Thesis Overview
All MA, MSc and MEconSc students are required to complete a thesis (dissertation) or an internship where program choice allows. The thesis is a core feature of the degree programme. As a result, no student that undertakes the thesis option can be awarded a masters degree without achieving a passing grade for the thesis.
The topic of the thesis is first proposed by the student, and then discussed and approved by the supervisor assigned by the school. The student is then responsible for arranging to meet with the supervisor regularly during the preparation and writing of the thesis, culminating in a final meeting no later than the end of July. The student may also submit one draft of the thesis for feedback from the supervisor during this period. During the month of August, any technical questions about the thesis or submissions process should be directed to the school office.
In the end, the student is fully responsible for the topic, structure and content of the thesis that they submit. In the event that a student submits a thesis that lacks sufficient academic merit to earn a passing grade, they will be invited to resubmit. The student is responsible for any consequent examination and continuation fees. Cases of plagiarism are handled differently; see policy in this handbook.
If you would like to ask a question about your thesis, you should contact your allocated supervisor, alternatively, you can contact the Thesis Coordinator:
Dr Thomas Däubler
Thesis Module Coordinator
Email: (opens in a new window)thomas.daubler@ucd.ie
Thesis Proposal
The first required step is to submit a clear and focused proposal.
Everybodymust complete the form, regardless of whether you have registered for the internship or thesis. The only exceptions to this are students that are in the first year of their Part-Time programme. Full-time Graduate Diploma students who are applying for transfer to a Masters programme should also complete this form.
The deadline for submitting this form is 4:00 PM on Friday, 17th January 2025. If you are having issues accessing the Google Form, please email us at (opens in a new window)graduatespire@ucd.ie.
You will receive an email in December requesting you to fill out an online Google form. In this form, you will need to specify the following:
- Proposed thesis topic and research question (approx. 100 words)
- Three keywords
- Proposed Methodology
- Three suggested supervisors
At the beginning of February, we will allocate you a supervisor. Your primary supervisor will subsequently be in touch to arrange an initial meeting. Note that some of you will need to seek ethical approval and/or exemption from SPIRe's ethics committee based on the proposed research project. Information will be sent out about this at a later date.
Keep in mind that getting one of your suggested supervisors is not guaranteed. It is perfectly normal to be allocated a supervisor that you've not met yet, and for your research topic/question to evolve and change. If you have any questions, please contact your programme coordinator before submitting the proposal.
Research Ethics Applications
This section will be updated for 2025-26 in due course. The following is for information only.
Dear Masters Students,
As you begin supervising Graduate Taught students' thesis projects, I would like to highlight key information regarding Research Ethics applications.
Research Ethics Application Deadline
The SPIRe Research Ethics Committee has set a strict deadline for submitting Research Ethics applications related to Graduate Taught theses:
Wednesday, 16 April 2025
Extensions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. While this deadline may seem early, it is necessary to allow sufficient time for review. Many applications require revisions and resubmissions, meaning the process from initial submission to final approval can take several weeks. Data collection cannot begin until full approval has been granted.
Application Forms & Submission Process
There are two application forms:
Low-Risk Track
Full Review Track
Both forms are attached and can also be accessed (opens in a new window)here. The forms are as user-friendly as possible and include a checklist at the end to help ensure completeness. This link also has a folder with the relevant UCD Policies. It is useful for applicants to familiarise themselves with these policies. Earlier this morning, it was brought to my attention that the link to Consent Form Template is not working. While this is being updated please use this link.
Students must submit fully completed applications—incomplete submissions will not be reviewed and will lead to unnecessary delays or rejections.
Supervisors are responsible for signing off only on complete applications.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth and efficient process. Please ensure students are informed as early as possible. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Best wishes,
The SPIRe Research Ethics Committee
Thesis Format and Submission
Format
The total length of your thesis must be between 10,000 and 12,000 words. This word count includes all elements: literature, footnotes, referencing, bibliography, and tables. For comprehensive details regarding preliminaries, referencing, and overall layout, please refer to the "Guidelines on Theses" section within the Graduate Studies Handbook (PDF).
Deadline
The deadline for thesis submission this academic year is 4 pm on Friday, 15 August 2025. A signed "Declaration of Authorship" should accompany this. All theses should be submitted on Brightspace, with a copy also emailed to your Primary Supervisor.
?? Failure to submit by this deadline may result in the automatic exclusion of the thesis from the examining process. Extensions may only be granted by the Graduate Studies Director, based on a written request from the supervisor. Late submissions will be subject to a grade penalty. For further details on the UCD Policy
Late Submission and Extension Request
A new form will become available shortly. The following is for information only.
Extensions may only be granted by the Thesis Module Coordinator, based on a written request from the student.
Student will need to fill out this (opens in a new window)Extension Request Form; your request will be sent to your thesis supervisor and the module coordinator. The decision will be made based on the merits of the request and the supervisor's support.
Applications for extenuating circumstances (i.e. anything longer than a 10 working day extension) should also be directed initially to the supervisor and Graduate Studies Director. Following discussion with your supervisor, an online application can be made by the student through SISWeb.
Applications for extenuating circumstances arereviewed and decided by the College, not by SPIRe.
- The College website provides full details on their procedure and required documents.
- You must submit an online application for Extenuating Circumstances through SISWeb.
- You will receive the outcome directly from the College office staff.
You should also familiarise yourself with the university's Extenuating Circumstances Policy.
Thesis Key Dates
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Autumn trimester
Students complete research methods modules, such as POL42330 Research Design or POL40950 Introduction to Statistics.
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Mid-January
Submission deadline for thesis proposal
Note: All students, including those opting for the internship option, must complete this form. -
Early February
Allocation of supervisors
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Mid-April
Submission of Research Ethics Applications (where applicable)
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Mid-August
Thesis submission deadline
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Toward the end of September
Final grade results releaseAssessment Key Dates