Researcher in lab pipetting

PhD by Prior Publication

PhD
Research

How to apply

Applications for the October 2026 intake are now open.

Please note

Before you submit an application through our online portal you must complete the steps below:

  1. Secure an RCSI-based supervisor who will assist you with your application and thesis preparation.
  2. Email postgraduateschool@rcsi.ie to request a form that you will use to list details of the research publications you wish to submit for the award and to provide the information required for a metrics review.
  3. Email the completed form to postgraduateschool@rcsi.ie. There will then be a metrics and eligibility review to determine whether your publications meet the required criteria.
  4. If your publications are deemed eligible, you will be invited to submit a full application via our online platform.

Requirements

Once your eligibility to apply for the programme has been confirmed and your publications approved, please ensure you have the documents listed below ready for upload as part of your application. Incomplete applications will not be progressed.

  • A copy of your primary degree certificate/transcript
  • A copy of your CV
  • The name, contact details and a letter of support from an RCSI academic advisor (supervisor) who has agreed to undertake the task of mentoring and supporting you for this award
  • A brief personal statement (maximum 500 words) outlining your motivation for registering for this degree, and how you are going to resource the time required to complete your thesis and core modules
  • Details of the five published works that establish your eligibility to be considered for admission to the programme. Where the published work appears under the name of more than one author, you must include a statement indicating the extent to which you carried out the published work and a clear indication of any parts of the published work that were carried out in collaboration. Please note that only the five publications that establish your eligibility will be considered by the admissions panel. If approved onto the programme, you may include additional publications in your thesis, therefore it is critical that the quality of these three is confirmed as eligible by your supervisors.
  • A statement (maximum 1,000 words) setting in context each item of published work and indicating how these items have made a significant contribution to knowledge. The statement should also describe how the published works for consideration constitute a coherent programme of published research as opposed to a series of learned but disconnected papers.
  • A supporting reference from your head of department or academic lead within the university/hospital/organisation where you are currently employed, recommending you as a candidate for the RCSI PhD by Prior Publication.

Please note: Completed applications will then be reviewed by an academic review panel who will decide whether you can be offered a place on the programme.