Pre-Sessional Preparation for PhD programme

What is a Pre-Sessional PhD course and what are the benefits?  

If you are looking to further your studies and career with a PhD, then the Pre-Sessional Preparation Programme for PhD can support you in your application to any UK university including one of our partner universities.

By studying a PhD, you are showing a huge amount of dedication to, and understanding of, your subject. With us, you’ll benefit from: 

• End to end support with the complex application process for doctoral degree study in the UK (Counselling, preparation and mock practice interviews for PhD applications) 
• Enhancing your English language level  
• Developing advanced academic and research literacy and critical thinking skills  
• Full support and guidance in choosing a research area and developing written research proposals based on selection  
• Access to specialist tutors and support staff  

Who is the PhD preparation programme for?  

Tailored specifically for international students that have already completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree and that:  

• Want to study for a PhD degree in a University in the UK  
• Require support to navigate the specialist and complex PhD degree application process 
• Would benefit from support in preparing and presenting a research topic for application 
• Are looking for support in identifying the best fit university in the UK for their doctoral degree 
• Seek the opportunity to engage/visit/meet with research advisors at UK universities prior to application 
• Seeking to develop both written and spoken English for PhD study, and confidence in doctoral-study terminology 
• Wish to improve and develop the critical thinking skills necessary for PhD study 
• Want to deepen understanding of subject-level research specialism 
• Would benefit with tailored support and time to adapt to studying and living in the UK  

Course details  

In additional to the core modules below, students will benefit from:​ 

• 15 hours per week including 1 hour per week of 1-2-1 tutor time ​ 
• Workshops and seminars ​ 
• Independent study and assessment preparation ​ 
• Individual feedback sessions ​ 
• Small group work 

Core modules: 

• Academic English for Postgraduate Studies 
• Critical Reading and Applied Academic Writing 
• Research Methods (developing your PhD Research Proposal) 
• Academic Research Practice (Introduction to PhD Study in the UK, Managing the Research Process, The Academic Community) 
• Personal Tutorial         

What can students look forward to in terms of student experience? 

• Induction and continuous support 
• Academic tutorial 
• Engagement with their chosen university from the onset 
• Trips to the universities 
• Assessments designed to feed into the PhD application 
• Progress review 
• Professional workshops 
• Exposure to community of practice 
• Open access to journals, key and recommended textbooks 
• Access to a dedicated team of experts 

Apply to study a PhD at your chosen university

After you successfully complete the programme by passing all assessments to the required standard, you’ll be able to submit your PhD application to one of the following partner universities:

• University of Aberdeen
• Royal Holloway, University of London
• University of Strathclyde

Please note that when you apply for the Pre-Sessional Preparation Programme for PhD, you will need to choose your preferred university and preferred research area for your doctoral degree. Successful completion of the programme is no guarantee of acceptance to PhD study to that university.

Join us today

Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application. We can’t wait to meet you!