YOUR GUIDE TO
POSTGRADUATE STUDY AND RESEARCH WATERFORD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
www.wit.ie/pg
WHY CHOOSE WIT FOR YOUR POSTGRADUATE STUDY? There are many factors you will have to take into account when making the important decision about which University or Institute will suit you best for your postgraduate study.
WIT is a state-sector, university-level Institute which is funded directly by the Irish government. This means that its facilities and infrastructure are of excellent quality. There are many benefits to undertaking postgraduate study – but you need to be sure it’s the right choice for you. The advantage of postgraduate study is that it allows you to enter employment with additional skills and knowledge.
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to undertake postgraduate study: Continuing your studies - If you love what you are doing, you may want to continue your studies for their own sake. In fact, having a passion for your subject is possibly the best reason to go into postgraduate education, as long as you have a sensible idea of where it might lead you professionally once you have finished. If you aspire to a career in academia, it is essential to undertake a Masters/PhD programme, and a strong interest in pursuing research would also be an asset. Improving your job prospects - An increasingly competitive job market has forced many students to continue with lifelong learning and pursue a postgraduate Diploma, Masters or even PhD in their initial area of study. Specialising at postgraduate level can augment your skill sets and make you a stronger job applicant. Most employers will recognise these additional qualifications and skills. Changing direction - Conversion courses offer you the opportunity to study another subject area at postgraduate level. This allows you to present yourself with skills and academic knowledge from at least two disciplines (depending on the nature of the conversion course or your initial undergraduate degree).
Is this right for me? Postgraduate programmes are demanding and fast-paced. You need to be sure you are capable of undertaking another year, or more, of study. Research masters programmes can take up to two years full-time and a PhD up to four years full-time. This requires lots of self-discipline and self motivation, have you got those skills?
Advice to students on selection of the type of postgraduate award It is very important that you reflect carefully on your requirements before you make the important choice between a taught mode or a research mode award. Are you prepared for the freedom and academic challenge of a research award programme or will the structure and professional qualifications of a taught postgraduate programme suit you better? To help you make that decision, take a look at ‘Which Mode of Postgraduate Study is Right for you?’ on the next page.
Postgraduate study is a life changing experience, shared with a number of like-minded individuals, interested in challenging our learning boundaries and reaping the benefits of our individual commitment. Fiona McHardy, WIT Graduate, MSc in Construction Project Management. Currently employed as CEO of Waterford Viking Triangle.
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POSTGRADUATE STUDY AND RESEARCH AT WIT
WHICH MODE OF STUDY IS RIGHT FOR YOU? TAUGHT PROGRAMMES • Mainly focused on continuing professional development • Taught programmes can be offered in full-time or part-time mode • Duration: Typical full-time programme duration is one year and part-time programme duration is two years • Entry requirements: At least a 2nd class honours Bachelor Degree (Level 8) in a field of study directly related to the subject matter of the masters degree • Students attend lectures, undertake a dissertation and their work is assessed through a combination of course work and formal examinations • Taught programmes may also provide a means of entry to a research degree programme • Taught Postgraduate programmes at WIT operate on a semesterised basis: - Semester 1 - September to January - Semester 2 - February to June - Semester 3 - June to September
OR
RESEARCH PROGRAMMES • There are two research degree options: - Masters by Research - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) • Research programmes involve individual or small group projects under the supervision of highly qualified research leaders • In most cases, research programmes are examined by dissertation, in some cases a display or creative work and / or viva voce
Masters by Research • Duration: Typical duration of a Masters by Research programme is 21 months full-time or 42 months part-time. • Minimum entry standard: 2nd class honours Bachelor Degree (Level 8) in a field of study directly related to the subject matter of the masters degree • Candidates will be expected to acquire a mastery of the principles and theory underlying their chosen subject and a knowledge and appreciation of the relevant literature • This will be achieved through research and attendance at courses and/or directed study programmes, where necessary.
See page 3 for a full list of taught programmes
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) • Duration: Typical duration of a PhD programme is three years (full-time) to six years (part-time) • There are two possible entry pathways for PhD students. Candidates normally commence their studies on the Masters Register but can transfer to the PhD Register after 12 months, subject to the satisfactory completion of the transfer process. Alternatively, candidates may be allowed direct entry to the PhD Register if particular criteria are met. • The PhD is conferred for advanced levels of achievement, in which the candidate demonstrates outstanding scholarship and ability. • The candidate must demonstrate that he/she has conducted original, independent research, has a broad knowledge of a particular field of study and a comprehensive knowledge of the specialist area upon which his/her research is focused.
POSTGRADUATE STUDY AND RESEARCH AT WIT
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TAUGHT POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES The taught postgraduate programmes in WIT are mainly focused on continuing professional development and also may provide a means of entry into research degree programmes. Students attend lectures, undertake a dissertation and their work is assessed by a combination of coursework and formal examinations.
TAUGHT POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES: HOW TO APPLY • Waterford Institute of Technology’s taught postgraduate programmes can be applied for online. For more details about this process please visit our website at www.wit.ie/pg or contact Graduate Admissions by phone at +353-51-302670 or by email: pgadmissions@wit.ie • The deadline for applications can vary from course to course and you should check the website for details. Generally applications are requested by the end of June for entry in September of each year. Late applications will be considered if places are available. • Provisional offers may be made to those who have not yet completed their final examinations. • A selection process operates and if there are more applicants than places, offers will be made on the basis of qualifications and experience. • For fee information, please see our website: www.wit.ie/pgfees • Please note all applications, offers and registration processes are subject to the full regulations of the Institute which are available at www.wit.ie/regulations • All programmes listed below are subject to demand.
BUSINESS - TAUGHT POSTGRADUATE COURSES
www.wit.ie/taughtpgbusiness
PROGRAMME
MODE
CONTACT PERSON(S)
CONTACT EMAIL
NFQ LEVEL
Doctorate in Business Administration
Part-time
Dr. Felicity Kelliher
fkelliher@wit.ie
10
Executive MBA
Part-time
Dr. Tom Egan
tegan@wit.ie
9
Master of Business specialisations in; Marketing Economics & Finance, Management, Corporate Administration, Human Resource Management
Full & Part-time
Dr. Sheila O’Donohoe Mr. Paul Morrissey
sodonohoe@wit.ie pmorrissey@wit.ie
9
Master of Business in Accounting
Full-time
Mr. John Casey
jcasey@wit.ie
9
Master of Business in Internationalisation
Full-time
Mr. Declan Cahill
dcahill@wit.ie
9
Master of Business in the Management of Change
Part-time
Dr. Sean Byrne
sbyrne@wit.ie
9
MSc in Business, Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship (mBITE)
Full & Part-time
Dr. Ray Griffin
rgriffin@wit.ie
9
MSc in Global Financial Information Systems
Full & Part-time
Dr. Aidan Duane
aduane@wit.ie
9
Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Lean Practice
Part-time
Dr. Pio Fenton
pfenton@wit.ie
9
Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Enterprise Development
Part-time
Dr. William O’Gorman
wogorman@wit.ie
9
Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Innovation Practice
Part-time
Dr. William O’Gorman
wogorman@wit.ie
9
Higher Diploma in Business in Management
Part-time
Dr. Pio Fenton
pfenton@wit.ie
8
Higher Diploma in Accounting
Full & Part-time
Mr. Marcel Wagenaar
mwagenaar@wit.ie
8
ENGINEERING - TAUGHT POSTGRADUATE COURSES PROGRAMME
MODE
CONTACT PERSON(S)
CONTACT EMAIL
NFQ LEVEL
MEng in Electronic Engineering (MEngEE)
Full & Part-time
Dr. Joe O’Mahony Mr. Philip Walsh
jomahony@wit.ie prwalsh@wit.ie
9
MSc in Innovative Technology Engineering (MScITE)
Full & Part-time
Dr. Austin Coffey Dr. John O’Dwyer
acoffey@wit.ie jodwyer@wit.ie
9
MSc in Construction Project Management (MScCPM)
Full & Part-time
Mr. Oliver Tierney
otierney@wit.ie
9
MSc in International Construction Management (MScICM)
Full-time
Mr. Oliver Tierney
otierney@wit.ie
9
MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering (MScSEE)
Full & Part-time
Mr. Mervin Doyle
mdoyle@wit.ie
9
MSc Sustainable Retrofitting (MScSR)*
Full & Part-time
Mr. Brian Dempsey
bdempsey@wit.ie
9
MEng Professional Engineering (MEngPE)*
Full & Part-time
Dr. Ken Thomas
kthomas@wit.ie
9
*Subject to approval
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www.wit.ie/taughtpgengineering
POSTGRADUATE STUDY AND RESEARCH AT WIT
HEALTH SCIENCES - TAUGHT POSTGRADUATE COURSES
www.wit.ie/taughtpghealthsciences
PROGRAMME
MODE
CONTACT PERSON(S)
CONTACT EMAIL
NFQ
MA in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Full-time
Mr. Gerry Fitzpatrick Ms. Ciara Losty
gfitzpatrick@wit.ie closty@wit.ie
9
Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Nursing – specialisations in; High Dependency, Rehabilitation and Habilitation, Medical/ Surgical, Maternal and Child Health, Community Health, Mental Health, Disability
Part-time
Ms. Frances Finn Ms. Jennifer Cunningham
ffinn@wit.ie jcunningham@wit.ie
9
MA in Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE)
Part-time
Ms. Mairead Barry Dr. Paula Carroll
mlbarry@wit.ie pcarroll@wit.ie
9
Higher Diploma in Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE)
Part-time
Ms. Mairead Barry Dr. Paula Carroll
mlbarry@wit.ie pcarroll@wit.ie
8
HUMANITIES - TAUGHT POSTGRADUATE COURSES PROGRAMME
MODE
www.wit.ie/taughtpghumanities CONTACT PERSON(S)
CONTACT EMAIL
NFQ
Master of Laws (LLM)*
Full & Part-time
Ms. Grainne Callanan
gcallanan@wit.ie
9
MA in Social Studies
Full & Part-time
Mr. Peter Simpson
psimpson@wit.ie
9
MA in Arts & Heritage Management
Full & Part-time
Dr. Rachel Finnegan
rfinnegan@wit.ie
9
MA in Second Language Learning & Teaching
Part-time Distance Learning
Dr. Aine Furlong
afurlong@wit.ie
9
Ard Dioplóma sna hEalaíona í Léiriú Teilifíse Higher Diploma in Arts in Television Production
Full-time
Mr. Ray Cullen Ms. Bláithín Ní Chatháin
rcullen@wit.ie blaithin@nemeton.ie
8
Higher Diploma in Arts in International Hospitality Management
Full-time
Ms. Ann Marie Lally
amlally@wit.ie
8
LIFELONG LEARNING & EDUCATION - TAUGHT POSTGRADUATE COURSES
www.wit.ie/taughtpgeducation
PROGRAMME
MODE
CONTACT PERSON(S)
CONTACT EMAIL
Postgraduate Diploma/MA in Teaching and Learning in Further and Higher Education
Full & Part-time
Dr. Jane Russell O’Connor
jrussell-oconnor@wit.ie 9
Postgraduate Diploma/MA in Education
Full & Part-time
Dr. Sean Moran
spmoran@wit.ie
MA in Management in Education Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Science Education (Primary Science)
Part-time Part-time
Dr. Mary Fenton Dr. Jane Russell O’Connor
mfenton@wit.ie 9 jrussell-oconnor@wit.ie 9
Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching in Further Education (Teaching Council Recognition)
Part-time
Dr. Carol O’Byrne
cobyrne@wit.ie
SCIENCE AND COMPUTING - TAUGHT POSTGRADUATE COURSES
NFQ
9
9
www.wit.ie/taughtpgscience
PROGRAMME
MODE
CONTACT PERSON(S)
CONTACT EMAIL
NFQ
MSc in Computing (Communications Software)
Full & Part-time
Mr. Jimmy McGibney Mr. Richard Frisby
jmcgibney@wit.ie rfrisby@wit.ie
9
MSc in Computing (Multimedia and eLearning)
Full & Part-time
Dr. Mícheál Ó hEigeartaigh
moheigeartaigh@wit.ie 9
MSc in Computing (Information Systems Processes)
Full & Part-time
Mr. Liam Doyle Dr. Peter Carew
ldoyle@wit.ie pcarew@wit.ie
9
MSc in Computing (Enterprise Software Systems) Part-time
Mr. Jimmy McGibney Mr. Richard Frisby
jmcgibney@wit.ie rfrisby@wit.ie
9
Higher Diploma in Science in Computing
Full & Part-time
Dr. Mícheál Ó hEigeartaigh
moheigeartaigh@wit.ie 8
Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Analytical Science with Quality Management
Part-time
Dr. Kathleen Grennan
kgrennan@wit.ie
9
Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Quality Mgmt
Part-time
Dr. Helen Hughes
hhughes@wit.ie
9
*Subject to approval
POSTGRADUATE STUDY AND RESEARCH AT WIT
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POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH AREAS BUSINESS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH AREAS
www.wit.ie/research
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP
CONTACT PERSON(S)
CONTACT EMAIL
AIB Centre for Finance and Business Research
Dr. Sheila O’Donohoe
sodonohoe@wit.ie
Dr. William O’Gorman Mr. Eugene Crehan
wogorman@wit.ie ecrehan@wit.ie
Mr. Chris O’Riordan
coriordan@wit.ie
Dr. Anthony Foley Dr. Susan Whelan
afoley@wit.ie swhelan@wit.ie
Dr. Pat Lynch Dr. Mary Holden Dr. Felicity Kelliher
plynch@wit.ie mholden@wit.ie fkelliher@wit.ie
Small firm finance, governance and corporate responsibility, behavioural finance, and personal finance
Centre for Enterprise Development and Regional Economy - CEDRE Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial regions, enterprise creation and policy, regional innovation clusters and economy, owner managers and family enterprises
Centre for Management Research in Healthcare and Healthcare Economics Management and organisation of healthcare, healthcare accounting and finance
Waterford Crystal Centre for Marketing Studies Marketing management capabilities, innovation and knowledge transfer, brand management and reputation management, sports marketing, business to business marketing
Research in Innovation, Knowledge and Organisational Networks - RIKON Innovation, knowledge and organisational networks, tourism, supply chain management
ENGINEERING - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH AREAS
www.wit.ie/research
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP/AREAS
CONTACT PERSON(S)
CONTACT EMAIL
South Eastern Applied Materials Research Centre – SEAM
Dr. Ramesh Raghavendra
rraghavendra@wit.ie
SEAM is an industry focussed applied research centre, providing innovative materials engineering solutions for companies from a wide range of sectors, including bio-medical and precision engineering
Advanced Automotive Electronics Control
Mr. John Manning
jmanning@wit.ie
Mr. Liam O’Shea Dr. Jim Lawlor
loshea@wit.ie jlawlor@wit.ie
Dr. Ken Thomas Dr. Brian Graham
kthomas@wit.ie bgraham@wit.ie
Dr. Austin Coffey Mr. Philip Walsh
acoffey@wit.ie prwalsh@wit.ie
Dr. John O’Dwyer
jodwyer@wit.ie
Mr. Ken Deevy
kdeevy@wit.ie
Dr. Joe O’Mahony
jomahony@wit.ie
Dr. Paul O’Leary
poleary@wit.ie
Automotive network optimisation, automotive networks and diagnostics, telematics and image recognition
Advanced Manufacturing Technology – AMT Automated Systems; Precision Engineering and Microfluidics
Construction Industry Research & Knowledge – CIRK ICT, Building Information Modelling, Knowledge Management, Sustainability and Eco-Innovation, HRM in the construction industry
Convergent Technology Research Group – CTRG Biomedical Engineering, Material Development, Advanced Composites, Smart, Sustainable and Green Energy Device Development, Renewable Energy Systems, Regulatory Affairs
Materials Characterisation & Processing – MCP Characterisation, processing and modelling of metallic, polymeric, ceramic and hybrid materials, including applications in biomedical, pharma, healthcare and green technology sectors
Microelectronics & Sensors Research Sensor system electronics, wireless sensor networks, smart sensors and transducers, analogue signal conditioning, board level & IC mixed signal design
Nanotechnology Fabrication, characterisation of polymer solar cells, organic photovoltaic polymers
Wireless Communications & Large Scale Simulations Innovation in modulation, coding and related embedded processing, electronic system on-chip (SOC) area, which combined Radio Frequency (RF) capability onto the SOCs
LIFELONG LEARNING AND EDUCATION - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH AREAS RESEARCH AREAS
CONTACT PERSON(S)
CONTACT EMAIL
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Dr. Anne Graham
agraham@wit.ie
Literacy Development Centre
Ms. Helen Murphy
hmurphy@wit.ie
Technology Enhanced Education
Dr. John Wall
jwall@wit.ie
Creativity in Education
Dr. Catherine Lowry-O’Neill
clowryoneill@wit.ie
Philosophy of Education
Dr. Sean Moran
spmoran@wit.ie
Community Education
Ms. Gillian Wild
gwild@wit.ie
HEALTH SCIENCES - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH AREAS
www.wit.ie/research
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP/AREAS
CONTACT PERSON(S)
CONTACT EMAIL
Oncology Research
Dr. Suzanne Denieffe
sdenieffe@wit.ie
Cancer, Symptoms, Quality of Life, Interventions for Tiredness /Fatigue
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www.wit.ie/research
POSTGRADUATE STUDY AND RESEARCH AT WIT
Drug and Alcohol Use and Misuse Substance use/misuse, drug markets and the Internet
Physical Activity and Nutrition Physical activity, Exercise physiology, Nutrition, Human movement
Sociology and Psychology of Sport and Recreation Sociology, Psychology
Gender and Health Men’s Health Training (service providers), Weight management, Men’s health policy, Minority Groups, Mental health policy and service provision.
Nursing
Dr. Marie Claire Van Hout Prof. John Wells
mcvanhout@wit.ie jswells@wit.ie
Dr. Niamh Murphy Dr. Michael Harrison Dr. Lorna Doyle Dr. Aoife Lane Dr. Elaine Mullan Dr. Maria Murphy-Griffin Dr. Michael Hanlon
nmurphy@wit.ie mharrison@wit.ie lmdoyle@wit.ie alane@wit.ie emullan@wit.ie mmurphygriffin@wit.ie mhanlon@wit.ie
Dr. Jean McArdle Dr. Patrick Delaney
jmcardle@wit.ie pdelaney@wit.ie
Dr. Michael Bergin Dr. Paula Carroll
mbergin@wit.ie pcarroll@wit.ie
Dr. Suzanne Denieffe
sdenieffe@wit.ie
Ms. Frances Finn Mr. T.J. McDonald
ffinn@wit.ie tmcdonald@wit.ie
Prof. John Wells Dr. Michael Bergin
jswells@wit.ie mbergin@wit.ie
Ms. Sinéad Foran
sforan@wit.ie
Mental health nursing, general nursing and intellectual disabilities nursing
Telehealth Research ICT for the healthcare sector, ICT and health in the community, Data mining
Health Service Improvement and Innovation Improvement Science, Patient Safety and Leadership, Productive Ward, Gender Competent Service Provision
Disability Intellectual disability, physical disability, social inclusion
HUMANITIES - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH AREAS
www.wit.ie/research
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP/AREAS
CONTACT PERSON(S)
CONTACT EMAIL
Creativity and Culture
Dr. Michael Howlett
mhowlett@wit.ie
Ms. Ann Marie Lally
amlally@wit.ie
Dr. Aine Furlong
afurlong@wit.ie
Dr. Colette Moloney Dr. David Rhodes Dr. Hazel Farrel
cmoloney@wit.ie drhodes@wit.ie hfarrell@wit.ie
Dr. Úna Kealy Ms. Kate McCarthy
ukealy@wit.ie kmccarthy@wit.ie
Concepts of creativity and culture in relation to cultural studies, design, film studies, Irish, literature, music, theology and philosophy
Creativity and Innovation in Tourism Destination Management, Tourism Innovation and Best Practice in Hospitality Mgmt
Language Integrated Learning Research Content and language integrated learning experiences, teaching materials for CLIL, teacher training
Music 18th & 20th century music, contemporary Irish music, historical music resources, music education and traditional Irish music
Theatre and Performance In particular, regional (South-East) theatre and theatre practice
SCIENCE - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH AREAS
www.wit.ie/research
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP
CONTACT PERSON(S)
CONTACT EMAIL
Telecommunications Software and Systems Group – TSSG
Dr. Brendan Jennings
bjennings@tssg.org bjennings@wit.ie
Dr. Peter McLoughlin Dr. Niall O’Reilly
pmcloughlin@wit.ie noreilly@wit.ie
Dr. Helen Hughes
hhughes@wit.ie
Dr. John Nolan Dr. Stephen Beatty
jmnolan@wit.ie sbeatty@wit.ie
Mr. Brendan Jackman Mr. Frank Walsh
bjackman@wit.ie fwwalsh@wit.ie
Dr. Larry Stapleton Mr. Liam Doyle
lstapleton@wit.ie ldoyle@wit.ie
Dr. Patrick Felicia
pfelicia@wit.ie
Communications software services encompassing emerging architectures for management of complex telecommunications and Internet Systems, Future Internet Infrastructure and Services
Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre – PMBRC Polymeric Materials, Drug Delivery, Process Technologies, Separation Science, Molecular Biotechnology
Eco-Innovation Research Centre – EIRC Marine, Agri-Food, Forestry, Solid Biofuels, Sustainable Agriculture, Molecular Ecology
Macular Pigment Research Group – MPRG Nutrition and age-related macular degeneration
Automotive Control Group – ACG Distributed automotive control systems, Vehicle Networks, Diagnostics, Telematics
Centre for Information Systems and Technoculture – INSYTE Information Systems, System Security, Technology Leadership, e-Privacy, Cultural Issues in the Internet, Supply Chain Systems, IT Education
Game Based Learning – GBL Design, deployment and evaluation of GBL solutions
Optics Research Group – ORG Solid-state photonic devices, Nanophotonics & Biosensing, Structural Health Monitoring, Lasers and Spectroscopy
Dr. John Houlihan jhoulihan@wit.ie Dr. Kieran O’Mahoney komahoney@wit.ie POSTGRADUATE STUDY STUDY AND AND RESEARCH RESEARCH AT AT WIT WIT POSTGRADUATE
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POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH BEFORE YOU APPLY The Research Masters and Doctorate programmes involve individual or small group research projects under the supervision of highly-qualified research leaders. These programmes comprise training in generic and transferable skills, including career development-related skills, as well discipline-specific course work and a major research project. The research project is usually in the form of a major dissertation or, in some disciplines, a dissertation combined with creative work. They are examined by dissertation and a viva voce plus, in some cases, a display of creative work.
MASTERS BY RESEARCH
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PhD)
LEARNING OUTCOMES
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Candidates for the Degree of Master (Research) will be expected to acquire a mastery of the principles and theory underlying their chosen subject and a knowledge and appreciation of the relevant literature. This will be achieved through research and attendance at courses and/or directed study programmes, where necessary.
The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy is conferred for advanced levels of achievement, in which the candidate demonstrates outstanding scholarship and ability. The candidate must demonstrate that he/she has conducted original, independent research and has a broad knowledge of a particular field of study and a comprehensive knowledge of the specialist area upon which his/her research is focused.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS The normal entry standard for a Master’s degree is an honours Bachelor Degree (minimum level: 2nd Class Honours) in a field of study directly related to the subject matter of the Master’s Degree. The qualifications of direct applicants from overseas will be reviewed using the NARIC index. Such applicants must also provide evidence of their competence in English, normally IELTS 6.5. WIT will also consider applications in respect of individual candidates who meet certain specified alternative entry qualifications, subject to the approval of Academic Council. These include high level professional qualifications, relevant high level experience and passing a qualifying examination. DURATION (Full or Part-Time) Normally, the duration of studies leading to the Degree of Master (Research) is twenty-one months (two academic years) from the date of admission to the Master’s Register for full-time students and up to forty-two months (four academic years) for parttime students.
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POSTGRADUATE STUDY AND RESEARCH AT WIT
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS There are two possible entry pathways for PhD students. Candidates normally commence their studies on the Masters Register but can transfer to the PhD Register after 12 months, subject to the satisfactory completion of the transfer process. Alternatively, candidates may be allowed direct entry to the PhD Register if particular criteria are met. In exceptional cases, such as the prior completion of a research Masters in a cognate area, candidates may be admitted to the PhD register on a probationary basis. This is at the discretion of WIT Academic Council or HETAC. DURATION (Full or Part-Time) Normally, the duration of studies leading to the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy is three academic years from the date of admission to the Register for full-time students and up to six academic years for part-time students, in exceptional circumstances the registration authority may vary the required and permitted duration of the programme.
POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH: HOW TO APPLY • In some cases there are opportunities to work on funded research projects, these are advertised in the national and local press and on our website. Those interested apply and qualified applicants will be shortlisted and interviewed for selection. • In all other cases, each individual completes and submits a research postgraduate application form which they obtain from the Research Postgraduate Admissions, Registrars’ Office or from the website at www.wit.ie/pg. The form will specify additional documentation that may be required e.g. transcripts of results, evidence of English competence. • Applicants for research places are expected to have an idea for a research topic. They are strongly advised to have had prior contact with WIT researchers to ensure that WIT has the capacity to supervise them and the facilities for the work they intend to undertake. Heads of Department and Research supervisors are happy to provide this type of advice to prospective research postgraduates. • Selection for research postgraduate places is on the basis of the applicants’ qualifications and experience and on the ability of WIT to support their proposed research project. • Please note all applications, offers and registration processes are subject to the full regulations of the Institute which are available at www.wit.ie/regulations • While research postgraduate applications can be submitted at any time of year, most of them are normally submitted in June when final examination results have been announced. • For fee information, please see our website www.wit.ie/pgfees
My time as a postgrad at W I T has really broadened my horizons, not just in terms of the knowledge and skills I’ve gained but in terms of the places I’ve gotten to visit, the friends I’ve made and the wonderful experiences I’ve had along the way.
Pursuing a P hD in a world class research centre in W I T has allowed me the opportunity to interact with leading academics at the top of their field. Working with the world’s best has allowed my research mature to a level where I can call them my peers and more importantly my friends.
Ray Carroll, WIT Graduate, PhD in Computing - TSSG
Leigh Griffin, WIT Graduate, PhD in Computing - TSSG
RESEARCH AT WIT Waterford Institute of Technology has created a research and innovation ecosystem bringing together researchers, students, entrepreneurs and established companies focussed on ensuring that our research activities are internationally benchmarked, strategic and economically relevant. In the last twelve years WIT has won in excess of €112m in competitive research funding. Intellectual know-how generated through our research activities has directly benefited over 250 companies through joint collaboration. This has led directly to the creation of more than 400 high technology jobs for the South-East. Over the last ten years we have graduated 313 Research Masters and PhD students for the region. A significant proportion of our funding comes from non exchequer sources principally secured from the competitive European Framework programme. We engage in collaborative research and innovation projects with academic and industry partners in Europe, Asia and the United States ensuring that our research is at the leading edge. We are committed to using our internationally benchmarked knowledge to assist Ireland and the SouthEast rebuild its economic independence.
POSTGRADUATE STUDY AND RESEARCH AT WIT
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WONDERFUL WATERFORD Waterford is a modern and vibrant port city located in the beautiful South-East of Ireland.
Galway
Dublin
Waterford Cork
Founded in 914 AD by Viking settlers, Waterford is an ancient walled city with many interesting historic sites and attractive buildings. Reginald’s Tower is the oldest urban civic building in Ireland, and the oldest monument to retain its Viking name. To this day, it remains Waterford’s most recognisable landmark.
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Waterford city is the designated gateway to the South-East region, with excellent shopping, a lively social scene and facilities for sport and recreation. Waterford has a population of about 60,000 people.
Waterford is located 10 kilometres from the coast which means there are superb opportunities for swimming and surfing. The cost of living (accommodation, food, travel) in Waterford is much lower than that of Dublin and other Irish cities.
Getting to Waterford You can fly into either Dublin or Cork Airport. It takes 2 hours to travel from Dublin by motorway. There is a direct coach service from Dublin Airport to Waterford which takes 2.5 hours, and a train service from Heuston Station in Dublin to Waterford which takes 2 hours. Students can transfer from Cork Airport to Waterford via a coach service which takes about 2 hours. There are also daily flights to London and other UK cities from Waterford Regional Airport.
Waterford is above all a safe and friendly student city and the perfect destination for your studies.
POSTGRADUATE STUDY AND RESEARCH AT WIT
For more information see: www.waterfordtourism.org www.discoverwaterfordcity.ie
AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE WIT is truly an international Institute. We currently have students from over 65 different countries on our campus, and have collaborative partnerships with over 120 universities worldwide. We are an approved destination for study under a number of international scholarship schemes, and are involved in several international mobility programmes. If you are coming from abroad, here is some of the key information you need.
for guidelines and information on how to apply for a study visa should this be required. Students requiring a visa should allow a minimum of ten to twelve weeks for visa processing, and early application is advisable. Work Opportunities
Most international students are entitled to work for up to 20 hours per week during the semester, and full time during the holiday period. Many of our international graduates can apply for a work visa upon graduation, and most of our graduates are successful in gaining employment. The Careers Centre at WIT provides comprehensive career-related services, resources and advice to students to support them in today’s competitive global employment market
International Campus
Our truly international student body means that you will be studying in a diverse community where national culture is respected and celebrated. Over 10% of our student population is from outside of Ireland, and with over 65 countries represented on campus and with small class sizes, you are likely to make friends from anywhere in the world. International Student Support
Our team of staff in the international office offers a comprehensive support service to international students throughout their contact with the university: This includes: • Advice before you come to WIT • Immigration advice • Help with welfare, personal and cultural aspects of living and studying in Waterford • Assistance with Institute procedures • Cultural and social events International Office Waterford Institute of Technology Cork Road, Waterford, Ireland Tel: +353 51 845515 Fax: +353 51 302486 www.wit.ie/international Immigration
Citizens of certain countries require an entry visa for Ireland. Please visit the website of (www.inis.gov.ie) for a listing of countries whose passport holders do not require a visa, and
Accommodation
Accommodation can be organized directly through the Institute’s accommodation office which provides information on a range of options. WIT offers high quality campus managed accommodation that is safe, pleasant and ideal for living and studying. Students can also stay off campus in other privately managed student complexes, and in rented apartments, or houses. Full information on accommodation can be found on our website: www.wit.ie/international English Language Competence
As all of our courses are conducted through the medium of English, it is essential to have a high level of comprehension and writing skills. If English is not your first language, you will be required to demonstrate that you have this competence to undertake study through English by presenting evidence of achievement in IELTS or TOEFL. English language requirements for postgraduate programmes are as follows: Postgraduate
IELTS
TOEFL Paper Based
Computer Based
Internet Based
Science and Engineering
6.0
553
217
81
Business and Humanities
6.5
580
237
92
Estudar na Irlanda e em especial no Waterford Institute of Technology esta’ sendo uma excelente experiencia academica, bem como uma fantastica experiencia de vida. A Irlanda oferece as oportunidades de um pais moderno, mas com um toque de aconchego e calor humano bastante contagiante. Venha voce tambem para a Irlanda! Studying at Waterford Institute of Technology afforded me an excellent academic and life experience. Ireland offers all the opportunities of a modern country but with that special human warmth! Come and see for yourself! Paulo Melo, São Paulo, Brazil WIT Graduate, PhD in Business
POSTGRADUATE STUDY AND RESEARCH AT WIT
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Applications/Admissions Contact Details: National/EU Applicants Research Programmes
Taught Programmes
Research Postgraduate Admissions, Registrar’s Office, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland. Tel: +353-51-302883 E: pgadmissions@wit.ie
Graduate Admissions, Registrar’s Office, Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland. Tel: +353-51-302670 E: pgadmissions@wit.ie
International Applicants Research & Taught Programmes International Office Waterford Institute of Technology, Waterford, Ireland. Tel: +353-51-306124 E: international@wit.ie
September 2013
Postgraduate Support Unit Waterford Institute of Technology Tel: +353-51-845627 E: pgsupport@wit.ie W: www.wit.ie/pg