Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
The process of applying for a PhD may appear daunting and time-consuming. Nonetheless, with the right support, it can turn into a seamless and even exciting journey, enhancing your understanding of your aspirations and passions. Here’s a general overview to help you find a PhD that fits your needs, drawn from my own experiences in locating, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Reasons to pursue a PhD
Prior to embarking on your PhD search, clarify your motivations for wanting one. Committing to a PhD is significant, and it’s important that it aligns with your objectives and interests. It offers training necessary for becoming a self-sufficient researcher, which is vital for the career path I wish to follow.
In addition to the technical training, I was drawn to the creative freedom and flexibility that academia provides. If I were to work on topics and experiments that I found uninteresting, my enthusiasm for science would diminish, so I opted for a PhD project that genuinely intrigued me. The autonomy to steer my project is a considerable advantage and one of the highlights of pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I recommend creating a pros and cons list regarding undertaking a PhD before initiating your search to ensure it’s a pursuit you genuinely desire – what do you believe a PhD will yield for you?
The PhD application procedure
The application process typically consists of several steps:
- Locating a PhD
- Submitting the initial application
- Creating a shortlist
- Participating in interviews
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Making funding decisions
Interviews often center on your reasons for applying, your comprehension of the project, your previous research experiences, and your approach to challenges. In preparing for interviews, I reviewed my application, studied relevant literature, and reflected on my experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a suitable project begins with discerning what type of research motivates you, what environment works best for you, and the skills you hope to acquire during the PhD. Some resources for locating your PhD include:
- University websites, such as Imperial’s – search for dedicated department pages featuring available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD platforms and job boards like FindAPhD
- Websites of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and referrals from instructors or supervisors
- Websites of funding organizations and doctoral training centers
My application journey may vary slightly from yours. For my PhD, I obtained funding from my home country, thus I needed to identify a research group engaged in a project of interest. I probed the Imperial website, discovered lists of researchers and research teams at Imperial, reviewed descriptions of their research, and surveyed their research outputs.
While I was a Master’s student at Imperial searching for PhDs, I also consulted my lecturers about which research groups would be appropriate for me. I discovered my current project supervisor from a list of research groups provided by my MSc course leader.
The crucial element is to communicate with EVERYONE and gather as much information as you can. I know a fellow PhD candidate who found their project through an exchange with a stranger in a pub, who linked them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you’re not financing it yourself, there are numerous <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/postgraduate-doctor