Postgraduate research

Our mission is to support our Postgraduate researchers in excelling in their research and scholarly activity in the basic biosciences, translational medicine, health sciences and policies.

Our impact

7,305 Scopus indexed publications*

59 Publications with international collaborations*

17 Publications in the top 10% most cited worldwide*

159 Principal investigators

*Source: SciVal 2019-2023

Begin your journey

Our goal is to ensure excellence in the training of scholars to perform impactful research. As an RCSI Postgraduate researcher, you will be guided by a supervisory team that includes at least two supervisors in vibrant and active specialist research groups. Annual reviewers also add external advice and encouragement to help you navigate your research projects.

Get in touch or find a project or supervisor below to begin your Postgraduate research journey at RCSI.

Research supervisors

Supervisors

Find a supervisor for your Postgraduate research studies at RCSI.

Find a supervisor

Research projects

Resources and facilities spotlight

Explore the list of funded and non-funded Postgraduate research projects available at RCSI.

Find a project

Our programmes

RCSI's School of Postgraduate Studies offers Postgraduate research degrees: MD, MD by Prior Publication, MCh, PhD, PhD by Prior Publication and MSc.

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Each unique Medical Doctorate (MD) full-time project is carried out over a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years (Level 10 NFQ Major award).

MD by Prior Publication

Medical graduates with a record of publications in medicine, surgery or clinical science can apply to complete an MD by prior published works (Level 10 NFQ major award).

Master of Surgery (MCh)

Each Masters in Surgery (MCh) project takes a minimum of one year full-time or a maximum of two years (Level 9 NFQ Major award).

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

To be awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) you will carry out a project over a minimum of three years full-time and a maximum of six years (Level 10 NFQ Major award).

PhD by Prior Publication

Scholars with a record of publications in biomedical, clinical and health services research can complete a PhD by prior published works (Level 10 NFQ Major award).

Master of Science (MSc)

A full-time Masters of Science (MSc) project at RCSI is carried out over a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years (Level 9 NFQ Major award).

StAR programme

RCSI's unique Strategic Academic Recruitment (StAR) programme is an internationally-recognised scheme aimed at attracting high-calibre researchers to the University to work on bringing their clinical research from bench to bedside for the benefit of patients.

StAR Professional Doctorates

Our StAR Professional Doctorate programmes offer you the opportunity to make a positive impact on your professional area of expertise and progress your career.

StAR MD

Established in 2016, the StAR Doctor of Medicine (MD) Programme offers a highly prestigious and unique opportunity to obtain this award while partnering with one of our participating private hospitals.

StAR PhD

The RCSI Strategic Academic Recruitment PhD Programme is an international scheme that recruits high-achieving PhD scholars to carry out cutting-edge, impactful basic or translational research.

Student stories

"The StAR MD programme provided a combination of structured training and invaluable research. The collaborative environment and strategic support from the StAR team have truly shaped a transformative and rewarding experience."

Reza Saeidi, StAR MD scholar Read Reza's story

"At every step of my RCSI journey I encountered knowledgeable, helpful, and supportive members of the RCSI team ..."

Sadhbh Hurley, MD graduate Read Sadhbh's story

"... RCSI is an excellent environment for furthering your research. It increases exposure to world experts, promotes multidisciplinary scholarship, focuses on clinical translatability and patient impact ..."

Zak Kinsella, PhD graduate Read Zak's story