Fully-funded DCU PhD Scholarship – Anti Money Laundering in the EU (with a tax-free stipend of €25,000 per annum): Apply Now!!
Dublin City University (DCU) is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for prospective PhD candidates interested in the evolving landscape of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) in the European Union (EU). The School of Law and Government is inviting applications for a fully funded, four-year PhD programme beginning in September 2025. This PhD project will focus on the legal, political, and governance dimensions of anti-money laundering in the EU, with special attention to recent reforms such as the AML Single Rulebook and the establishment of the EU AML Authority.
Key Features of the Scholarship:
- Fully Funded: The scholarship includes a fee waiver and a tax-free stipend of €25,000 per annum for the four years of the programme.
- Research Focus: The PhD research will explore the effectiveness of recent AML reforms, enforcement challenges, and the shifting institutional power dynamics within the EU, while considering international standards. This interdisciplinary project will combine perspectives from law, political economy, and governance studies.
- Supervision: The successful candidate will work under the guidance of Dr Christy Ann Petit, Assistant Professor in European Law, and Dr Michael Breen, Associate Professor in International Political Economy, both experts in their respective fields.
Research Topic and Approach:
The focus of the PhD project is on examining the evolving EU framework for anti-money laundering, particularly the AML Single Rulebook and the EU AML Authority. As the European Union is at the forefront of global regulatory efforts to combat financial crimes, this research aims to understand how the new reforms will impact the effectiveness of anti-money laundering efforts, the challenges faced during enforcement, and the shifting institutional roles in this domain.
The candidate will have the flexibility to take an interdisciplinary approach to the topic, drawing from financial regulation, EU and international cooperation, and economic governance. Researchers with backgrounds in law, politics, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply, especially those with a strong interest in financial regulation and EU economic governance.
The School of Law and Government:
The School of Law and Government at DCU is home to world-class faculty and is deeply committed to fostering a research-driven and inclusive academic environment. The school regularly ranks among the top “100 under 50” universities globally, as per Times Higher Education, and hosts a variety of research centres that focus on law, political science, and international relations. The School provides a structured four-year PhD programme that blends rigorous coursework and professional training in the first year with increasing independence in research in subsequent years.
Students will have access to numerous professional development opportunities, including the potential for conference and research travel funding. DCU also encourages PhD students to contribute to the university’s teaching efforts, helping to enhance their academic experience.
Application Requirements:
- Deadline for Application: All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM GMT on March 30, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
- Required Documents:
- A full CV, including contact details for two referees.
- Transcripts from your Master’s degree (with accompanying copies of your transcripts).
- A research proposal of approximately 2,000–3,000 words outlining the proposed project’s objectives, significance, and methodology.
Application Submission:
Applicants should send their materials to [email protected] by March 30, 2025, 5:00 PM GMT. Applications that do not include all the required documentation (CV, transcripts, and research proposal) will not be considered. After submission, you will receive an email acknowledgment of your application.
At this stage, applicants do not need to formally apply through the university’s online system. Initial assessments will be carried out internally by the School of Law and Government panel. A shortlist of candidates will be selected for interviews, which will be held in April, either in person or online.
Post-Selection Process:
Once selected, successful candidates will need to apply formally to DCU to be admitted as PhD students. They may also be required to demonstrate proficiency in English, depending on their background. The successful applicant will begin their studies in September 2025 and must be resident in Dublin for the duration of the programme.
Pre-Application Contact:
Prospective applicants are encouraged to make informal contact with the supervisory panel prior to submitting their application if they have questions about the project or the application process.
Further Information:
For more details about the PhD programme and the application process, you can visit the faculty page at DCU Doctoral Studies Hub.
This PhD scholarship provides an exceptional opportunity for those interested in the intersection of law, political economy, and financial regulation. By joining the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University, you will contribute to groundbreaking research in the realm of anti-money laundering policies and their evolution in the European Union.
Don’t miss this chance to shape the future of EU governance and make meaningful contributions to the fight against financial crimes. Apply now and take the first step towards an impactful academic career!
