Written by Shayma, PhD in Genomic Medicine
The prospect of applying for a PhD can be daunting, yet with the right support, it can become an exhilarating and seamless adventure, helping you define your aspirations and passions. Here’s a general overview to help you discover a PhD that fits you, derived from my personal journey of locating, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Why embark on a PhD?
Before you initiate your search for a PhD, it’s vital to grasp your reasons for wanting to pursue one. A PhD represents a substantial commitment, and verifying that it aligns with your aspirations and passions is essential. It provides the training needed to evolve into an independent researcher, a capability I view as critical for my intended career trajectory.
In addition to the technical training, I was drawn to the autonomy and ingenuity found in academia. My enthusiasm for science diminishes when working on uninspiring subjects or conducting experiments that do not engage me, so I selected a PhD project that genuinely captured my interest. The chance to steer my project is a significant advantage and one of the aspects I appreciate most about pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I advise constructing a pros and cons list regarding pursuing a PhD before beginning your search to affirm it’s something you genuinely wish to do—what do you believe a PhD will provide you?
The PhD application journey
The application journey typically consists of several phases:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting a preliminary application
- Creating a shortlist
- Interview(s)
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Funding considerations
Interviews usually revolve around your motivations, comprehension of the project, past research experience, and your approach to challenges. In preparation for interviews, I reviewed my application, perused pertinent literature, and considered my experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project necessitates understanding what research excites you, the environment in which you flourish, and the skills you wish to acquire. Some resources for locating your PhD include:
- University websites, such as Imperial’s—visit departmental pages for available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD platforms and job boards like FindAPhD
- Research team and supervisor web pages
- Academic networks and suggestions from professors or supervisors
- Funding organizations and doctoral training center sites
My application journey might vary slightly from yours. I secured funding from my home country, so I needed to identify a research group engaged in an interesting project. I explored the Imperial website, discovered lists of researchers and research groups at Imperial, read about their research, and examined their outputs.
As a Master’s student at Imperial while hunting for PhDs, I also consulted my lecturers regarding suitable research groups. I located my current project supervisor through a list of research groups provided by my MSc course leader.
The essential step is to communicate with EVERYONE and collect as much information as possible. I know a fellow PhD student who found their project by conversing with a stranger in a pub, who subsequently connected them with their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you’re not self-funded, there are numerous PhD funding avenues to investigate, including:
- Fully-funded PhD projects announced by supervisors
- UK Research Council studentships
- External funding from research councils, charities, and industries
- Scholarships and fellowships for specific backgrounds or research fields
- Grants and loans