What Students Say
Likes
- The library is the biggest in Ireland and is 24 hours open
- There are more than 100 societies ranging from cultural, arts, sports for us to be a part of
- The college is in the city Centre, so the transportation is very easy and accessible
Dislikes
- The campus yet beautiful, however is small. Some of the departments are outside the main campus
- The professors are very busy and can be contacted only after class or via email
- Due to the harsh windy and rainy weather conditions in Ireland, it gets harder to come to college sometimes.
Course Curriculum
10
- Since the course was 1 year, it was quite hectic; the curriculum included mostly all the topics of neuroscience. The first semester was theoretical, while the second semester included practical classes with the thesis submission.
- The positive aspects of my course were that it had a very select number of 13 students, which reduced the student-teacher ratio and helped in more concentrated lectures. We used to have 2-3 classes, each an hour long for all the working days of the week. The negative aspect of the course was that it was mostly theoretical.
- Neuroscience needs a bit more practical classes. There were just 2 Indian students, including me, in the class
Admission Experience
- I chose Trinity because of its long lasting reputation and since I wanted to research in neuroscience, Trinity has very well-established neuroscience research unit with research covering a broad area in the field. The researchers are very well established with papers in well reputed journals. On top of that the campus is very attractive. The admission process included an application where we need to highlight our past experiences and academic achievements while listing 2-3 referees. The application needs to be submitted with a cover letter we need to describe why we chose the subject we are applying to, why did we chose Trinity. And what are our plans after the course that will help the society. We need to persuade thr admission committee, that how we would be a better addition to the great student body of Trinity. The application also included a application fee. After the submission of the application,the committee takes a week to answer if we are shortlisted for the interview round.
- During the interview the head of the department asks a few questions related to the field and our past experiences. The interview lasts for around 15 minutes. If we are selected we get a response within 2-3 days when we need to submit a provisional fee to lock our admission and receive the formal offer letter.
- The eligibility criteria for a master's in neuroscience is bachelor's in any related field like biology, zoology, biotechnology, or biochemistry. We also need to submit about IELTS marks that needs to be more than 6.5. Overall, my admission process was very quick. I didn't need to wait for long periods to receive the results. The interview process was quick where we need to answer briefly but with a well devised answer. I recommend studying the basics of the subject without delving into very deep topics, but having a good understanding of the fundamentals.
- Colleges I applied to:
Trinity College Dublin: Admitted
University of Dundee: Shortlisted
University of Leeds: Shortlisted
University of Strathclyde: Shortlisted
University of Edinburgh: Rejected. I think my cover letter was very generic for the University. Since University of Edinburgh is a very well established and historical University, the cover letter has to be very exceptional to be shortlisted in such University.
- I was selected in the September intake of 2023. My admission process was not very less lengthening. I received my interview call within 1 week of my application submission and the provisional offer letter was granted within 2-3 days of my interview. Laster we need to submit a provisional fees which is part of our course fee to lock the admission after which we receive the firm offer letter.
Faculty
8
- The faculty to studethe faculty to students ratio was 1:13. It greatly helps in asking doubts to teachers during lectures and allowing a compact discussion with the teachers. The teaching methodology would be better with more practical classes, however the theoretical aspects were very detailed. To secure a job we need more practicality
- No, the teachers do no help in acquiring jobs in the field. They however will write us recommendation letters that is needed in the applications. I admired the head of our department as he was very well spoken and helpful to the students.
Campus Life
8
- The college has 1 campus with the biggest library in Ireland, a sports facility , along with a swimming pool. The campus also has a medical facility that is accessible by students with their card.
- One of the major campus festivals is Holi organised by the Indian society; others occur during the sports events. The societies are all run by students and there is a very strong student body that is very welcoming to any student-related problems.
Part Time Jobs
- Securing a TA or research assistant job is difficult as the competition is quite high. However,if you are in regular contact with a professor, chances are more. The chances also increase if the professor is familiar with your work ethics. Other than these jobs, there are other part-time jobs like exam invigilator or canteen waiter. The minimum pay is 13.50 per hour. However, TA jobs offer more money.
- In Ireland, you are allowed to work 20 hrs weekly as a student. The minimum pay is 13.50 per hour, which increases depending on thr job. Jobs such as a sales assistant offer minimum pay whereas educational sector jobs offer more money up to 25 euros per month. Securing a part-time job is tedious, but one secures it with good connections and regular follow-ups. To secure a job one has to be regulars in linkedIn and indeed where jobs are usually posted. Moreover, one can also submit their CVs in their desired workplace. If the online application is selected, there is usually an interview round where questions are asked based on the job and availability of work. If things go right, you can secure a part-time job within one month of application.
Placement
2
- Since my course was a research based one, my batch mates including me are looking for PhD options, 5 of whom has secured a position within 6 months of the course.
- The average salary as a PhD student is 2200 euros per month. On top of that we get to benefit from all the student offers available in Ireland.In order to secure a PhD, we need to keep checking websites such as FENS and FINDAPHD to look for advertised positions. Additionally, we also check openings in our desires labs or personally email to our desired mentors to enquire for a position.
- Once we receive an optimal response we design a research project with the supervisor and apply for a funding which takes time upto a year to be accepted. Once the project is funded we can start the PhD till 3-5 years.
Accommodation
Off Campus
6
- I found my student accommodation via WhatsApp groups and Facebook groups for students in Ireland.
- My student accommodation was 1250 euros per month and later I had changed my accommodation to a rented house, which was 700 euros. I stayed in single rooms both times. Finding accommodations is hard in Ireland. We need to be very vigilant of any scams as well. I would recommend finding legitimate WhatsApp groups and asking a friend to visit the property before finalising anything.
- It is better if accommodation is near the college but Dublin is very good in transportation, so anywhere within a 30 min radius of the college is a good option. Indian students are spread throughout the city, but mostly they stay on the southern side as it is considered much safer.
Exams
- We need English proficiency exam results. It can be IELTS or TOEFL. Apart from the English proficiency test, we need to submit our CV listing our academic career and past experiences if any. Along with that, we need to submit a cover letter/statement of purpose. The application also requires 2-3 LORs that need to be submitted by the professors in the application portal before the timeline expires.
Fees
- The full fees for the 1year postgraduate course was 26000 euros. The first 50% of the fees had to be paid before the first semester and the second half had to be paid before the second semester i.e before Christmas vacation ends.
- The monthly expense can range from 900-1500 euros. This can vary depending upon the accommodation you are staying in as student accommodations are very expensive that can range from 800 euros to 1200 euros. Transportation can be 30-40 euros per month depending upon how many classes one might have in a week. Food expenses can be ranged from 400-500 euros per month.
- The accommodation in Dublin is expensive. The rest of the expenses are moderate compared to other European countries. If one is successful finding a affordable house under 500 euros, then the expenses can be reduced.
Scholarship
- Unfortunately, I didn't receive any scholarships. However there are a few scholarships available in the website based on the countries. For international students there is a scholarship, the Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship, which offers a scholarship from 2000 to 5000 euros. This scholarship is available to a non-EU student. The deadline of the scholarship is usually on 15th June.
