Places still available

Are you thinking about a PhD but not sure where to start? You’re not alone — many students know they want to take their research further but need guidance on how to begin.

  • Next course date: 17 November 2025 - 6 February 2026
  • Duration: 10 weeks (5 hours per week)
  • Price: £4,800
  • Location: Online

About the course

Our fully online Pre-PhD: Research Degree Preparation course is designed to guide you through that journey. Aimed at students with a Master’s degree or equivalent research/professional experience, the course offers structured training in research methods, proposal development, application writing, and interview preparation.

You’ll gain the confidence, skills, and insight needed to make a strong application for doctoral study in the UK.

By engaging fully with the course and demonstrating strong English skills, you will also be guaranteed an interview for a research degree at UCA.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Identify and apply appropriate research methods, approaches and theories
  • Develop a research proposal including aims, objectives, methodology and feasibility
  • Write and refine a draft literature review and bibliography
  • Demonstrate presentation and interview skills through mock interviews
  • Complete and submit a PhD application to UCA

Entry requirements

  • A recognised Master’s degree or equivalent research/professional experience; or an Honours degree with relevant research/professional experience.
  • For non-native English speakers: IELTS 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band) or equivalent.

Timetable

Monday 10am-1pm and Wednesday 1-3pm

  • Section 1: Research Skills and Training
    • Introduction to research approaches, methods and philosophies
    • Literature review skills and referencing
    • Critical skills in research analysis
  • Section 2: Confirming Research Project
    • Developing research background, aims, objectives and methodology
    • Writing and refining draft proposal and abstract
    • Group critiques and tutorials for proposal development

Monday 10am-1pm and Wednesday 1-3pm

  • Section 3: PhD Application
    • Reviewing and finalising research proposal
    • Completing PhD application form and bibliography
    • Developing clarity in writing and presentation
  • Section 4: Preparing for Interview
    • Communication skills and presentation techniques
    • Tutorials for interview preparation
    • Mock interviews

Register your interest

Sign up to be the notified when applications open for our next Pre-PhD: Research Degree Preparation course.

Not ready yet? We're here to answer any questions you may have about the course.