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The PhD Finance program offers a structured approach that enhances and facilitates independent financial research, while establishing clear progression points for doctoral candidates along with tailored educational components. Participants must produce a written dissertation, undergo an oral defense, and complete a minimum of 15 credits in finance-focused courses plus 15 credits in professional development skills. The degree can be pursued either full-time or part-time.
Most PhD candidates begin their studies in September or January.
Applicants must have a minimum of 2.1 overall in MA/MSc degree in Economics or Finance and a minimum of B- (or equivalent) in core modules in the acquired degree. Depending on the degree, core modules may include Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics and/or Finance. If the applicant’s MA/MSc is from a university other than Maynooth University, the PhD applicant may be required to take a qualifying exam in Microeconomic Theory, Finance and Econometrics.
IELTS - 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band; TOEFL internet-based test iBT: 90 with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in all other sections; Pearson Test of English - 63 with no less than 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section; Duolingo English Test (DET) - 120 with no less than 110 in literacy, conversation, and comprehension subscores and no less than 95 in production. (This lower production subscore applies to non-EU applicants only), Cambridge Proficiency Cert. - 176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English. Proficiency Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2); Cambridge Advanced Cert. - 176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English Advanced Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2); ETAPP - C1 or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2); Oxford Test of English - 140 with no less than 125 in each skill; Trinity College London ISE - ISE III with at least merit in each skill category.