Key information
Duration: Full-time 48 months; Part-time 72 months
Start dates & application deadlines: Starting September 2026. Apply anytime. Research applications are generally accepted at any time.
Language: English
Credits: 30 ECTS
Delivered: On Campus
Campus Location: Maynooth, Ireland
Disciplines: Computer Sciences
Overview
The Computer Science programme from Maynooth University will offer both academic modules to enhance the student's specialist knowledge, and transferable and generic skills modules. These modules will add significantly to the PhD experience by broadening the skill base of the candidate.
The first step to applying is to identify a potential supervisor; this involves deciding on a general research area that you are interested in and then contacting a member of the department’s staff that is specialising in that area. Visit the programme website for more information.
Research postgraduates are typically (though not exclusively) funded during their research. Support varies depending on the source, but funding can include payment of fees, a salary and travel expenses. Please note that all funding programmes are highly competitive, and most are contingent on the applicant securing high marks in their primary degree.
Career Options
On completing a PhD in Computer Science the graduate has a number of options open to them. They can continue to build their career as a researcher in academia, for example as a Post-Doctoral researcher, or in the technology industry. They will also be attractive as an educator in all facets of the Higher Education sector.
Other possibilities include working in scientific research administration or a high-tech start-up environment. The experience and discipline gained from completing a PhD in Computer Science also can open other avenues outside of Computer Science where these skills are prized.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Requirements Engineering and System Design
- Software Testing
- Advanced Concepts in Object-oriented Programming
- Practical Cryptography
- Structured Programming
- Spatial Databases
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: First Class
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: minimum score 120
- TOEFL iBT: minimum score 90
- PTE Academic: minimum score 63
- IELTS: minimum score 6.5
Other requirements
- Applications are invited from students who have achieved high marks in their undergraduate degree. This is typically a first-class honours in Computer Science or a closely-related discipline, although students with a second class honours primary degree can also be considered.
- Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
International: 24,289 AUD / year (≈ 15,000 EUR / year)
EU/EEA Nationals: 10,525 AUD / year (≈ 6,500 EUR / year)
Additional Details
- Part-time Tuition Fees: EU: 4330 EUR / Year
- Continuation year (Full-Time): EU: 4330 EUR / Year; Non-EU: 10000 EUR / Year
Living costs
Maynooth, Ireland: 1,053-1,619 AUD / month