Everything you need to know about degrees

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.

Program Content

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 your 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.

What Will You Study (Workshop Topics):

• 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

Outcomes (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.

IFG Reference: 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.

Who Needs an IFG Pre-Masters?

Pre-Masters programmes are specifically designed for international students who do not meet standard entry requirements for postgraduate study in an English-speaking country.

They are designed to give students the academic skills that they need for postgraduate-level study, while improving their English to the required level. They often, as in the case of our Pre-Masters in Business Management, offer progression to specific taught masters courses at universities in English-speaking countries.

Universities in the UK generally require the equivalent of at least a 2:2 degree (50 – 59%) and usually a 2:1 (60-69%) undergraduate degree for entry to a taught masters. So even if you have the required English level you may still require a Pre-Masters.

The IFG Pre-Masters Programme Offer:

• Pre-Masters in Business Management (6-months)
• Pre-Masters in Law (6-months)
• Pre-sessional for Postgraduate Studies (3-months)

The Difference Between Undergraduate and Postgraduate Study:

UK taught masters require a higher level of English than undergraduate degrees and are generally one academic year in length rather than three. There are also significant academic differences.

Masters degrees involve a much more in-depth study of a chosen field. This requires a far greater depth of analysis and research and so means that postgraduate students are expected to undertake more independent study than at undergraduate level. Students should come away from a postgraduate course with a strong understanding and the specialist knowledge to be considered an expert or specialist in that field. A pre-masters will prepare you for the different level of study and academic skills required.

What You Will Study & Progression:

The specific content of each of our Pre-Masters in Business Management and Pre-Masters in Law can be found on the relevant pages. As well as key subject modules you will also learn the research, communication and analytical skills that you will require at university.

• Our Pre-Masters in Business Management leads to a range of taught masters at the University of Derby Business School and Aston University.
• Our Pre-Masters in Law programme is designed for graduates wanting to progress onto an LLM or other law-related master’s degree in the UK and includes one-to-one assistance in choosing and applying to your chosen course.
• The IFG Pre-sessional for Postgraduate Studies is a more general programme for students who meet the academic subject requirements of their chosen course but need to focus on their research and academic skills .