Structured PhD - Faculty of Science and Engineering Programme content
Key information
PhD Thesis (270 ECTS):
A thesis submitted for a SPhD degree must show evidence of independent enquiry, originality in the methods used and/or in the conclusions drawn and must make an appreciable new contribution to knowledge or thinking in the candidate’s field.
Specialised modules (12 ECTS):
Students are required to select a minimum of two specialised modules, agreed with their PhD supervisor, with a combined weight of at least 12 ECTS. These modules aim to strengthen the student’s background in the chosen research area. Normally, specialised modules should be selected from fourth-year NFQ Level 8 or Level 9 postgraduate modules, taken either within or outside UL, over the four years of the SPhD programme. It is recommended that these modules be completed within the first 18-24 months.
Generic and Transferable Skills (18 ECTS):
The Generic and Transferable Skills modules (18 ECTS), offered by the UL Doctoral College, are delivered annually as either a summer school (May-August) or a winter school (January-April). It consists of six modules, each carrying 3 ECTS:
The summer/winter course includes a residential week (available in separate face-to-face and online formats), followed by a series of online activities organised into three blocks. Each block consists of two modules delivered over a four-week period.
