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🎓 Pre PhD

IFG Pre-PhD Program

Develop a research proposal which is right for you, and take you step by step through the university application process with confidence.

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Postgraduate research

Program About

Overview

Applying for a PhD course can be a confusing and daunting process. Our three-month course will help to identify a research topic and develop a research proposal which is right for you, and take you step by step through the university application process.

It will equip you with the academic and research skills which are required to successfully gain a place at university and to embark on your research studies with confidence.

The course consists of a series of workshops together with one-to-one sessions. Our tutors have many years of experience in helping students at this level of study and understand exactly what is required for a successful application.

At the end of the programme IFG will supply you with a reference to accompany your application to your chosen university. The reference will comment on your proposal your progress during the course and your ability to articulate your proposal.

The focus of the programme workshops is to take students through the main stages of a PhD application, starting with the research methods required to identify you research topic. This will be followed by an overview of quantitative and qualitative research methods. You will also learn how to bring originality and a new approach to your work. The final workshops will focus on preparing your application and how to present and defend your proposal during a university interview.

Workshop topics include:

  • Initial research into universities and suitable research topics
  • Literature review searches
  • Quantitative and qualitative research methods
  • Preparing a qualitative interview checklist
  • Preparing a quantitative research survey instrument
  • Developing research questions and objectives
  • Developing a conceptual framework
  • Contribution to knowledge and originality
  • Tentative methodology and justification of research design
  • Defending your proposal at an interview
  • Preparing a PhD application

By the end of the course, you will:

  • Have developed your understanding of different aspects of research methods
  • Have developed a range of skills to successfully apply for PhD study at universities in different countries
  • Have completed an appropriate and viable research proposal
  • Be able to defend the proposal at an interview

Pre-PhD Preparation Programme 4,000GBP
Pre-DBA Programme 1,420 GBP

To join the Pre-PhD Preparation Programme, applicants are expected to meet the academic standards typically required for PhD admission at UK universities. These include:

  • A relevant Master’s degree or an equivalent postgraduate qualification that aligns with the applicant’s intended research area.
  • English language proficiency at a level equivalent to IELTS 6.0 or 6.5, or an accepted equivalent test score.

These requirements ensure that students entering the programme have the foundational academic and language skills necessary to benefit fully from advanced research training.

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