Written by Shayma, PhD in Genomic Medicine
Applying for a PhD can feel daunting, but with the right support, it can transform into a seamless and thrilling adventure that enables you to refine your goals and interests. Here’s an overview grounded in my experiences of locating, choosing, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Why obtain a PhD?
Before embarking on your PhD search, reflect on your motivations for pursuing this path. A PhD requires a significant commitment, so it is vital that it resonates with your objectives and passions. It provides an opportunity to develop into an independent researcher, a competence I consider crucial for my career goals.
In addition to the technical training, the academic realm captivated me due to its research autonomy and innovative spirit. My enthusiasm for science would diminish if I engaged in mundane topics, which is why I opted for a PhD project that genuinely sparked my curiosity. The freedom to direct my project is a significant benefit and one of my preferred elements of undertaking a PhD.
As straightforward as it may appear, I advise creating a pros and cons list regarding pursuing a PhD before initiating your search to confirm it’s what you genuinely desire. What do you anticipate a PhD will provide you?
The PhD application procedure
The application process generally includes multiple phases:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting the initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interview(s)
- Conditional or formal offers
- Decisions on funding
Interviews frequently emphasize your motivations, grasp of the project, previous research experience, and your approach to overcoming challenges. In preparing for interviews, I revisited my application materials, perused pertinent literature, and reflected on my experiences to articulate them confidently and clearly.
Locating a PhD
Discovering a project necessitates comprehending what research motivates you, the environment in which you excel, and the skills you aim to acquire. Methods for finding your PhD include:
- University websites, such as Imperial’s – review departmental pages for available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD portals and job boards like FindAPhD
- Research group and supervisor websites
- Academic networks and suggestions from professors or supervisors
- Websites of funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My application path may differ from yours. I secured funding from my home nation, hence I needed to identify a research group engaged in a relevant project. I scoured the Imperial website, uncovered lists of researchers and research groups at Imperial, examined their research profiles, and looked into their outputs.
During my Master’s studies at Imperial, I also sought advice from lecturers regarding suitable research groups. I discovered my current project supervisor through a list supplied by my MSc course leader.
The key is to converse with as many people as possible and collect extensive input. I know a fellow PhD candidate who discovered their project by chatting with a stranger in a pub who introduced them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you are not self-funding, investigate a variety of PhD funding opportunities, such as:
- Fully-funded PhD projects announced by supervisors