Written by Shayma, PhD in Genomic Medicine
Embarking on a PhD application journey may feel daunting, but with the right support, it can transform into an exciting and straightforward experience, assisting you in defining your aspirations and interests. Here’s a guide rooted in my personal experience of discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD program at Imperial.
Why enroll in a PhD program?
Prior to initiating your PhD search, it’s crucial to comprehend why you aim to pursue one. A PhD represents a substantial commitment, so make sure it aligns with your objectives and passions. It provides training to develop into an independent researcher, a skill I consider vital for my professional goals.
Apart from the technical training, I was drawn to the liberty and creativity present in academic research. My enthusiasm for science diminishes when dealing with mundane topics, so I opted for a PhD project that genuinely piqued my interest. The ability to steer my own project is a significant advantage and one of my most cherished elements of pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I recommend creating a pros and cons list regarding pursuing a PhD before you commence your search to ensure it is genuinely what you wish to do – what do you believe a PhD will bring to you?
The PhD application journey
The application journey generally consists of several phases:
- Exploring PhD opportunities
- Submitting your initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interviews
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Decisions regarding funding
Interviews usually emphasize your motivations, comprehension of the project, previous research experiences, and your approach to challenges. When gearing up for interviews, I revisited my application, perused relevant literature, and contemplated my experiences to convey them with clarity and confidence.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a suitable project involves understanding what research excites you, which environment suits you best, and the skills you wish to develop. Some resources to discover your PhD include:
- University websites, such as Imperial’s, that showcase available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD platforms and job boards like FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and suggestions from professors or mentors
- Websites of funding organizations and doctoral training centers
My application experience may vary slightly from yours. I obtained funding from my home nation, which required me to locate a research group focusing on a project I was passionate about. I navigated the Imperial website, found directories of researchers and research groups at Imperial, reviewed their research descriptions, and explored their outputs.
While I was a Master’s student at Imperial searching for PhDs, I also consulted with lecturers about appropriate research groups. I identified my current project supervisor from a list shared by my MSc course leader.
The essential strategy is to engage with everyone and gather as much insight as possible. I know a fellow PhD candidate who discovered their project by conversing with a stranger in a pub, who then connected them with their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you’re not funding it yourself, there are numerous PhD funding avenues to explore, including:
- Completely funded PhD projects offered by supervisors
- Studentships from UK Research Councils