Under the University’s current regulations, candidates with no prior research experience, as evidenced by the possession of a research-based higher degree (e.g. MPhil, Mres, MSc or MBA with significant research content), may be offered entry onto the MPhil/PhD route (initial registration for MPhil, with the possibility of re-registration to PhD). The School does also receive applications from students already possessing higher research degrees (or equivalent qualifications or experience), or from those who wish to transfer from other institutions where they have already completed programmes up to the transfer stage to PhD.
Where applicants are non-native speakers of English the School requires proof of proficiency of English. We now require IELTS of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. In particular cases when the IELTS score is slightly below 6 or the applicant has an English qualification other than the IELTS, the admissions tutor consults with one of the University’s ‘English as a Foreign Language’ experts, who are able to offer advice and support to students who require extra assistance to bring their spoken or written language skills up to the required levels for postgraduate study. Students may be asked to follow a language programme in order to achieve the required standard of English as a condition prior to admission and before being offered a firm place. English language support is also provided to all research students who need it during the course of their postgraduate studies.
All applications are dealt with centrally through the University’s Research Degrees office at the Secretariat according to the procedures set in the University’s Research Degree Application Documentation. Normally the completed application form is supported by the inclusion of copies of the applicant’s qualifications and two referees’ reports in envelopes that are sealed and signed across the seal. This application must also be accompanied by the submission of a written research proposal.
Once the formal application and proposal are received and acknowledged by the Secretariat they are forwarded to the School’s Director of Research who undertakes an initial vetting of the application, if necessary in consultation with the Head of School and/or other members of staff in the School or the wider University community, as appropriate. The vetting procedure is to assess whether (a) the proposed project and applicant are suitable for admission to the School and whether (b) an adequate supervisory team is available either in the School or through the School’s provision of the Principal Supervisor with other supervisory staff being obtained from other Schools in the University. An important part of the rationale for the decision to proceed with the application is therefore not only the quality of the proposal and the qualifications of the applicant, but also the presence of a suitably experienced and academically expert core supervisory team of a least two members of staff from within the University. Unless an appropriate supervisory team can be established the School will decline the application.
For more information about how to apply email:
The Research Degrees Committee rdc@abertay.ac.uk or by phone 01382 308068
If you want to discuss your research proposal email:
Professor Mohamed Branine
Director of Research Degrees
