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Ph.D.
PhD Research Degree
Traditionally, a PhD involves three to four years of full-time study (can be six years or more if studied part-time), in which the student completes a substantial piece of original research presented as a thesis or dissertation. Some PhD programs instead accept a portfolio of published papers, while some countries require coursework to be submitted as well.
PhD through MPhil or MRes
Another option available for potential PhD candidates is to apply as a general research student or for an MPhil degree. This is a common path taken by PhD candidates. The MPhil is an advanced master’s degree awarded for research and can be suitable for students who do not have a strong research background. You will be required to take some taught courses to get you up to speed with things like research methods.
If, after the first or second year of your research (i.e. during your MPhil), the institution is satisfied with the progress of your work, you may then be able to apply for full PhD registration. Usually, your supervisor or tutor will be in charge of determining whether you are ready to progress to a PhD. If you’re deemed to be ready, you will then need to develop a title for your thesis and choose your PhD program.
When to Apply and What are the Requirements?
Generally speaking, PhD admission requirements relate to the candidate’s grades (usually at both bachelor’s level and master’s level) and their potential research capabilities. Most institutions require that candidates hold an honors degree or a master’s degree with high academic standing, along with a bachelor’s degree with at least upper second-class honors. In some cases, you can also apply for a PhD simply on the basis of your master’s degree grades. Grades-based PhD admission requirements may also be based on the type of funding you will be using – you may be able apply with lower grades if you self-fund your PhD.
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Mandatory Requirements
- An undergraduate degree with at least an upper second class honors or a postgraduate master’s degree
- Minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or above
- A research proposal of 1000-2000 words
- A supervisor will be required
Research Proposal
This will help admissions tutors to assess your aptitude for PhD research, and also to determine whether your research interests align with their own research priorities and available facilities. They will also consider whether they have the relevant staff to provide you sufficient supervisory expertise.
Some subject areas (such as science and engineering) do not ask for original research proposals. Instead, the institution presents a selection of PhD research projects which are formulated by the supervisor(s) concerned and peer-reviewed. This may be done at a certain time of year or year-round, depending on the institution.
- Research proposal should be at least 15,00 to 2,000 words
- Area to be investigated
- The issue, research question or hypothesis that is to be tested
- The likely methods and techniques to be used in the investigation
- Details of work you have already done in the proposed field
- Your suitability as a researcher for the proposed project
- The relationship of the proposed research to the published literature and current research in your field, and an indication of the contribution your thesis would make
PhD Application & Personal Statement
Many institutions ask for a personal statement – a short essay which you can use to demonstrate your passion for your chosen subject. You can outline your reasons for wanting to study a PhD, personal motivations for doing so, any extracurricular activities that are particularly relevant or should be highlighted, and any flexibility in your chosen area(s) of research
Employment and Academic References
Some institutions may also ask for a record of your employment such as a résumé, and/or all your academic transcripts, including details of course modules and module content as part of your PhD application. Details of other research projects you have completed and any publications you have been featured in can also help your application.
Many PhD applicants are also asked to provide references from two or three people who know them well in an academic setting, such as their undergraduate or postgraduate tutors or professors. These references must have a particular focus on your academic performance, coursework and research abilities, your research potential and your interest in your chosen field of study. For this reason, it is important to develop relationships with faculty members during your pre-PhD studies.
A research degree involves the in-depth study of one particular area of academic interest and is specifically designed for students who are interested in academia.
How ASCOM Consulting can help you?
If you wish to learn more about applying for doctorate degrees, visit our office or contact us now.
ASCOM Consulting will advise you on your choice of university and edit your personal statement and proposal into what an admissions panel would want to read. The PhD Service includes:
- Initial Consultation
- Completion of application forms
- Editing of CV and personal statement:
- Application tracking:
- Interview practice
The research proposal, more than anything, is how your application will ultimately be judged. As English is not your first language, we will edit the research proposal to iron out any weaknesses, ensuring it is academically correct and is the best it can be.
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