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Funding for Postgraduate Research. Dr. Lucy Byrnes Dean of Graduate Studies 31 st October, 2012. Dr. Lucy Byrnes. Outline. General considerations on postgraduate research Irish Research Council (IRC) Postgraduate Scholarships Hardiman Scholarships - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Dr. Lucy Byrnes
Funding for Postgraduate Research
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
Dean of Graduate Studies
31st October, 2012
Outline
1. General considerations on postgraduate research
2. Irish Research Council (IRC) Postgraduate Scholarships
3. Hardiman Scholarships
4. College Postgraduate Research Scholarships
5. Q & A
1. Why postgraduate research?
• Contribute to knowledge – and the ‘Smart Economy’
• Challenging and exciting
• PhD/Masters = internationally mobile qualifications
Masters level 9
PhD level 10
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
Eligibility
To be eligible
you must have achieved
a high honours standard
in your primary degree
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
What is involved?
Independent novel research project
Work as part of a research team – hard work
Supervision involves meetings/ presentations/journal clubs
Collaboration/research visit to other research groups
Participation in national and international scientific conferences
Publication of your findings
Why NUI Galway?
• Facilities– several new research buildings
• Research funding– Research income ~ €40 million p.a.
• Research outputs– Publications
– Patents
• International academic standing of research supervisors
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
Structured PhD
• Supervisor AND Graduate Research Committee
• Annual Progress Reviews
• 30-45 ECTS/ 360 ECTS tailored to you
– Generic and Transferrable skills, e.g.
• Teaching and learning
– Advanced specialised courses
• 4-year programme
Priority Research Themes at NUI Galway
• Biomedical Science and Engineering
• Informatics, Physical and Computational Sciences
• Applied Social Sciences and Public Policy
• Humanities in Context
• Environment, Marine and Energy
www.nuigalway.ie
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
Research eProspectus
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
Research areas in NUI Galway
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
Download searchable Excel file
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
Search by keywords, names, etc.
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
Costs:
to you to university• Tuition fees
• Living costs
– as for undergraduate studies
– except postgraduate research students are full-time (and more) through-out the whole year
• Consumables
– e.g. up to €10,000 p.a. in bioscience labs
• Equipment
• Travel
• etc.
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
Financial support available
depends on School/lab/supervisor, project and student
Research grants
• Generally required for research costs
• Also may support student
– fees
– living costs
Funded Research Degree Opportunities
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
Current Funded Research Degree Opportunities
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
Student Finance www.susi.ie
Students entering new postgraduate courses
from the 2012/13 academic year onwards
will not be entitled
to any maintenance payment
Fees or partial fees may be paid
– means test
Tax relief www.revenue.ie
available on postgraduate tuition fees
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
PGR Scholarships
A minimum qualification
for award of a postgraduate research scholarship
is a primary degree with second class honours, Grade 1
i.e. a 2-1
Prior to applying for a scholarship
contact and discuss your application
with your proposed supervisor.
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
2. Irish Research Council
www.research.ie
€16,000 p.a. maintenance award for 3 years
plus
€8,000 p.a. for fees, research support, computer, travel
How to apply? www.research.ie
Read Guidelines documents provided.
IRCSET Timeline indicative
Date Event
15 Dec 2010 Pre call announcement on website
12 Jan 2011 Online application system opens
16 Feb 2011 Online application system closes for Applicants
2 Mar 2011 Online application system closes for Supervisors and Referees
16 Mar 2011 Online application system closes for University staff
18 Apr 2011 Competition results published
IRCSET Application previous
1. Academic Career (30%)
2. Personal Statement (30%)
3. Supervisor and Referees’ Reports (30%)
4. Research Project (10%)
Academic Career (30 points)
Grades, marks and place achieved in exams
Any academic prizes or scholarships you were awarded
Current course – provide anticipated grades
Offers may be made provisional on outcome of final year exams
Be comprehensive – describe results you got and what they mean, e.g. 2-1, what exact percentage?
Personal Statement 1 (30 points)
Why you wish to pursue a higher degree by research?
– Why have you proposed this research topic?
– What are you particularly suited for this research field?
– What projects, essays, relevant experience do you have?
Why have you chosen NUI Galway? vs. other locations?
– How did you select your proposed supervisor?
– Why this supervisor?
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
Personal Statement 2
Can you demonstrate other skills not listed elsewhere?
– For example, what holiday jobs have you had and are these pertinent?
– What skills do you have to prepare you for this PhD?
Career Aspirations
– What do you expect to do on completing your degree?
– How will the PhD assist you in achieving your goals?
Additional aspects
– to provide a better picture of your capability, motivation and interests (max. 1,200 words)
General tips for personal statements
• Should be well thought-out.
• Writing should be clear and of high quality. Avoid clichés.
• The more specific you are the more convincing your case.
• Back up your statements with evidence.
• Don’t be afraid to be ambitious. Portray your excitement.
• This is a competition and not a time for modesty.
• Be truthful.
• Make your application STAND OUT
Supervisor and Referees’ Reports (30 points)
Academic references from
• Proposed supervisor
• 2 referees – select carefully
Talk to potential supervisors and referees
Supervisor must demonstrate mutual benefits of working together
Referees need to read your research proposal and comment on it as well as knowing you and your work
Encourage referees to demonstrate evidence of your past experience rather than expressing their opinion as to your ability
Research Project (10 points)
The basis for the research
The hypothesis under investigation and the main aims of the project
The research strategy with significant milestones identified
Methods of research
Details of collaboration
Details of travel requirements
Details of how much help you received in writing this part of application
Discuss with potential supervisor
Gantt chart
Tasks/month 1-6 7-12 13-18 19-24 24-30 31-36
Task A
Task B
Task C
Task D
PhD thesiswriting
IRC Application
• Need to show that research is a considered career path
• Outline achievements to date
• Talk to postgrad researchers
• Discuss statement with researchers
• Discuss with supervisor and others
• Revise and edit
Convince IRC that €72,000 will be well spent
On-line application process
• Sign up on IRC website for username and password
• Print paper copy and prepare a paper draft BEFORE going electronic
• Read all guidelines carefully
• All sections must be completed
• Do not leave it to the last minute to submit
IRC Advice
Do’s... Don’ts...• Think (start now!)
• Talk
• Plan
• Write
• Submit
• Submit late
• Write in overly technical language
• Have vague referees
• Insert incorrect email addresses
• Work in isolation
Related IRC schemes
Enterprise Partnership Scheme
Employment-based Postgraduate Programme
• Awards co-funded by IRC and industry/employer
• Project to be agreed between university and industry partner
• Ask your proposed supervisor for advice
3. Hardiman Scholarships
€16,000 plus fees for 4 years
Application
• application form (including a personal statement)
• 3 page Curriculum Vitae and
• names of up to 3 proposed supervisor(s) and 2 referees
3rd call expected in Nov 2012
Hardiman Scholarships
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
4. College Scholarships
Further information on College websites
Contact College Offices
College Scholarships
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
Other Scholarships
Examples
• Teagasc
• EPA
• Irish Cancer Society
Ask potential supervisors
Check websites
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
Other scholarships
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
Where to next?
Professors/lecturers = potential supervisors
www.nuigalway.ie
for further information on professor’s/lecturer’s research interests
How to choose a research project?• A research area that interests you• A supervisor/lab with/in which you can work
Talk to potential supervisors ASAP
Competition for funding
Advice
Focus on your studies, Do your best
Start talking to potential supervisors
and preparing your applications NOW
Careers Development Centre/ Careers Connect
Personal Statements
• Workshops
• One-on-one consultations
CV Preparation
• Workshops
• One-on-one consultations
Dr. Lucy Byrnes
http://www.nuigalway.ie/postgrad/