Pre-PhD Preparation Programme & Courses in London, UK

Preparation for a successful PhD application

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

Academic qualifications which meet university requirements for PhD study, typically these will include a Master’s degree and an English language level equivalent to 6.0 or 6.5 IELTS

Additional English language support is available either before or during the course.

Fees for all IFG Programmes at our Teaching Centres in UK, UAE and Online can be found on our fees page.
For fees at our Partner Teaching Centres please check the relevant Partner Centre page or contact them directly.
The cost of textbooks for each programme is not included in the tuition fees. Students should be prepared to pay up to 100 GBP / 130 USD / 475 AED depending on the programme and location.

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