PhD Scholarships in Theology, Philosophy, and in Music

Two four-year PhD Scholarships are available for excellent scholars with a strong research proposal in the School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music at Dublin City University.

Applications are invited in:

• (1) Theology or Philosophy
• (2) Music

Funding covers fees for 4 years, and an annual stipend of €25,000. Students will become part of a vibrant interdisciplinary academic community, have opportunities for paid teaching, research training, mentoring toward publication and grant writing as well as support for dissemination of research, in order to strengthen their future position in the academic job market.

The School of Theology, Philosophy and Music is a dynamic and creative learning environment with a strong commitment to social and cultural engagement, and world-class research. The academic study of theology, philosophy, and music in DCU takes place within a plural and multidisciplinary context, with internationally-recognised staff who have distinguished records in research and teaching.

Eligibility: Applicants must have an undergraduate degree at first-class honours level or at least 2.1 level in the relevant subject area. Candidates who are currently completing a Master’s qualification are welcome to apply.

The School of Theology, Philosophy, and Music is interested in receiving research proposals in the following areas:

(1) Topics in Theology, Philosophy, and Ethics

• Ethics/ Applied Ethics
• Theology and Human Rights
• Arabic and Hebrew languages in Islam and Judaism
• Medieval Jewish Biblical Exegesis
• New Testament and Early Judaism
• Hebrew Bible
• Philosophy of Religion
• Theological Ethics and/or Moral Theology
• Religion, Society, and Culture
• Philosophy, European Philosophy
• Interreligious Dialogue

(2) Topics in Musicology (across a broad range of music genres, practices and stylistic periods)

• Music in Digital Cultures (including AI)
• Electroacoustic Music Studies
• Choral Studies
• Applied Musicology
• Historical Musicology
• Contemporary Music (including Irish Contemporary Music)
• Jazz/Popular Music Theory and Analysis
• Music Cognition
• Irish Traditional Music
• Film Music and Sound

Application Procedure:

Contacting a potential supervisor

Prospective applicants should first draft a research proposal (instructions can be found here). Applicants should make informal contact with a faculty member whose research area covers their proposed doctoral work in advance of an application. General questions can be directed to the School Research Convenor, Dr. Joseph Rivera (joseph.rivera@dcu.ie)

Applications should be submitted by the due date by email to tpm@dcu.ie with the subject line PhD Scholarship in Theology and Philosophy OR PhD Scholarship in Music

The Closing date for applications is 17:00 (Irish time) on Friday, 21^st March, 2025 by email to TPM@dcu.ie

Interviews are expected to be conducted in April via zoom.

Applications should include the following:

• A CV including names and contact details of two academic referees.
• A copy of undergraduate and postgraduate degree certificates.
• Copies of transcripts from undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
• A letter outlining the candidate’s suitability for the scholarship.
• A research proposal ca. 2,000 words, accompanied by a bibliography (which is not included in the word count). See School website for guidance on writing a research proposal.
• Evidence of English language proficiency (as required).

Please note: Following the offer of a Faculty Scholarship, students will apply to register with the University through the University’s Student Application Portal, and must meet all the entry requirements of the university.

General Inquiries:
Initial Inquiries to the School Research Convenor, Dr. Joseph Rivera (joseph.rivera@dcu.ie).

The School Assistant, Michelle Whelan (michelle.whelan@dcu.ie)

Other useful resources:
DCU Graduate Studies Office: www.dcu.ie/graduatestudies/postgraduate-research-how-apply

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