Fourth Level Ireland


4th level Ireland = Graduate and PhD Training in our Universities

Irish Government policy on investment in research and Graduate education is seen as key to developing Ireland as a knowledge society in the new global economy. The restructuring of Graduate/PhD training by the universities is part of the drive for the new Fourth-level Ireland.

Irish Universities leading the graduate education sector

The Irish universities are collaborating to offer a rounded PhD education and research training programme to all students. The core of the PhD will be the development of an independent researcher in a world class environment. The Irish universities want to attract all students of talent in Ireland and a significant number internationally, and from which those students can graduate with the right qualities for engagement with, and leadership of, a changing and complex knowledge-rich society.

The seven Universities offer state-of-the-art postgraduate level training through a broad range of taught courses and research. These universities are central in ensuring Ireland continues to advance and becomes a fully-fledged knowledge society. The receipt of significant funding through the Government's Strategic Innovation Fund will underpin their performance in research and the output of highly-skilled graduates with doctoral qualifications and postdoctoral experience.

The development of 4th Level Ireland means a new and very different research environment in our universities; one which is characterised by flexibility, responsiveness and innovation. 4th level Ireland will provide a new cohort of researchers at the doctoral and postdoctoral level, our future innovators and knowledge entrepreneurs.

Key elements of 4th Level Ireland are:

  • Core Masters and PhD programmes.
  • Feeder pathways which will enhance access to the best of university education.
  • New programmes of lifelong learning and skills development.
  • Strong links to external stakeholders, with opportunities for placements in relevant economic sectors.
  • Investment in the arts, humanities and social sciences to promote the research, scholarship and creativity to complement scientific, technological and commercial advances.
  • Taught elements in generic skills & advanced disciplinary courses.
  • Teaching/tutorial experience.

For information on IUA 4th Level activities contact Lewis Purser, Head of Academic Affairs at IUA

View the 4th Level Ireland Brochure electronically in English and Spanish on www.i-studentadvisor.com/iua. For hard copies contact lia.osullivan@iua.ie

back to top of page