The National Framework for Doctoral Education
Ireland’s National Framework for Doctoral Education (NFDE) is a shared commitment to excellence by all Irish higher education institutions providing doctoral education. The NFDE, updated in 2023, is based on 9 principles which underpin the delivery of high-quality doctoral education. These principles, inspired by the Salzburg Principles and Salzburg II Recommendations, also reflect government policy to support a consistent standard of experience for those undertaking PhD programmes.
The NFDE Advisory Forum supports the implementation of this collaborative framework. Membership of the Advisory Forum includes all Irish higher education institutions providing research programmes, student representatives, funding bodies, government departments and state agencies. The Advisory Forum is chaired by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
You can learn more about the key principles, doctoral outcomes, context and purpose of the NFDE below.
Context for the Framework
As Ireland continues to establish itself as a knowledge economy and a leader in innovation, doctoral graduates will be key in its efforts to address challenges such as climate change, health and wellbeing and digital transformation.
Purpose of the Framework
The key aim of this Framework is to underpin excellence in all forms of doctoral education in Ireland by providing a set of principles for doctoral education, while recognising the diversity in the Irish higher education system and the ever-changing research landscape.
Principles of the Framework
The 9 principles of the revised National Framework for Doctoral Education commit the key stakeholders in Irish graduate education and research to the highest standards in the provision of doctoral education and research.
Doctoral outcomes
The core and essential component of doctoral education remains the advancement of knowledge through original research - a fundamental societal value in itself, based on freedom of enquiry, the fostering of innovative thinking and the development of advanced critical skills.
Download the framework
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