Pre-doctorate Research Degree Preparation
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-02-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Pre-doctorate: Research Degree Preparation program at UCA is an online course designed to prepare individuals with a Master's degree or relevant experience for doctoral research. It develops key research skills, assists in creating a focused research proposal, and provides guidance on choosing between practice-based or written research degrees. The 16-week program includes modules on research skills, confirming research projects, PhD applications, and preparing for interviews.
Program Outline
Pre-doctorate: Research Degree Preparation at UCA
Degree Overview
This online program aims to prepare individuals for doctoral research at UCA, specifically those with a Master's degree or relevant research/professional experience. The course assists in further development of key research skills and helps students create a tightly focused research proposal that addresses a gap in knowledge or under-researched area. Additionally, it offers guidance in choosing between practice-based or written research degrees and provides access to the existing UCA PhD community.
Outline
The course is structured as follows:
Pre-Doctorate Course Modules:
- Research Skills and Training (5 hours per week)
- Confirming Research Project
- PhD Application
- Preparing for Interview
Duration:
16 weeks
Delivery:
Online
Modules:
- Research Skills and Training:
- Explores research philosophies, approaches, and methods
- Introduces data organisation and analysis techniques
- Emphasizes research ethics and project feasibility
- Provides training in key research skills
- Confirming Research Project:
- Navigates UCA’s research centres and communities
- Connects students with PhD researchers
- Discusses potential research proposals
- Develops and refines a literature review and research proposal
- Offers tutorials and group critiques
- PhD Application:
- Supports students in drafting and refining their applications
- Offers targeted guidance for the research proposal and bibliography
- Provides mentoring and support through tutorials and meetings
- Preparing for Interview:
- Prepares students for formal interviews
- Enhances communication and presentation skills
- Ensure research proposals are well-defined and clear
Other
- The course content is subject to change.
- Costs may increase with inflation each year.
£4,800 (Pre-doctorate preparation course)
University of the Creative Arts
Overview:
University of the Creative Arts (UCA) is a specialist creative university in the UK, known for its high-quality art and design programs. It is ranked among the top specialist creative universities in the UK, particularly for its world-leading research outputs.
Services Offered:
UCA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation options are available across its various campuses.Student Support:
Comprehensive student support services are provided, including academic guidance, career advice, and mental health support.Libraries:
Well-equipped libraries are available on each campus, providing access to a vast collection of resources.Students' Union:
The Students' Union offers a platform for student engagement, social activities, and representation.Galleries:
UCA has galleries on its campuses showcasing student and professional artwork.Fees & Finance:
Information on fees and funding options for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is available.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCA provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment for its students. The university emphasizes diversity and inclusion, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all. Students can expect:
Active Student Life:
Opportunities for social interaction, clubs, societies, and events.Creative Community:
A strong sense of community among students and staff, passionate about the creative arts.Modern Facilities:
Access to state-of-the-art studios, workshops, and equipment.Campus Locations:
UCA has campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, and Maidstone, offering diverse learning environments.Key Reasons to Study There:
High Rankings:
UCA consistently ranks among the top specialist creative universities in the UK.World-Leading Research:
The university excels in research, particularly in the field of art and design.Industry Connections:
Strong links with industry professionals and employers, providing valuable career opportunities.Diverse Programs:
A wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various creative disciplines.Supportive Environment:
A welcoming and inclusive campus culture that encourages student growth and development.Academic Programs:
UCA offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in various creative fields.Postgraduate Programs:
Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees.Research Degrees:
PhD and MPhil programs in specialized areas of creative research.Other:
International Students:
UCA welcomes international students and provides support services for their transition.Study Abroad:
Opportunities for students to study abroad at partner institutions.Innovation Hub:
UCA has an Innovation Hub that fosters collaboration and entrepreneurship among students and researchers.The provided context does not include information on the following sections:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions diversity and inclusion, it lacks details about specific student life aspects and campus experiences.Key Reasons to Study There:
The context highlights rankings and research, but it does not explicitly state other key reasons for choosing UCA.Entry Requirements
Undergraduate Degree:
- A recognized master's degree or equivalent relevant;
- An honours degree (or recognized equivalent relevant) with appropriate research or professional experience.
Language Proficiency:
- Non-native English speaking applicants must meet the following English language requirements:
- IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each category;
- Equivalent qualification
- Proof of English is not required for applicants who have studied a BA or MA program taught in English in a majority English-speaking country as defined by UKVI.
Entry Requirements for EU Home Students:
- The entry requirements listed above are for the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Applicants may be required to provide additional supporting documents, such as a research proposal or portfolio.
