Improving the clarity of doctoral admissions webpage information: a UK institutional case study

This paper explores data from an institutional case study on doctoral admissions at one UK university. Using a multi-part design, this paper first shares the results of a desk review of institutional webpages, and then reports on empirical research with academic directors of postgraduate research (n = 12), doctoral programme officers (n = 8), doctoral supervisors (n = 19), and doctoral researchers (n = 15) on their perceptions of, and interactions with, doctoral admissions webpage information. The webpage review identified seven categories of information departmental doctoral admissions webpages typically convey. The study reveals that doctoral admissions webpages have complex functions and diverse intended audiences. We document the key activity of webpage work and how this is divided. We also highlight potential information gaps for certain audiences. Our paper aims to contribute insights to create more transparent and accessible doctoral admissions information for all potential applicants. We conclude by sharing recommendations to enhance the quality of such information.