NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

The Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) may be obtained in most fields of study at universities. The degree, which is gained
through research only, is generally not taken until six terms after the Master degree, but in special cases candidates may be
permitted to take it six terms after the primary degree.
A minimum of three years’ study is generally required for completion of the PhD degree, and candidates will be allowed six
years from the date of registration in which to complete their thesis. The degree will not be awarded unless the examiners
report that the work is worthy of publication as a whole or in part.
The standard required for acceptance to the PhD is generally a high level of academic attainment in the primary degree and
evidence of aptitude for research.
Higher doctorates are awarded to candidates who have distinguished themselves by original research in their field.
(For the examinations’ procedures and results, see I.3. For a list of
the degrees available from each of the main awarding bodies, see Appendix II.)
II.3.3. Academic recognition of final qualifications in higher education for further
study
To proceed to postgraduate education in Ireland, the student must hold a primary degree. In exceptional circumstances, it may
be possible for holders of professional qualifications, or those who are not formally qualified but have substantial experience
in a particular field, to be admitted to postgraduate study.
For admission to a postgraduate diploma courses, a pass in the primary degree is required. For a Master degree, it is generally
necessary to have attained a good Honours standard in the primary degree. As noted above, candidates must also display
evidence of aptitude for research if they wish to register for the PhD degree.
In recent years, there has been an increased tendency for universities and institutes of higher education to offer in-service
programmes,
available to graduates working in particular fields. Some of these carry diploma or certificate awards, others are non-award
courses.
It may also be possible for graduates to train in various professions.
There are no State examinations, and various professionals — doctors, dentists, veterinary surgeons, pharmacists, etc. — must
attend university and obtain a Bachelor degree (and in some cases a Master degree) before gaining formal entry to their
professions.
Entry to the legal profession is governed by two separate institutions: the Honourable Society of King’s Inns (for barristers)
and the Incorporated Law Society (for solicitors). Each institution sets its own examinations, and a Bachelor degree is usually
required for initial entry to both establishments.
Examinations for professional qualifications in accountancy are provided by the separate accountancy bodies. It is sometimes
possible for
graduates in business studies to be exempted from one or two of these professional examinations.
A degree is required for both primary and post-primary teaching in Ireland. Post-primary teachers generally have an
undergraduate degree of three or four years’ duration and then must obtain the higher diploma in education from one of the
universities.