Getting Doctorate Ready is a free-to-access doctoral bridging programme developed as part of the That’s Me! project. It operates both as a practical support resource for prospective doctoral applicants and as a piece of action research designed to explore how early, structured guidance can reduce barriers to postgraduate research.
Designed by staff, and PGR students, the programme responds to evidence gathered through That’s Me! that many potential doctoral applicants—particularly those without prior access to academic networks—struggle to understand what doctoral study involves, how research projects are formed, and how application processes work in practice. By intervening early, Getting Doctorate Ready aims to demystify the doctorate, make expectations more transparent, and support more informed, confident decision-making.
As an action-research intervention, the programme is iterative and reflective. Participant feedback will be evaluated to help us understand how bridging support shapes doctoral aspirations, preparedness, and progression, therefore informing future institutional practice and doctoral recruitment strategies.