The SPHeRE (Structured Population and Health-services Research Education) PhD Programme is now accepting applications for the 2025 academic year. This prestigious programme provides comprehensive training in health research, offering multiple funding opportunities for scholars. Eligible applicants include those seeking HRB-funded, self-funded, or alternatively funded positions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Academic Requirements: Candidates must hold a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
- Funding Options:
- HRB SPHeRE Funded Scholars (full-time only)
- Self-Funded Scholars (full-time or part-time)
- Alternatively Funded Scholars (full-time or part-time)
- Institutional Affiliation: Scholars must be based at one of the nine participating institutions:
- Dublin City University (DCU)
- National University of Ireland, Maynooth (MU)
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Technological University Dublin
- Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
- University College Cork (UCC)
- University College Dublin (UCD)
- University of Galway
- University of Limerick (UL)
- Residency Requirements: Non-EU applicants for HRB-funded positions will be responsible for additional tuition fees.
Programme Details
- Duration: Full-time scholars complete the structured PhD over four years.
- Location: Scholars are affiliated with the institution tied to their chosen research project.
- Teaching Structure:
- Year 1: Six taught modules (in-person, weekly attendance required)
- Years 1-4: Structured workshops and research training
- Specialist rotation in Irish health-related agencies (Year 1)
- Overseas placement for PhD project development (Year 2 or 3)
- Orientation: Mandatory in-person orientation will take place from Wednesday, 24th September to Friday, 26th September 2025 at RCSI and TCD.
- Fees: No additional fees are charged by the SPHeRE Programme, but university-specific tuition fees apply.
- For more information, please click here.
Application Process
1. HRB SPHeRE Funded Scholarship (Full-time Only)
- Scholarship Benefits:
- Annual stipend of €25,000
- Full PhD tuition coverage
- Laptop computer
- How to Apply:
- Submit an application form selecting up to three preferred projects.
- Scholars must remain affiliated with the institution where their project is based.
- Deadline: 12 noon, Monday, 28th April 2025
- Interviews: Conducted online on Thursday, 22nd and Friday, 23rd May 2025 (no alternative dates available).
- Further Guidance: Application Details for HRB SPHeRE Funded Scholarship
2. Self-Funded Scholars (Full-time or Part-time)
- Eligibility: Suitable candidates who do not receive HRB funding but meet academic criteria.
- Institutional Registration: Scholars must register at one of the nine partner institutions and pay applicable university fees.
- Deadline: 12 noon, Monday, 28th April 2025
- Application Link: Submit Self-Funded Application
3. Alternatively Funded Scholars
- Eligibility: Candidates with external funding from an employer, charity, or other funding bodies.
- Application Review: Assessed on a rolling basis.
- Contact: Applicants should contact SPHeRE Programme Manager Katherine Walsh at katherinewalsh@rcsi.com for details.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline (HRB Funded & Self-Funded): 12 noon, Monday, 28th April 2025
- Interview Dates (HRB Funded Applicants Only): Thursday, 22nd and Friday, 23rd May 2025
- Programme Orientation: 24th-26th September 2025
Research Projects for 2025
Selected scholars will work on research projects aligned with their institution. Some available projects include:
- DCU: Co-design of a booster vaccination intervention for socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
- RCSI:
- Investigating the perinatal mental health impacts of hyperemesis gravidarum.
- Gendered dynamics of informal caregivers for older adults with stroke or dementia.
- Renal-PATH: Promoting access to therapy at home for end-stage kidney disease.
- TCD: The CANDID 2 study – Cancer care in older adults with intellectual disabilities.
- UCC:
- Advancing primary palliative care for chronic illness patients.
- Impact of biologic medicine reimbursement on healthcare utilization.
- UCD:
- Cardiovascular risk management in patients with mental disorders.
- Enhancing uptake of clinical practice guidelines for obesity management.
- UL: Nurses’ implementation of perinatal mental healthcare for refugee and migrant communities.
Contact Information
For further inquiries regarding the programme and application process, please contact:
Why Apply?
The SPHeRE PhD Programme offers a unique and fully-funded opportunity for scholars seeking to advance their expertise in health research. With structured training, prestigious placements, and the potential for significant research contributions, this programme is an excellent choice for aspiring health researchers. Apply now to be part of an esteemed community dedicated to impactful health policy and service research.
For detailed information and to begin your application, visit the official SPHeRE Programme website: SPHeRE Application Portal.