Maynooth University

Research-focused PhD in Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Studies at Maynooth University, supporting doctoral work across areas such as second language acquisition, sociolinguistics, intercultural competence, and the role of English in global contexts.

Students develop an original research project with academic supervision and opportunities to engage with the wider language and intercultural studies community.

• Level: PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
• Focus: Applied linguistics, intercultural studies, second language acquisition, sociolinguistics, multilingualism, and language pedagogy
• Delivery: Research degree with academic supervision (and optional/required taught modules depending on background)
• Credits: Programme requirements may include additional modules; thesis completion is the core requirement
• Language of instruction: English (English proficiency required)
• Application: Apply via Maynooth University’s postgraduate admissions process
• Start dates: Check the programme page for the current intake dates

Programme Structure

The PhD is primarily thesis-based, supported by structured academic development. Candidates are supervised throughout their research and may complete additional taught modules where this is recommended by the supervisor and the Head of School.

Typical components may include:

• Doctoral research thesis: development of an original research project, culminating in a thesis submission and viva/defence (as required by the university).
• Research and academic skills modules (where applicable), such as academic writing and research-related training.
• Professional development activities, including conference organisation and outreach/communication activities.
• Research-informed coursework linked to contemporary modern language studies and research practice.

Examples of modules/courses listed for the programme include:

• Issues and Strategies in Contemporary Modern Language Studies
• Innovation and Research Commercialisation
• Academic Writing Module
• Conference Organisation
• Outreach and Communication

Note: The exact module mix can vary by candidate background and supervisory recommendations.

Academic requirements

GPA Your GPA, or Grade Point Average, is a number that indicates how well or how high you scored in your courses on average. Usually a GPA scales between 1.0 and 4.0, however different countries and universities can have different grading systems.

Lower Second Class

English requirements

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120

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TOEFL^® IBT TOEFL iBT® is accepted by more than 13,000 universities and other institutions in over 160 countries. The test can be taken at a test center or at home. The test measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The score refers to the total score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading), each subject has a range of 0 - 30.

OR

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) is a language test that enables students to demonstrate their writing, listening, speaking, and reading skills when applying to study in English. The score refers to a total score which ranges between 10 and 90.

63

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS The International English Language Test System (IELTS) tests your English-language proficiency on a scale of 1 – 9. The score refers to the combined average score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading).

6.5

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Check for any work restrictions

International students in Ireland may be eligible to work while studying, subject to the conditions of their immigration permission and any programme-specific rules.

• During studies: You may be allowed to work a limited number of hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled holidays, provided you comply with the conditions attached to your student permission.
• After graduation: Graduates may be eligible to apply for a Third Level Graduate Programme (or other relevant post-study permission) depending on their qualification level and the rules in force at the time of application.
• Eligibility depends on: holding a valid student permission, completing the programme requirements, and meeting the Irish immigration criteria applicable to your circumstances.
• Important: Work rights and permit duration can change. Always verify the latest guidance with the Irish immigration authorities and Maynooth University’s international student support team.

Visit programme website