Apply to the SPHeRE PhD Programme
Scholar applications are now open for the 2025 academic year.
There are three modes of application for entry to the SPHeRE Structured PhD Programme:
- The first mode is for individual applicants who wish to enrol on the Programme as a HRB SPHeRE Funded Scholar (full-time)
- The second mode is for individual applicants who wish to enrol on the Programme as a Self-Funded Scholar (part-time or full-time)
- The third mode is for individual applicants who wish to enrol on the Programme as an alternatively funded Scholar (part-time or full-time)
Funding Bodies (such as charities, philanthropic organisations or employers) or PIs/Supervisors that have funding for a Scholar or a tied bursary (either externally funded or tied to their own institutions) that can fund a Scholar for 4 years can also apply for inclusion of their candidate on the Programme.
No additional fees are payable to the SPHeRE Programme.
Please contact SPHeRE Programme Manager Katherine Walsh at katherinewalsh@rcsi.com for further information on enrolling a Scholar on the programme.
Mandatory in-person SPHeRE Programme Orientation will take place Wednesday 24th-Friday 26th September 2025 in RCSI and TCD.
Teaching takes place in person each week in year 1 and attendance is mandatory.
1. Individual applicants: HRB SPHeRE Funded (full-time only)
Applications are now open for HRB SPHeRE funded Scholarships for September 2025.
The full-time 4 year structured PhD Programme includes:
- Annual stipend of €25,000, plus laptop computer, plus PhD fees
- 6 taught modules completed in the first year of the Programme
- A workshop programme which runs over four years
- 8-week specialist rotation in Irish health related agencies in the first year
- Placement with a prestigious overseas agency to further PhD project development in the second or third years
Six HRB SPHeRE Funded Scholarships are available each year. Applicants who wish to apply for a SPHeRE funded Scholarship must submit an application form and select their preferred project (or a maximum of 3 projects).
Projects are linked to an institution, and so Scholars will be based at the institution to which the project is linked. It will not be possible for Scholars to move a project to their preferred institution
Successful non-EU applicants for funded positions will be liable for fees above that for European applicants. Fees vary, but further information on fees can be found on the websites of the individual institutions.
The deadline for applications for a HRB SPHeRE Funded Scholarship is 12 noon, Monday 28th April 2025.
Interviews for SPHeRE Scholarships will take place on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd May 2025 online.
We will not be able to facilitate requests for alternative interview dates
See here for further guidance on applying for a HRB SPHeRE Funded Full-time Scholarship for the 2025 academic year
Scholar Projects 2025
Co-design of a booster (4 in 1 and MMR) vaccination intervention programme for parents of children attending junior infants (aged 4-5 years) in a socio-economic disadvantaged area. (DCU)
Investigating the perinatal mental health impacts of hyperemesis gravidarum in Ireland: developing strategies to improve mental health within antenatal and postnatal care settings (RCSI)
Exploring Gendered Dynamics and Intersectional Challenges for Informal Caregivers who are Caring for Older Adults Living with Stroke or Dementia: Addressing Inequities and Innovating Support (RCSI)
Renal-PATH – Promoting Access to Therapy at Home for End Stage Kidney Disease (RCSI)
The CANDID 2 study: An exploration of CANcer and cancer care in older adults with intellectual disabilities in Ireland (TCD)
Advancing Primary Palliative Care: The Identification and Management of Palliative Care Needs in Patients living with a Life-Limiting Chronic Illness in General Practice (UCC)
Biologics Impact on Patient Care and Treatment (Bio-ImPaCT ): A Mixed-Methods Study on the Impact of the Reimbursement of Biologic Medicines on Healthcare Utilisation in Ireland (UCC)
Addressing Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Mental disorders: Multi-Methods Study in General Practice (UCD)
Understanding and enhancing uptake of Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Obesity in Primary Care settings (UCD)
Nurses’ implementation of perinatal mental healthcare in Irish primary care services for refugees and migrants: A Mixed Methods Study using Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) (University of Limerick)
Submit Application
2. Individual applicants: Self-Funded Scholar (part-time or full-time)
Self-funded Scholar applications are now open for September 2025.
Individual self-funded applicants, either full-time or part-time, who either do not apply for a HRB SPHeRE Scholarship, or are not successful in receiving one, but are deemed suitable for entry to the SPHeRE Programme may register at any of the nine institutions below where the relevant University registrations and fees are payable.
No additional fees are payable to the SPHeRE Programme.
- 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)
- Univeristy of Galway
- University of Limerick (UL)
The deadline for self-funded applications is 12 noon, Monday 28th April 2025.
Submit Application
3. Individual applicants: Alternatively Funded Scholars
If you wish to apply as an Alternatively Funded Scholar (meaning you already have a source of funding from a workplace, institution etc.) for the 2025-2026 academic year please contact SPHeRE Programme Manager Katherine Walsh at katherinewalsh@rcsi.com
Please note that outside of the registration fees due to the HEI in which you are registered no additional fees are charged by the SPHeRE Programme.
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis for candidates who are alternatively funded.
If you have any questions about the SPHeRE Programme or the application process
please contact sphereprogramme@gmail.com