Structured PhD - Faculty of Science and Engineering
Key information
The Structured PhD (SPhD) programme in University of Limerick (UL) Faculty of Science and Engineering (S&E) advances knowledge through a high-quality experience of original research combined with professional development. It develops students’ original thinking, research capabilities and transferable skills through sustained, independent investigation under the guidance of an academic supervisor, with joint supervisor(s) where applicable, complemented by a formal, integrated programme of coursework.
Applicants should identify a potential supervisor before applying to a research programme by consulting the academic profiles available on the Science and Engineering Faculty’s PURE website.
The S&E Faculty SPhD is a Level 10 programme, as defined by the National Framework of Qualifications(NFQ) and is weighted at 300 ECTS. It is deemed to be an honours award without classification. The SPhD consists of two major components:
PhD research and thesis, weighted at 270 ECTS, and
Coursework, weight at 30 ECTS, comprising of:
A minimum of 12 ECTS in specialised modules, which may include NFQ Level 8 or 9 modules taken within or outside UL, and
18 ECTS in Generic and Transferable Skills, delivered through a summer or winter school within UL.
To qualify for the SPhD degree, a student must be registered with UL for a minimum of four years.
The SPhD offers more than a research thesis; it provides a cohort-based experience that fosters a sense of community among students. This approach is particularly valuable for those working in isolation or in small research groups and supports international students in integrating both academically and socially.
As part of the programme, students gain formal recognition for developing transferable skills in research methods, project management, and communication early in their PhD journey. These skills are embedded within the coursework component, which complements the research element and encourages interdisciplinary engagement beyond the S&E Faculty.
For students without a Master’s degree, the specialised modules offer an opportunity to strengthen and broaden their knowledge base. These modules are designed to deepen understanding and develop expertise that directly supports PhD research.
