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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 & LanguageResearch Students
Health Promotion
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Mary Callaghan (m.callaghan5@universityofgalway.ie) The aim of this study is to investigate the determinants of bullying among post-primary school students in Ireland. Differences between traditional bullying and cyber bullying will also be explored. This study will provide insight into factors influencing bullying and victimisation at the individual and school level in Ireland. |
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Ann Marie Crosse (a.crosse1@universityofgalway.ie) The research investigates how community knowledge systems, values, and lived experiences can be integrated into cross-sectoral policy and practice to advance both population and planetary health. Grounded in EcoHealth and socio-ecological systems thinking, the study adopts a participatory, place-based approach with rural communities in Ireland and with policymakers operating at the interface of health, environment and climate change. |
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Anne Marie Frizzell (A.Frizzell3@universityofgalway.ie) The purpose of this exploratory case study is to gain an insight to, and an understanding of how Irish universities conceptualise and operationalise a whole systems approach as it applies to promoting a healthy workplace for employees. The study will explore the strengths of current approaches, factors that enable or inhibit the implementation of a whole systems approach to promoting a healthy workplace and a healthy workplace experience for employees, and opportunities for improvement to current approaches from multiple internal university stakeholder perspectives. |
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Patricia Harte (p.harte3@universityofgalway.ie) This study aims to evaluate the impact of Act Belong Commit (ABC), an evidence-based community mental health promotion initiative, on the mental health and wellbeing of people living in a disadvantaged community setting. The study also aims to explore the experience of staff in community partner organisations in implementing ABC. Adopting a community-based participatory research approach, this PhD will build on existing research undertaken in collaboration with the HSE to determine the feasibility and impact of implementing ABC in Irish communities. In addition to determining how ABC can impact the mental health and wellbeing of people living in disadvantaged communities in Ireland, it will also inform how community organisations can implement ABC effectively in the local context. |
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Brian Hickey (brian.hickey@universityofgalway.ie) This study investigates the role and influence of music and group singing as resources that support individuals experiencing homelessness and social exclusion. Utilising a mixed-methods approach, it aims to assess the impact of music projects on self-esteem, mental health, and social inclusion. A comparative analysis with similar Irish and international initiatives involving marginalised groups will expand the scope of the research. The objective is to examine the potential of music and group singing as tools for health-promoting interventions for individuals facing homelessness and social exclusion, especially within the contexts of social prescribing, emotional resilience, and holistic reintegration. |
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Medeina Macenaite (m.macenaite1@universityofgalway.ie) This PhD research applies behavioural science to improve ventilation behaviours and indoor air quality (IAQ) in Irish energy-efficient homes, through co-designing, implementing, and evaluating both generalisable and personalised interventions. It will provide a greater understanding of occupant interactions with ventilation systems and IAQ perceptions, generatihigh-quality, theoretically grounded evidence on effective behaviour change strategies. These findings are transferable to improve health and comfort in other energy-efficient contexts and can be used by policymakers, building professionals, and homeowners. The research also contributes methodologically by documenting the intervention journey and sharing insights to inform future research and practice in occupant-centric building performance. |
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Ruchika Tara Mathur (r.mathur1@universityofgalway.ie) This PhD explores adolescent-led participatory evaluation of sexual and reproductive health services in Rajasthan, India. The study embeds participatory processes within the research design, inviting adolescents to co-design, implement, and analyse the evaluation of health services. Through these processes, the research generates insights into how adolescents perceive the services and offers a methodological contribution by documenting the participatory process in detail. It critically reflects on the ethical, practical, and other relational aspects of working with adolescents as co-researchers, and shares lessons to inform future participatory and rights-based health research. |
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Margaret McLoone (m.mcloone5@universityofgalway.ie) Breastfeeding can make a significant contribution to population health by improving health outcomes for both infant/child and mother. According to the Irish Maternity Indicator System (IMIS) breastfeeding was initiated with 64.2 per cent of infants born in Irish Maternity hospitals (IMIS, 2024). Breastfeeding rates decline rapidly with research indicating that only 36.9% of babies are breastfed exclusively at the time of discharge from hospital. These breastfeeding rates lag significantly behind rates of breastfeeding globally. Promoting breastfeeding to young people is a challenging issue in our society where commercial milk formula (CMF) feeding is an accepted norm. This study is examining the attitudes, perceptions and awareness of infant feeding practices amongst young people in Ireland (18-30 years). The research is using a variety of methods including online questionnaires and 'World Cafe' sessions with young people to ascertain their views in relation to infant feeding. |
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Teresa Meaney (teresa.meaney@universityofgalway.ie) Despite the accepted social, emotional and health benefits associated with breastfeeding the incidence of breastfeeding in Ireland is at an alarmingly low level (56% ERSI 2012) with Ireland having one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe. The aim of this study is to use a qualitative phenomenological longitudinal research approach to understand and gain insight into Irish mother’s experience of breastfeeding. It is anticipated that this study will provide a meaningful understanding of mother’s experience of persisting with breastfeeding. Knowledge may be generated to inform policy makers and health professionals on necessary areas for development in the promotion and support of breastfeeding. |
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Breda O'Mahony (b.omahony6@universityofgalway.ie) With the recent introduction of the Nutrition Standards of School Meals in Delivering Equality of Opportunity (DEIS) schools and the potential introduction of these standards across all post primary schools, the aim of this research is to investigate the internal school factors that influence the implementation of these standards in post primary schools. The research plan is organised into three interlinked work streams. The direction of work streams two and three are subject to adaptation as work stream one has the potential to amend the areas of enquiry. Work stream one consists of a mixed methods systematic review of the barriers and facilitators to implementing Food and Nutrition Standards in School Meals. Factors (barriers and facilitators) reported to influence implementation will be synthesized using the theoretical domain framework. |
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Divya Ravikumar-Grant (d.ravikumar1@universityofgalway.ie) The study will address research gaps in the literature that were highlighted during a research project for the MA Health Promotion course. The first phase of this study is a systematic review examining food sources and donations in the homeless sector. The second phase of this PhD involves the co-production of food and nutrition guidelines with and for service providers that work with the homeless population. The third phase will assess the feasibility of these guidelines. Study outcomes will add to the evidence base and aim to improve policy and healthcare provision and further progress towards the goal of achieving health equity in this population. |
Occupational Therapy
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Abiola De Mojeed (a.demojeed1@universityofgalway.ie) |
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Aisling Hill (a.hill4@universityofgalway.ie) The overall aim of the study is to evaluate the interventions of CIMT and Mirror Therapy within a group of post stroke participants with an upper limb deficit, up to 12 months post stroke. The study is carried out in a controlled environment using quantitative standardised evaluation measures and qualitative feedback forms along with analysis of participant home programme diaries to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions, both face to face and virtually delivered. |
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Qiuxia Li (q.li6@universityofgalway.ie) This project aims to develop an online psychosocial intervention to support family caregivers of people with dementia, with a focus on reducing caregiver burden and enhancing self-efficacy. The project consists of three stages: a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of existing online interventions; a qualitative study involving interviews and focus groups to explore caregivers’ experiences, support needs, and perspectives on online support; and a feasibility trial to test the acceptability and usability of the developed intervention. Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is embedded throughout the research process, with contributors playing an active role in shaping the study design, co-facilitating data collection, and co-developing the intervention. The findings of this project will better support people caring for those with dementia, with implications for caregivers of other chronic neurodegenerative conditions. |
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Yanlin Liu (y.liu17@universityofgalway.ie) This PhD project will be embedded in the F-Words Ireland Research Team’s overall vision. It will provide critical information on the current status of the ‘F-Words’ in Ireland including service providers, children with disabilities and their families' knowledge and understanding of these concepts, and their openness and need for further training in this area. In addition, the cross-cultural design of this study is a key and innovative aspect of this project and will allow for initial exploration of the ‘F-Words’ in Chinese culture and provide the foundation for further research in this area in China. |
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Mary-Rose Mulry (m.mulry1@universityofgalway.ie) This study sets out to explore the effectiveness of an electronic device known as Fall Detector for the Elderly (FATE) in preventing and detecting falls amongst the older adult population. The study aims to evaluate if an electronic fall detector like FATE has an impact on one’s occupational performance and occupational satisfaction in their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) furthermore investigating if it improves one’s quality of life. In addition to this the study will explore carer burden and whether or not this device has a positive or equally a negative effect on relieving carer burden. Falls or a fear of falling is a great source of anxiety for the older adult as a fall can lead to potentially fatal injuries, diminished self confidence resulting in the individual no longer participating in certain ADLs and a reduced quality of life. This study aims to explore and address such issues. |
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Éle Quinn (e.quinn34@universityofgalway.ie) The Peoples Review aims to help the public learn about evidence synthesis and systematic reviews, to understand why they matter, and to be better equipped to think critically about health claims. The Peoples Review will also help researchers learn about how best to involve the public in different stages of a systematic review. This in turn will help influence other systematic reviews to be better designed and implemented in the future. |
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Ciara Smith (c.smith49@universityofgalway.ie) This study aims to examine the feasibility of the ReDO®-10 programme for adults living with obesity. ReDO® is a ten-week, manualised, group-based intervention designed to explore the links between time use, activity patterns and overall health. This is the first pilot of the ReDO® programme delivered by occupational therapists to adults living with obesity in Ireland. The findings will provide valuable insights into the feasibility, acceptability and potential effectiveness of this novel intervention for this population. |
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Jing Xia (j.xia2@universityofgalway.ie) This research investigates the relationship between time-use, meaning in daily life, and mental flourishing among working-age men in Ireland, addressing a gap in the current mental health literature. It examines how time-use influences the experience of meaning in daily life and explores its potential associations with mental flourishing. A comprehensive literature review will first identify key findings, gaps, and relevant frameworks on time-use, meaning, and men’s mental health. Following this, a cross-sectional survey and qualitative interviews will be conducted to assess whether and how time-use correlates with mental flourishing. The findings will be discussed with a consensus panel of men to deepen understanding and inform the development of gender-sensitive interventions aimed at enhancing mental well-being in this population. |
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Wei Zhang (w.zhang11@universityofgalway.ie) This research aims to understand the experiences of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) accessing and undergoing gynecological cancer screening and treatment. It is expected that the findings will inform the development of tailored educational strategies to improve awareness of support resources, advocacy skills, and improve understanding from healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the unique needs of people with MS. The findings may also lead to the development of specific clinical guidelines for this group in order to improve outcomes and enhance patient-centered care and policy-making for this under-served population. |
Speech and Language Therapy
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Alhanouf Alhazimi (a.alhazimi1@universityofgalway.ie) Alhanouf’s PhD research investigates how children who stutter perceive and experience talking, using a culturally responsive, multi-method design tailored to Arabic-speaking children in Saudi Arabia aged 6 to 10 years. The study integrates both verbal and nonverbal methods, including photography, drawing, illustrations, and semi-structured interviews. It aims to deepen understanding of the children’s lived experiences of stuttering within their specific cultural and linguistic context. |
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Sandra Brandon (s.martin5@universityofgalway.ie) |
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Yvonne Fitzmaurice (y.fitzmaurice1@universityofgalway.ie) The main aim of this study is to provide theoretical explanation around how and why communication partner training (CPT) works and who it works for in higher education institutions. A refined programme theory will be developed during realist review and subsequently, a feasibility study will be conducted across health care curricula to determine the acceptability, demand and practicality of CPT that is underpinned by this programme theory. |
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Mohammad Halili (M.Halili1@universityofgalway.ie) Main aim of the study is to compare different ways of describing and measuring language attitudes towards Madurese and Javanese in Madura, East Java, Indonesia. This study will use different measures of language attitudes, one direct measure in form of language attitude scale, and indirect measures in the form of LangDT (Language Decision Task) to interlingual homographs, and Eye Tracking with tasks including interlingual homographs and homophones. |
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Saoirse Lally (s.lally16@universityofgalway.ie) The main aim of this study is to investigate whether the use of language assessment tasks including Sentence Repetition Tasks and Non-word Repetition Tasks can be used by monolingual Speech and Language Therapists in conjunction with children’s parents to assess bilingual Polish-English speaking children and differentiate between typically-developing children and children with a language disorder. |
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Noha Maakafi (n.maakafi1@universityofgalway.ie) |
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Tetiana Vysotska (t.vysotska1@universityofgalway.ie) |
Podiatric Medicine
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Sinead Flynn (s.flynn22@universityofgalway.ie) The aim of this research is to determine the current evidence base regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the care of diabetic foot ulcers, and to investigate both patient and clinician perceptions toward changes and adaptations to service provision during the pandemic. This research aims to determine what lessons have we learnt and how can these shape the future of diabetic foot care provision. |
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Geraldine Lavelle (geraldine.g.lavelle@universityofgalway.ie) This research project explores the current challenges and barriers within practice education in Podiatric Medicine, with the aim of identifying practical solutions to better support students, Practice Educators, and Co-Ordinator's. Taking a three-phase approach, the study began with a comprehensive scoping review, this is due to be followed by a nationwide quantitative survey. The final phase involves qualitative interviews to gain deeper insights into key themes emerging from the survey. The ultimate goal is to inform the development of robust systems that strengthen and advance practice education, ensuring a supportive and sustainable framework for future podiatric professionals. |
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Yan Tao (y.tao2@universityofgalway.ie) Painful diabetes-related foot ulcer (DFU) is a significant yet often under-recognised factor contributing to reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with diabetes. Despite its impact, pain in DFU is frequently overlooked in clinical guidelines and under-addressed in practice, partly due to limited understanding of the mechanisms linking painful DFU to HRQoL. This PhD project has two primary aims: (1) To explore the pathways linking painful DFU to HRQoL, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of perseverative cognition (PC), psychological stress responses (including depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances), and diabetic foot self-care behaviours, using data from a Chinese patient cohort. (2) To compare Chinese and Irish patients with DFU, examining potential differences in pain perception, PC, psychological stress responses, self-care behaviours, and HRQoL. This will provide valuable insights into the cultural and contextual factors shaping disease perception and management. The findings aim to inform more patient-centred DFU care strategies and highlight the importance of integrating pain assessment into holistic management approaches. |
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Amanda Walsh (a.walsh32@universityofgalway.ie) |
