PhD Programs

The following are the Doctorate Degree courses available for students in Ireland:

1. Ph.D in Creative Writing: The Ph.D program in creative writing is mainly aimed at those who are serious about taking up writing as their career. It allows the writers of different genres to customize the course according to their requirements. Before a student applies for this course, he/she must have completed a recognized degree either in Arts or any other Humanities subject like MA in Creative Writing.

The main modules of Ph.D in Creative Writing contain the following:

• Mimesis of Texts I
• Mimesis of Texts II
• Outline and Description
• Narration and Story Development
• Writing for a World Audience

2. Ph.D in Philosophy in Ancient Philosophy: How ancient thinkers addressed the question of how human beings should lead a 'good life' is the main aim at which this course aims at. It also introduces the candidates to the important concepts like 'good', 'pleasure', 'happiness', 'desire', 'virtue', etc. 

Some important texts written by some great thinkers are introduced to the candidates as well apart from developing some necessary and analytical skills required for the same. Before a candidate applies for this course, he/she must have a Master's Degree preferably in Philosophy or any other humanities subject. 

The main modules of Ph.D in Ancient Philosophy include:

Survey of the Primary Sources

• Good, Pleasure and Happiness
• Knowledge and Desire in Virtue
• The Good of Others
• Virtue and Happiness

Key Philosophers

• Plato
• Aristotle
• The Philosophy of Epicurus
• The Philosophy of the Stoic Epictetus

Doctoral Thesis

3. Ph.D in Cultural Art History: The candidates who apply for a Ph.D in Cultural Art History learn about the humanistic background and contemporary thought. They work independently and pursue artistic, cultural, historical and intellectual links which ultimately helps them to gain more knowledge in different spheres.

This program is specifically designed for those learners who want to develop their careers in cultural art history, law, program development, museum and gallery work, art dealership, art therapy, fine arts, travel and tourism, research, art criticism, creative writing, etc.

The student should hold a undergraduate degree, preferably in Art History or another Humanities subject and a MA degree as well before they decide to pursue Ph.D in Cultural Art History. 

The modules of the program are as follows:

• Library Methodology
• Conducting Research in Art History
• Critical Writing in Art History
• Theory and Interpretation
• The Business of Art History OR Museum Practices

4. Ph.D in Business Administration: The main focus area of the Doctorate program in Business Administration is on leadership. It is specifically designed for executives who want merge their knowledge, experience and learning.

Prior to applying for a Ph.D in Business Administration, it is neccessary that the student must have atleast a Master Degree, preferably in business studies and five years' managerial work experience.

The main modules of Doctorate in Business Administration are as follows:
A. Primer Module

• Research Methodology

B. Core Modules

• Managing Organizations
• Marketing Management
• Financial Management
• People Management
• Operations Management
• Strategic Management

C. Specialization

• Doctoral Project 1
• Doctoral Project 2

D. Dissertation

5. Ph.D in Philosophy in Exercise Science: This program is designed for those students who want to pursue a career in the field of exercise science as scholars or practitioners which require professional expertise in the areas related to work, exercise and sports.

The various professional field in which a student can work after completing the Ph.D in Exercise Sciences can vary according to their field of choice. They can get good opportunities to work in a number of professional organizations, corporate fitness, cardiovascular rehabilitation and coaching consultancies. Students, before applying for the course must consider their professional goals thoroughly.

A student applying for this course must have a Master's Degree in Exercise Science, Life Science, Kinesiology or Physical Education. 

The modules of Ph.D in Philosophy in Exercise Sciences include:

Part I: Understandings of Disciplinary Practice and Research

• Kinesiology - The science of Sports and Exercise
• Research Design and Statistical Applications in Exercise Science

Part II: Theory of Health, Fitness and Performance Assessment

• Field Methods in Exercise Science
• Laboratory Methods in Exercise Science

Part III: Advanced Inquiry and Authorship

• Directed Readings in Exercise Science
• Writing Discipline Specific Scientific Documents

Part IV: Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice

• Research Project Proposal
• Professional Internship

Part V: Culminating Experience

• Dissertation

Part VI: Culminating Experience

• Dissertation

6. Ph.D in History of Ideas: The Ph.D in History of Ideas is a classic field of study. The theme in the modules includes some important milestones in the history of ideas. Before applying for this course, a student must have a Master's degree in Humanities.

The following are the core modules of Ph.D in History of Ideas:

Part One: Nine Core Modules

• Science Faith Issues
• A Symbolic Interpretation of Genesis
• Darwinism
• Social Darwinism
• Women's Rights
• Political Concepts
• Historical (Cyclical) Patterns
• Myths and Fables
• The History of Ideas in a Literary Context

Part Two: Research Project

• Dissertation

7. Ph.D in Metaphysics: Metaphysics tries to understand how the world is really constituted. It investigates the assumptions of reality. It helps the students to gain a comprehensive ground in the areas of Metaphysics by imparting in them, a good sense of the nature and extent of subject matter of Metaphysics.

Completion of this course will help the students broaden their understanding of humanistic backgrounds and will be expected to work aggressively and independently to contribute to the field of Metaphysics. This is suitable for those students who want to develop a career in teaching, course development, design, research, civil service, etc.

A student is required to have a Master's Degree in Philosophy or any other realted field of Humanities before he/she can be admitted to the course.

The main modules of Ph.D in Metaphysics include:

• Existence
• Truth
• Identity
• Philosophy of Mind
• Free Will and Determination
• God
• Knowing Reality
• Secondary Qualities
• Time
• Events