MD by Prior Publication

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Program Overview

RCSI is pleased to offer the opportunity to medical graduates with a record of publications in medicine, surgery or clinical science to complete an MD by prior published works.
This route to an MD allows scholars who have sufficient research experience at doctoral level, as demonstrated through already published material, to gain academic recognition for their work over a minimum registration period of one year.
Researchers who have published their own original research, which examiners deem has made a significant contribution to knowledge, can obtain an MD award in recognition of this work when it is presented in the form of a coherent thesis and successfully assessed in a viva voce examination.

Entry Requirement
To be eligible for the MD by Prior Publication, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a research-active member of RCSI staff (at any of our campuses) or an RCSI Honorary appointment;
- Hold and have obtained the degrees of MB BAO BCh;
- Be eligible for full registration as a medical doctor with the Irish Medical Council;
- Have been actively engaged in medical, surgical, clinical or health sciences research for a period of at least five years within the last ten years at an organisation that has a recognised research function; and
- Have published and be a senior author (first or last author) on a minimum of three data-based original research papers in journals ranked Q1 or Q2 in their relevant fields in the ten years prior to the date of application for admission (note: work in preparation for publication will not be considered; the work must be already published or in press).
English language requirements
- Candidates whose first language is not English must also supply a copy of an academic IELTS examination, or equivalent.
Fees & Scholarships
Fees for the 2022/23 academic session are:
- € 4,850 plus a €45 NUI fee.

Interest rates as low as 8.9% ^*

Students Assisted

Loan Amount Disbursed

Loans Sanctioned