Application principles
Candidates will normally be expected to have a bachelors (‘first cycle’) and masters (‘second cycle’) qualifications of high standard. However, because the programme is committed to a life-long learning culture and a diversity of access, candidates who can demonstrate appropriate formal/non-formal/informal learning and experience of an equivalent level will be considered on the basis of a detailed portfolio.
All candidates will submit (in addition to other documentation, see ‘Application Process’)
- a letter of motivation or purpose (500 words), including a justification for the mobility (i.e. the choice of the two co-supervisory universities);
- a 1500 word research proposal (excluding bibliography);
- a detailed curriculum vitae;
- the names of two referees (who can attest to academic standing and potential);
- a recognised qualification showing proficiency in English.
The consortium wishes to encourage a balance of male and female applicants, candidates with disabilities and from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Because of the nature of the programme and its emphasis on global and cultural approaches, the fact that the candidates themselves are a teaching and learning resource, gender balance and a diversity of cultural and social backgrounds are seen to be an important element in the overall success of the programme.
The consortium has agreed the detailed criteria and a marking grid for the assessment of applications and all members of the selection panel will work to this grid which will involve an assessment of:
- the quality of the letter of motivation or purpose (500 words), including a justification for the mobility (i.e. the choice of the two co-supervisory universities);
- the quality of the research proposal
- the overall curriculum vitae and
- the quality of the references
- the quality of the written expression
The selection panel will discuss their scores and agree a ranking. The top ranked candidates will be interviewed, either face-to-face or through another medium (Skype or telephone). The interview will be structured on the basis of agreed and common questions and scoring criteria. At least two members of the selection committee will participate in each interview. Following all the interviews the selection committee will reconvene, consider the scores and other issues such as gender balance, disability, and socio-economic factors. In the case of candidates applying on the basis of experience and other forms of prior learning, their detailed portfolio will be examined by the selection committee and experts in the field of the accreditation of prior learning and experience, who will also help to prepare advice for such candidates on the preparation of their portfolio.
