Training and Education Centre
Global Postgraduate Preparation Programme
(with Certification by the Oxford University SKOPE Centre)
Programme Overview
This advanced four-part online programme is designed for university students and recent graduates aspiring to pursue postgraduate study (Master’s or PhD) at the world’s leading institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and LSE.
Through a blend of recorded masterclasses and a live mentorship session, participants will learn the core intellectual, research, and application skills required to succeed in elite postgraduate admissions — from academic profile building to statement writing and interview performance.
Format:
• 3 Recorded Masterclasses (self-paced, on-demand)
• 1 Live Mentorship Session (interactive, small group)
• Official Certificate of Completion from Oxford University Scope Centre
James Robson
Programme Lead
Associate Professor of Tertiary Education Systems
Director of SKOPE and Director for Research
University of Oxford
Recorded Lessons
Recorded Lesson 1
Understanding Global Postgraduate Admissions
Learning Objectives
• Decode how top universities evaluate postgraduate applicants
• Understand the core differences between research-focused and taught programmes
• Learn to identify and target the right postgraduate path
Key Topics
1. The postgraduate ecosystem: Master’s vs PhD
2. What admissions committees truly look for (academic merit, research alignment, intellectual maturity)
3. How to read university and departmental requirements strategically
4. Case studies: Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and Tsinghua
5. Academic goal-setting and positioning for postgraduate success
Learning Output
• Completion of a Postgraduate Admissions Target Plan
Recorded Lesson 2
Academic Thinking, Research Design, and Writing Excellence
Learning Objectives
• Strengthen research-based critical thinking and writing skills
• Learn how to demonstrate academic maturity and originality in postgraduate applications
• Understand what makes a strong research proposal or statement of purpose
Key Topics
1. Critical and analytical reasoning in postgraduate study
2. Building an academic argument and research question
3. Crafting a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Research Proposal
4. Common pitfalls and evaluation criteria in academic writing
5. Examples of high-impact SOPs and proposals
Learning Output
• Draft of a Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Research Proposal Outline
Recorded Lesson 3
Postgraduate Interviews, Academic Networking, and Portfolio Building
Learning Objectives
• Understand postgraduate interview formats and intellectual expectations
• Learn how to communicate your academic vision confidently
• Build an impactful academic and professional portfolio
Key Topics
1. Interview logic and question types (academic fit, research depth, motivation)
2. Self-presentation and scholarly storytelling
3. Building your research and publication profile as an undergraduate
4. Networking with supervisors and writing effective academic correspondence
5. Strengthening your LinkedIn and academic CV for postgraduate applications
Learning Output
• A Postgraduate Interview Strategy and Academic Portfolio Plan
Live Sessions
Individual Academic Mentorship & Application Consultation
Objectives
• Receive one-to-one or small-group academic feedback
• Review and refine SOPs, research proposals, and interview strategies
• Develop a personalised academic development and application roadmap
Structure
1. Discussion of participants’ academic backgrounds and research goals
2. Personalised feedback on application materials
3. Live Q&A with Oxford-affiliated mentors
4. Postgraduate timeline and strategy refinement
Outcome
• A Personalised Postgraduate Growth Report
• Certificate of Completion issued by the Oxford University Scope Centre
Programme Format Summary
Component Mode Duration Instructor Type
Session 1 Recorded 90 mins Admissions Specialist
Session 2 Recorded 90 mins Academic Writing & Research Tutor
Session 3 Recorded 90 mins Academic Mentor / Career Coach
Session 4 Live (Online) 90 mins Oxford University Scope Centre Mentor
Language: English (Bilingual support optional)
Platform: Zoom + Secure Learning Portal
Group Size: 10–15 students per cohort
Certification
Upon completion of all sessions and submission of required learning outputs, students will receive a
Certificate of Completion
awarded under the Oxford University Scope Centre collaboration, recognising achievement in:
“Postgraduate Academic Preparation, Research Thinking, and Global University Application Readiness.”
Ideal for
• University students (Year 2–4) or recent graduates applying for Master’s or PhD programmes
• Students seeking to strengthen academic writing, research design, and interview skills
• Applicants aiming for elite postgraduate institutions (Oxbridge, Ivy League, LSE, NUS, HKU, etc.)
• Individuals pursuing globally recognised academic credentials