Funding Opportunities
Researchers entering Structured PhD programmes at University of Galway on a full-time basis should be aware of the following funding opportunities:
The Irish Research Council awards a substantial number of postgraduate research scholarships each year through the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme.
Hardiman PhD Scholarships are internal funding awards made by University of Galway. Full funding is provided for four years at a competitive rate.
- PhD International Merit Scholarships
Non-EU students who are not in receipt of any other scholarship that supports the payment of full Non-EU fees are eligible to apply for the PhD International Merit Scholarship Scheme at University of Galway Galway. If successful, this scholarship award reduces course fees from the full international level to EU level.
PhD students who are in receipt of a prestigious scholarship from the EU Marie Skłodowska Curie scheme that does not support the payment of fees are eligible to apply for this waiver of fees at University of Galway.
This scheme is offered by the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies. It is open to individuals currently employed on a full or part-time basis in the Irish creative sector or related industries who wish to pursue PhD studies on a part-time basis with the support of their employer.
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Information for Current Postgraduate Research Students
Please find in the link below a guide to assist Structured PhD students (and their supervisors) in selecting appropriate modules for Structured PhD Programmes in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies.
In the current academic year (2025-26), a one-off scheme will make available a limited number of bursaries for international travel that is relevant to the research of students pursuing full-time postgraduate research degrees in the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies at the University of Galway.
Only postgraduate research students currently registered on a full-time basis in the 2025-26 academic year are eligible to apply for these bursaries.
A total of 12 travel bursaries valued at €400 each will be awarded across the College to help offset the costs of international travel associated with research activities, networking, and dissemination.
Students may submit applications based on relevant international travel undertaken (or due to be taken) during the period from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2026.
The application form is available online here. The deadline for receipt of applications is 5:00 pm on Friday 10th April 2026. Please review the terms and conditions set out in the document below in advance of applying.
College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies' PG Travel Bursary 2026
- Extenuating Circumstances - Please complete this form to make a submission for consideration under the University's Policy on Extenuating Circumstances.
The Graduate Studies website publishes guidelines, regulations and forms of interest to postgraduate students. Please visit the website for the following forms:
- Declaration by full-time Research Student Form for employment in the University during studies
- Declaration by part-time Research Student Form for employment in the University during studies
- Annual Student Report to GRC
- Annual Supervisor(s) Report to GRC
- GRC Recommendation Report to College
- Leave of Absence for Research Students
- Credit Note for Leave of Absence for Research Students
- Off Campus Form for Full-Time Research Students
- Approval for Examination
- Library Submissions Form
- DPsych Conferring form
- Library Submissions Form
Dr Rosemary Crosse is your student support officer who can support you during your time at University. If you are feeling overwhelmed or need help getting back on track, she is there to help. Rosemary offers a confidential, non-judgemental and empathetic space for you to share your concerns and can offer advice about study planning, time management, financial assistance and support you during medical, emotional or mental health challenges.
Dr Rosemary Crosse
Student Support Officer
Email: rosemary.crosse@universityofgalway.ie
Click here to book a confidential in person or online meeting.
Anne Marie Stokes, EDI Race Equality Advisor is available to meet with you and discuss any issues you may be experiencing, including racial discrimination. This is a confidential service, and the EDI Race Equality Advisors will, where necessary, signpost to the full range of other specific support services available at University of Galway. Click here to book a confidential in person or online meeting.
Anne Marie Stokes
EDI Race Equality Advisor
Email: ediraceequalityadvisorARTS@universityofgalway.ie
Click here to book a confidential in person or online meeting.
