Postgraduate Applications 

The whole application process can take time. The steps below are a guideline of the process involved and the work needed!

Step 1:

Your application begins when you research the course. In order to complete a good application you will need to demonstrate a full understanding of the layout of the course and which content you will be covering.
Read the prospectus for this courseRead the webpage for this courseSpend time on the academic department's website – what other courses are there in the department, what research is being done etcVisit / phone / email the department office and ask for full information on the course content. e.g., copies of the module descriptors.Speak to the course coordinator / director – ask them to clarify what experience they would like to see on an application, whats skills they like their applicants to have, what graduates of this course progress to do etc. 

Step 2:

Applications are usually submitted via an application form – usually online. Some direct links to the application form are usually available on the course webpage. If you can't find the application form, contact the programme coordinator for help.
Some courses use their own unique application form, however most ask that you apply through a 3rd part website PAC (www.pac.ie Postgraduate Application Centre).
This is designed to make your application straight forward, but be sure to follow directions very carefully. Incomplete applications are not processed.
Address any questions about the form to the programme office of the course to which you are applying.
 
Need help using the PAC system? Click  to view “A Guide to Applying Through PAC.” 
 
Note: not all courses using this system request the same information of you. Some courses request that you submit written references, personal statements, or copies of results etc. Be sure to read ALL the relevant sections before submitting your application.
 
Applications to research programmes usually take a different format. Due to the nature of the programme, a large part of the application will involve discussion of the research topic. Applicants for research programmes are advised to contact the supervisor directly and discuss the application. Call into the Career Development Centre for any clarification needed. The remaining section of the application will involve a similar process to that of a taught programme. See below for details.

What information is requested on an application form?

• Demographic details: name, address, contacts etc
• Previous education: details of qualifications you have completed. List everything relevant, from undergraduate degrees to fire safety certificates. Evidence of previous qualifications is usually needed, e.g., copy transcripts
• List your work history: you may wish to list everything, or limit the list to what you determine to be relevant.
• Hobbies / Interests: what do you do in your free time that can indicate you have other skills?
• Referees: Provide contact details of people who can provide a reference for you. Make sure you ask you referees permission before listing them on your application form.
• Personal statement: approx 600 words detailing why you are an idea candidate for a place on this course.
• Appropriate application fee. 

 
Personal Statements.

Four sections to include in a good personal statement

• Ability: Show that you have the ability to complete this course.
  • Show your ability: refer to your ability. transcripts, tell them that you have excellent references, that your attendance is excellent etc. Remember, they want to see that you have the ability to successfully complete this course.
• Interest / Motivation: Show that you have good reasons, strong interest, enough motivation to complete this course.
  • Show you have a strong interest in this course:How long have you been thinking about this area of work? list your previous relevant courses that you have taken, if any (Degree, FETAC, certs etc), ie, show that you have been thinking about this area of work consistently.
    How this course is relevant to your work experiences to date.
    Explain what your plans are for after the course (eg. are you going to use the MA for getting into a job?)
    Do you have other motivations for doing this course?
• Knowledge: Show that you have properly researched the course and that you understand what's involved in it.
  • Show that you fully understand what the course demands & you know what you will be studying
• Good fit: Show that you will fit in well with the lecturers and students on the course.
  • Show that you are a good fit for the course: eg a communicator / get on well with people:tell them how you are an excellent communicator, that you have a good way people, (group work etc.), that you get on with your lecturers, and can mix with any group.

Our Resources section has further tips and advice on personal statements and postgraduate course interviews.