4th level Ireland = Graduate and PhD Training in our Universities
"We want to encourage more of our third level graduates to pursue advanced postgraduate study and research at fourth level - a vibrant fourth level sector that will produce our future knowledge leaders and underpin a climate of innovation."
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.
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
