Who it is for
- Experienced practitioners with related published work
- Researchers comparing universities and route options
- Candidates who need to plan the remaining papers
A thread, not a paper count
Examiners look for one research problem and a clear original contribution across your work, explained in a critical commentary. Rules differ by university, so we check regulations before you commit.
An honest fit check
If your papers are unrelated or not yet at doctoral standard, we say so early, before it costs you time and money.
What is included
- Publication-readiness and portfolio-gap assessment
- Mapping publications to a unified research theme and doctoral contribution
- Guidance on selecting submitted works and preparing contribution statements
- Personal statement, purpose statement and academic narrative mentoring
- University-route comparison and supervisor-outreach strategy
- Portfolio commentary or thesis-pathway planning
- Viva expectations and preparation guidance
- Research-profile and publication-development support where included in the selected option
How it works
- Review qualifications, publication record, authorship contribution and intended field
- Confirm the selected £6,000 option and issue a written scope
- Develop the portfolio, application narrative or publication pipeline through scheduled milestones
- Complete an admission- or submission-readiness review and action plan
Fees
Research-publication mentoring programme (planned 10–13 paper portfolio)£6,000
Admission selection and mentoring for a PhD by Publication pathway£6,000
University tuition and application charges are paid separately to the institution. Any combined service must be priced and confirmed in writing. See fees & payment.
Good to know
- GCA is an independent mentoring provider and does not award a PhD or guarantee admission.
- University fees, application fees, examination fees and immigration services are not included.
- Each institution controls eligibility, portfolio rules, supervision, assessment and admission.
- Publication acceptance, citations and completion within a particular timeframe cannot be guaranteed.
GCA is an independent mentoring service, not an immigration adviser. Official guidance: GOV.UK Global Talent · find a regulated adviser.