Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth. To its east is the larger island of Great Britain, from which the Irish Sea separates it.

Doctoral degrees are advanced educational qualifications, often pursued after a master's degree. They represent the highest level of academic achievement in fields like science, arts, and humanities. Achieving this degree involves intensive research, resulting in a thesis or dissertation.