Scholar Support Hub

Pre PhD to Submission Checklist

3Phases
40+Checklist Items
3–6Years Duration
100%Your Responsibility
Phase 1

Pre-Admission Preparation

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Before applying, there is substantial groundwork to complete. These checklist items ensure your application is competitive and your research plan is credible.

Identify your research areaLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, ensuring the topic is original and researchable at doctoral level.
Conduct a preliminary literature reviewDonec facilisis tortor ut augue, identifying key themes and existing gaps before writing your proposal.
Write a draft research proposalPellentesque non dignissim neque, covering problem statement, objectives, methodology, and timeline.
Identify and contact a potential supervisorSed sapien metus, aligning your research interest with an active academic in your target institution.
Gather academic referencesLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, securing two or three strong academic referees who know your scholarly work.
Prepare financial planDonec facilisis tortor, exploring scholarships, self-funding, and employer sponsorship options before applying.
Phase 2

First Year — Foundation

Complete induction and register officially

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, completing all institutional paperwork, system access, and supervisor meetings within the first two weeks.

Finalise your research questions

Donec facilisis tortor ut augue lacinia. Refine from proposal to three to five precisely stated, researchable questions in consultation with your supervisor.

Complete systematic literature review

Pellentesque non dignissim neque. Develop a comprehensive, thematic literature review that maps your field and justifies your gap.

Develop your theoretical framework

Sed sapien metus, scelerisque nec pharetra. Identify the theoretical lens that will guide your research design and analysis.

Design research methodology

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur. Decide on your research philosophy, approach, strategy, data collection, and analysis methods.

Obtain ethics approval

Donec facilisis tortor. Submit your ethics application to the Institutional Review Board before conducting any participant-facing research.

Pass Annual Progress Review (Year 1)

Pellentesque non dignissim. Present your literature review and methodology to a panel and receive formal continuation approval.

Submit a conference abstract

Sed sapien metus. Present a paper or poster at a postgraduate or discipline conference to receive early feedback on your ideas.

Phase 3

Middle Phase — Data & Analysis

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. The core of the doctoral journey, this phase involves entering the field, collecting data, and conducting analysis.

Pilot your data collection instrumentsDonec facilisis tortor ut augue, testing surveys, interview guides, or observation protocols before full deployment.
Collect primary dataPellentesque non dignissim neque. Adhere to your approved methodology and document all collection activities carefully.
Analyse data systematicallyLorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Apply your chosen analysis framework consistently, keeping an audit trail of analytical decisions.
Write results and discussion chaptersSed sapien metus. Present findings objectively before interpreting them through your theoretical and conceptual framework.
Submit first journal articleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Target a Q1 or Q2 Scopus-indexed journal relevant to your research domain.
Pass Annual Progress Review (Year 2–3)Donec facilisis tortor. Present analysis progress and demonstrate thesis completion is on track within the approved timeline.