Academic Readiness Screening ACRES for Applicants of PhD Programmes
Academic Readiness Screening (ACRES) at the doctoral level
The doctoral-level ACRES assessment takes a holistic approach, evaluating the applicant’s written and oral academic language and communication skills and their academic readiness, which are foundational for doctoral studies. The assessment combines analytical and reflective elements with written tasks and an oral interview, creating a well-rounded view of the applicant’s academic abilities and potential.
The ACRES assessment is used in the following doctoral programmes:
- Doctoral Programme in Biological and Environmental Science
- Doctoral Programme in Chemistry
- Doctoral Programme in Information Technology
- Doctoral Programme in Mathematics and Statistics
- Doctoral Programme in Physics
This option is available to a limited number of applicants, who are selected on the basis of their eligibility and the selection criteria. The Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ will contact the applicant to conduct the evaluation.
After the language skills of the applicant have been evaluated, the same applicant can only be re-evaluated one year after the first evaluation at the earliest.
Please note that the primary means of demonstrating language skills is a degree and a language test or certificate. As we cannot guarantee an applicant's access to the ACRES assessment, we recommend that you take a language test or examination if you cannot demonstrate your language skills with your degree.
For the doctoral programmes of the Faculty of Mathematics and Information Technology, other demonstrations of English language proficiency may be replaced by an Academic Readiness Screening (ACRES) during the application process.
How to prepare for ACRES
ACRES is not a validated language test, measuring and evaluating separate language skills. The purpose of ACRES is to recognize applicants who are appropriately suited for studying in the academic programmes. These programmes require academic English and independent study skills, as well as pro-activeness. Therefore, applicants need to demonstrate that they possess these skills for completing work within a given time frame. Skills examined in ACRES include academic reading, writing, and oral interaction in English, self-directedness, and information management.
The skills assessed in ACRES are skills that applicants should have acquired during their earlier academic studies. Reading and examining academic materials is a good way to prepare for the written pre-task. Practicing oral interaction and self-presentation skills is beneficial for the interview. Additionally, focusing on self-management skills for working within a limited time frame would be useful.