MD by Prior Publication
A research-based doctoral degree for experienced medical professionals to gain academic recognition for their published work.
Best for:Best for experienced medical professionals and RCSI-affiliated researchers with a strong track record of senior-authored, high-impact publications.
Overview
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) offers an MD by Prior Publication for established medical professionals who have a significant record of research. This programme allows candidates to submit a portfolio of their existing, high-quality research papers to earn a doctoral degree. It is designed for those who have already conducted substantial clinical or scientific research and wish to formalize their academic standing. Applicants must demonstrate a sustained contribution to their field through peer-reviewed publications. The process recognizes the impact of previous work rather than requiring new experimental research.
What you'll do
- Compile a portfolio of at least three original, data-based research papers.
- Ensure all submitted research papers are published or in press in Q1 or Q2 journals.
- Demonstrate senior authorship (first or last author) on all submitted research.
- Submit a formal application for admission to the MD by Prior Publication programme.
- Complete the minimum registration period of one year for the degree.
Requirements
Degree required: MB BAO BCh or equivalent medical degree
Degree offered: MD
Language: English
Instruction: English
Publications: Minimum of 3 original data-based research papers in Q1 or Q2 journals as first or last author
- Proven record of research in medicine, surgery, or clinical science
- Minimum of three original data-based research papers published within the last ten years
- Senior authorship status on all submitted research papers
- Eligibility for full registration with the Irish Medical Council
- Must be a research-active member of RCSI staff, an RCSI Honorary appointment, staff from StAR MD partner hospitals, an RCSI surgical trainee/trainer, alumnus, Member, or Fellow
- Must hold the MB BAO BCh degree
- Must be eligible for full registration with the Irish Medical Council
- Work must be published or in press; narrative reviews or case reports are not accepted
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Interested candidates should review the official RCSI MD by Prior Publication guidelines. Applications are submitted through the university's postgraduate research portal.
- Portfolio of published research papers
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of medical registration
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.