PhD Sport Science and Nutrition

The Structured PhD in Sport Science and Nutrition aims to provide a comprehensive framework that supports you, the doctoral candidate, in developing advanced research skills, academic knowledge, and professional competencies within a structured environment. The primary aim of this PhD programme is to help you develop independent research skills, through the completion of original, high-quality research that contributes new knowledge to your chosen field, while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving and methodological rigour. This research may involve collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches through engagement with other researchers, institutions and external partners (e.g. industryhospitalhealthcare). The PhD programme will offer taught modules that enhance both your specialist domain knowledge and your transferable skills. These modules will add significantly to your PhD experience by broadening your skill base, as well as enhancing your subsequent employability. For those candidates looking for a career in academia, we will also endeavour to provide teaching and associated mentoring opportunities wherever possible. By providing structured timelines and milestones, the PhD programme will help you stay on track to complete your PhD within the expected timeframe (4 years full-time; 6 years part-time). The three options for funding to support your PhD programme are: Direct self-funding by the PhD candidate (to pay fees) The PhD candidate applies for funding from an external source (e.g. Research Ireland post-graduate finding scheme). Support varies depending on the source, but funding can include payment of fees, a stipend, consumables and some equipment. All funding programmes are highly competitive, and most are contingent on the applicant securing high marks in their primary degree. The supervisor gains funding and looks to attract an appropriate PhD candidate. Support varies depending on the source, but generally includes payment of fees, a stipend and some equipment.

Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent). A first class honours (1:1) or upper second-class honours (2:2) degree in a relevant subject is required in general. However, where a candidate has not reached this standard, additional qualifications such as a postgraduate masters degree or relevant work experience may also be taken into consideration.