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Study locations > Kaplan International College London > Pre-Doctorate

Pre-Doctorate course

Shape your future with a Pre-Doctorate course at Kaplan International College (KIC) London. This dynamic course is the perfect stepping-stone to a prestigious UK doctoral degree.

The Pre-Doctorate is specially designed around the needs of a doctoral-level international student, and will help guide you through the process of applying for a UK doctoral degree. Once you have successfully completed your Pre-Doctorate, you are guaranteed an interview at one of our prestigious partner universities where your research areas match.

Why study the Pre-Doctorate at KIC London?

Guaranteed interview for a doctoral degree at one of our partner universities

upon successful completion and where your research areas match

Experienced tutors

many of whom hold doctorate degrees

State-of-the-art College

with fantastic learning facilities

Experience student life in London, the world’s best academic city

(QS Best Student Cities 2016)

Expert support

in crafting research proposals and preparing for interviews

Stay in high-quality accommodation

with all the comforts of home

The doctoral degree application process in the UK can be very complex. The Pre-Doctorate course helps students to navigate the process of applying for a UK doctoral degree, and to adjust to studying in the UK in a supportive and developmental environment.

This is not an academic preparation course – instead, the focus is to equip you with key skills and knowledge, which will allow them to best present themselves and their research ideas to UK universities. The Pre-Doctorate also aims to give you an opportunity to engage with research supervisors, and with both current and former PhD students.

Chaolong Pre-Doctorate student

Chaolong from China

Pre-Doctorate student who received a PhD offer from The University of Nottingham
 

The course built on my knowledge of the doctorate research and selection process. I have developed my research proposal and included historical background, as well as theories in the field of my research. The course also gave me the opportunity to have interviews with supervisors at respected universities.

What content is covered on the course?

The Pre-Doctorate course is designed to introduce to students key elements of doctoral-level study, and develop key transferable skills. It will build on your existing academic knowledge and competencies, and help you adapt to specialised study, particularly with regard to critical analysis and expression.

Because of the varied nature of students’ research interests, the course has a large amount of individual help. The tutors help you shape and refine your research proposal, often in collaboration with the universities themselves.

The Pre-Doctorate consist of 3 core modules:

  • Research Proposal Design: develop a research topic, understand data collection methods and plan a viable proposal for your doctorate
  • The Doctoral Candidate: explore the key skills required for doctoral study, learn what makes a successful application and consider your future career
  • Academic Skills and Communication: become familiar with key terminology, develop your written and spoken critical thinking and understand your subject specialism

Course details

English requirement: minimum IELTS 6.0 in all skills for a 1-term course, or minimum IELTS 5.5 with no less than 5.0 in any skill for courses with extra Preparatory English

Course length: 1, 2 or 3 terms of 12 weeks each (depending on your English language level)

Start dates: Autumn (September–November), Spring (January–April) or Summer (May–July)

Entry to university: typically September or January following your start date, depending on your course length and chosen university

Tuition fees: see the tuition fees page for more information

Our Pre-Doctorate partner universities

University of Aberdeen

Established in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is one of the oldest universities in the UK, and in the world. It enjoys a prestigious academic reputation, and maintains great links with industry and businesses.

City, University of London

City, University of London is based in Britain's capital city, one of the world's great hubs of business and commerce. City enjoys great connections with companies, and has a reputation for producing high-flying graduates.

Cranfield University

Cranfield University is the only completely postgraduate university in the country, and offers highly specialised study. Cranfield students have fantastic opportunities for research and consultancy with government, businesses and wider society.

University of Liverpool

One of the UK’s famous Russell Group institutions, the University of Liverpool enjoys exceptional rankings, and is a leader in research. This international university is home to tutors who lead the field in their respective disciplines.

The University of the West of England, Bristol

The University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE), is leading the pack of new UK universities, and has excellent links with employers. UWE is located in Bristol, one of the UK’s most creative cities.

Pre-Doctorate application materials

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