Ph.D. by Research

Studying for a Ph.D. through UNYP

One of the core values held by the University of New York in Prague is excellence in research. Offered at our partner, New York College Athens, in coordination with the University of Bolton, students will be able to earn their Ph.D. UNYP encourages graduates in all disciplines to consider studying for a doctorate – the highest academic award conferred by this university – or an MPhil. To this end, UNYP offers its students through its partners the opportunity to study for a Ph.D. or MPhil in any subject area in which we have relevant research expertise, in association with the relevant Academic Group, Research Centre, or Research Institute.

The Ph.D. by research is awarded to a candidate who presents and defends a thesis, after having critically investigated and evaluated an approved topic which results in an independent and original contribution to knowledge and demonstrates an understanding of the appropriate research methods within the chosen field. This Ph.D. program is designed for those who wish to pursue supervised research at the doctoral level, leading to the publication of a traditional doctoral thesis of sufficient quality to be deemed an original and independent contribution to the existing body of knowledge, and which justifies the award of a doctorate. It is possible to apply and register for the doctorate either directly or via the MPhil route.

Career opportunities with a doctorate from the University of Bolton

A doctorate is much more than the most advanced qualification in your specialist area of study. Successfully completing a Ph.D. is proof that you have mastered a set of transferable and highly desirable skills and qualities such as critical analysis, project management, high-level problem-solving, leadership and mentoring, challenging and providing alternative perspectives on received wisdom, advanced research, and presentation skills, self-confidence, determination, and persistence. 

Ph.D. graduates have more successful careers and increased earnings than any other graduate. They are seen are the professional “movers and shakers” in the workplace, the employees who bring innovation and enterprise to the table.

Qualifying criteria

Doctorates are awarded to candidates who can demonstrate:

(i) the employment of original research or other advanced scholarship to create and interpret new knowledge, producing a body of work that is of a quality that satisfies peer review, extends the limits of understanding within the subject, and is worthy of publication;

(ii) the systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the cutting edge of an academic discipline or area of professional practice;

(iii) the general ability to conceptualize, design, and implement a research project for the generation of new knowledge, applications, or understanding within the discipline, and to make adaptations and adjustments in the event of new issues arising;

(iv) a detailed understanding of the appropriate techniques for research and advanced academic inquiry within the discipline.

Moreover, the University would expect Ph.D. candidates to demonstrate the ability to:

(a) make and defend informed judgments on complex issues in specialist fields, often in the absence of complete data, and to be able to communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences;

(b) undertake research and development at an advanced level, whether pure or applied, contributing substantially to the development within the discipline of new techniques, ideas, or approaches;

(c) demonstrate the exercise of personal responsibility and autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, in academic, professional, and similar environments, and any other professional qualities and transferable skills that would be reasonably expected at this academic level.

Research Subject Areas

New York College Athens and the University of New York in Prague, in association with the University of Bolton, can support Ph.D. and MPhil students with research interests in the following subject areas:

• Art and Design
• Accounting and Business
• Built Environment & Civil Engineering
• Community Studies
• Computer Science
• Education
• Engineering
• English & Creative Writing
• Health & Well-Being
• Information Systems
• Islamic Finance
• Law
• Materials, Research & Innovation
• Mass Observation and Worktown Studies
• Medical, Biomedical, and Life Sciences
• Photography
• Psychology
• Sport, Performance, Recovery & Rehab
• Sport Sociology and Policy
• Theatre and Performance
• Renewable Energy & Environmental Technologies

Important information about the Ph.D. program

• 3 to 4 years (full-time); 5 to 7 years (part-time)
• UNYP will support local students with registration and library facilities
• Degree awarded by the University of Bolton program delivered from New York College, Athens

Requirements

Ph.D. candidates should have at least an upper second class honors degree (2.1) or the equivalent in a relevant subject. Postgraduate qualification and/or some research training or relevant professional development is desirable. An interview will be carried out by the University of Bolton (remotely by phone or internet for candidates based outside the UK).  In general, candidates who are not native English speakers will also need IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent).

Application Procedures

If you are interested in studying for a Ph.D., the first step that you should take is to contact UNYP’s Admissions Team in order to discuss your academic field and the nature of the research that you wish to undertake. The UNYP Admissions team will work with you to help you register for the program at New York College Athens. The Postgraduate Advisor will be able to advise you on whether we can support your specialism.

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