Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
The process of applying for a PhD can feel daunting, but with the proper support, it can be an enjoyable and seamless experience, allowing you to gain clarity on your aspirations and areas of interest. Here is a guide for locating a PhD that fits you, drawn from my own journey of identifying, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Reasons to pursue a PhD
Before you begin the search for a PhD, it’s important to clarify your motivation for pursuing one. A PhD represents a significant commitment, and ensuring it corresponds with your objectives and interests is essential. It equips you with skills to become an independent researcher, which is crucial for my desired career path.
Aside from technical training, I was drawn to the autonomy and innovative potential that academia presents. My enthusiasm for science diminishes when I engage in subjects that don’t capture my interest, which is why I selected a PhD project that genuinely captivated me. The ability to steer my own project is a major benefit and one of the most rewarding elements of undertaking a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I recommend creating a list of advantages and disadvantages associated with pursuing a PhD before embarking on your search—what do you believe a PhD will offer you?
The PhD application procedure
The application journey generally encompasses several phases:
- Searching for a suitable PhD
- Submitting initial applications
- Shortlisting candidates
- Conducting interviews
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Deciding on funding
Interviews typically concentrate on your motivation, comprehension of the project, previous research experience, and your approach to handling obstacles. In preparation for interviews, I revisited my application, engaged with pertinent literature, and reflected on my experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project requires recognizing what research inspires you, the environment where you excel, and the competencies you aspire to acquire. Some resources for discovering your PhD include:
- University websites, like that of Imperial – review department pages for available PhD opportunities
- Centralized PhD portals and job listings such as FindAPhD
- Research group and supervisor web pages
- Academic networks and referrals from instructors or supervisors
- Websites of funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My application process may vary somewhat from yours. I secured funding from my home nation, requiring me to locate a research group engaged in a project that piqued my interest. I explored the Imperial website, discovered listings of researchers and research groups at Imperial, reviewed their research summaries, and investigated their outputs.
While I was a Master’s student at Imperial actively searching for PhDs, I also consulted lecturers regarding research groups that might align with my interests. I located my current project supervisor from a list provided by my MSc course leader.
The essential approach is to communicate with as many people as possible to gather diverse insights. I know a fellow PhD candidate who discovered their project through a conversation with a stranger in a bar, who put them in touch with their present principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you are not funding your studies independently, there are numerous financial options for PhDs to consider, including: