Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
The process of applying for a PhD can feel daunting, but with the right support, it can be an enjoyable and straightforward experience, allowing you to refine your goals and interests. Here’s an overview drawn from my journey of discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Reasons to pursue a PhD
Before embarking on your PhD search, it’s vital to reflect on your reasons for pursuing one. Committing to a PhD is significant, and it’s essential that it corresponds with your aspirations and interests. It equips you with the skills to operate as an independent researcher, which I consider crucial for my professional objectives.
Apart from technical skills, the creative freedom and research autonomy in academia captivated me. My enthusiasm for science diminishes when I engage in unengaging topics or experiments, which led me to select a PhD project that truly inspired me. The ability to steer my project is a considerable benefit and one of my favorite features of pursuing a PhD.
I recommend compiling a list of pros and cons regarding pursuing a PhD before initiating your search to ensure it is the right direction for you—what do you hope a PhD will offer?
The PhD application journey
The application process generally includes multiple phases:
- Identifying potential PhD opportunities
- Filing an initial application
- Creating a shortlist
- Participating in interviews
- Receiving provisional or formal offers
- Determining funding options
Interviews typically delve into your motivations, understanding of the project, previous research experiences, and your approach to challenges. I prepared by reviewing my application, studying relevant literature, and contemplating my experiences to communicate them effectively and confidently during interviews.
Locating a PhD opportunity
Discovering a project entails identifying what research excites you, your preferred work environment, and the competencies you wish to acquire. Resources to locate your PhD include:
- University websites, such as Imperial’s, featuring available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD portals and job boards like FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and recommendations from faculty or advisors
- Websites of funding agencies and doctoral training centers
My application process was somewhat different. I secured funding from my home country, which required me to identify a research group with a captivating project. I navigated the Imperial website, discovered lists of researchers and their groups, read their research descriptions, and examined their outputs.
As a Master’s student at Imperial, I also consulted with my lecturers regarding appropriate research groups. I identified my current project supervisor from a list provided by my MSc course leader.
The key is to engage with as many people as possible and gather extensive input. I know a fellow PhD student who discovered their project by speaking to a stranger in a bar, who then connected them with their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you’re not funding it yourself, look into different options for PhD funding, including:
- Fully-funded PhD opportunities posted by supervisors
- Studentships from UK Research Councils
- External funding from research councils, charities, or industry
- Scholarships and fellowships tailored for specific backgrounds