How to start a (research) Doctorate?

Hi friends.

I am fairly convinced now to apply for a (British) research doctoral program in Business in a month or so.

How do you manage that?

If I remember correctly, there are some of you how are already in research doctorates at this time (in South Africa and/or GB), right?

What is the first step?
How do you normally start?

Do you already have to have a specific topic with abstract or outlines before you apply? Do you even contact the specific staff (e.g. the Marketing professor when you want to write your dissertation about Marketing?) before applying?

Sorry if those questions do sound kind of stupid, but I simply do not know. In Germany, you normally WORK for your faculty )(2 or 3 days a week => for a really bad salary) even before finishing your master´s, and then ask the professor in person if you´re allowed to write your dissertation at his department... - there are only very few "external" doctorates (which a British research doctorate would be, and therefore would be very attrative for me because I could keep on working!).

I´d be glad to hear more from you.

Thanx and best greetings,

Trigger

 

The easiest way:

1. Come up with a topic in advance.

2. Contact a relevant faculty member at your school, explain your topic and your circumstances, and get her/his blessing.

3. Apply formally to the Ph.D. program.

Good luck!


Peace,

------------------
Tom Head
www.tomhead.net

 

While there are some things that can be said of all research degree-granting institutions in general, the process does vary somewhat from institution to institution. You likely would do best to request this information directly from the institutions you are considering. They should be able to provide you clear instructions regarding the process that you would be required to undertake.

 

Now that you mention this, yes--a much better route than "cold calling" a faculty member. Not to mention the fact that this is what I actually do myself, as opposed to what I suggest that other people do.

I usually contact either the Research Office or the relevant School (I only contact the Department directly after I've tried to contact the School, since the folks at the School tend to be better versed on research policies).

Good luck!


Peace,

------------------
Tom Head
www.tomhead.net

 

I am going to begin the research PhD at Charles Sturt University in Feb. I simply wrote to the contact person on the webpage and then wrote to admissions. Within a couple of days I received a complete list on the applications and admissions procedures. I have a detailed list on what to do from here on out. I think I recall the deadline for Feb admission is end of October.
Good luck
Sunnie
*going to check for sure deadline information*