National Framework for Doctoral Education

National Framework for Doctoral Education

In 2015, the Higher Education Authority, in partnership with THEA, the Irish Universities Association and QQI, launched Ireland’s National Framework for Doctoral Education. The key aim of this framework is to underpin excellence in all forms of doctoral education in Ireland, and is supported by the institutions and research funders. It provides a set of principles for doctoral education, while recognising the diversity in the Irish higher education system. It is consistent with European and international standards, principles and guidelines, including, for example, the Salzburg principles, the Salzburg II recommendations and the Principles for Innovative Doctoral training.

In 2020, THEA, in partnership with the Higher Education Authority, the Irish Universities Association, Quality and Qualifications Ireland commissioned EUA Solutions (a service managed by the European University Association) to establish a team of external experts to examine the extent to which the National Framework for Doctoral Education is effectively embedded in Irish higher education institutions and how to enhance its implementation and, ultimately, the quality of provision. Their report is available here.