Studying for a Ph.D. at UNYP
One of the core values held by the University of New York in Prague is excellence in research. As part of this commitment, 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 the opportunity to study for a PhD 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 PhD by publication 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 PhD programme is designed for those who wish to pursue supervised research at 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 UNYP
A doctorate is much more than the most advanced qualification in your specialist area of study. Successfully completing a PhD 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.
PhD 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 conceptualise, 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 enquiry within the discipline.
Moreover, the University of New York in Prague 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
The University of New York in Prague, in association with the University of Bolton, can support PhD 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
Duration
3 to 4 years (full-time); 5 to 7 years (part-time).
Requirements
UNYP Ph.D candidates should have at least an upper second class honours degree (2.1) or the equivalent in a relevant subject. A 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 a Ph.D at the University of New York in Prague, the first step that you should take is to contact UNYP’s Postgraduate Advisors in order to discuss your academic field and the nature of the research that you wish to undertake. The Postgraduate Advisor will be able to advise you on whether we can support your specialism. You can visit the web pages of the academic staff by group.
Please submit your application to College Admissions, not the academic group or Research Coordinator. The application packet must include the following documents:
