Written by Shayma, PhD in Genomic Medicine
The process of applying for a PhD may appear daunting, yet with the right support, it can transform into an enjoyable and enlightening experience that helps to define your aspirations and interests. This guide is built on my own journey of discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
What motivates the pursuit of a PhD?
Prior to embarking on your PhD exploration, it’s crucial to identify your motivations for wanting to pursue it. A PhD represents a considerable commitment, so it’s vital that it resonates with your objectives and interests. It offers the training necessary to evolve into an independent researcher, a capability I find indispensable for my career goals.
Aside from the technical training, I was drawn to the liberty and innovation that academia provides in research. My enthusiasm for science would diminish if I engaged with uninteresting subjects, so I opted for a PhD project that genuinely sparked my curiosity. The freedom to guide my research is a significant benefit and one of the aspects I appreciate most about pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I recommend creating a pros and cons list regarding your decision to undertake a PhD before starting your search to ensure it is something you genuinely wish to pursue. What are your expectations for what a PhD will offer?
The PhD application journey
The application journey generally comprises several steps:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submission of the initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interview(s)
- Conditional or formal admissions offers
- Funding outcomes
Interviews typically center around your motivations, comprehension of the project, previous research experiences, and your approach to overcoming challenges. In preparation for interviews, I reviewed my application, perused relevant literature, and contemplated my experiences to articulate them with clarity and confidence.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project necessitates understanding what research invigorates you, the environment in which you flourish, and the skills you aspire to acquire. Some resources for discovering your PhD include:
- University websites, such as those of Imperial, which feature listings of available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD directories and job boards like FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and referrals from lecturers or supervisors
- Websites of funding organizations and doctoral training centers
My approach may vary from yours. As I secured funding from my home country, it was essential for me to find a research group with a compelling project. I navigated the Imperial website, identified lists of researchers and groups, reviewed their research summaries, and examined their outputs.
During my Master’s studies at Imperial, I also sought advice from my lecturers regarding suitable research teams. I discovered my current project supervisor from a list shared by my MSc course leader.
The essence is to engage with as many people as possible to collect a wealth of insights. I know a fellow PhD student who uncovered their project by conversing with a stranger in a pub who introduced them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you’re not self-financed, there are various PhD funding avenues to investigate, such as:
- Fully-funded PhD projects posted by supervisors
- Studentships from the UK Research Council
- External funding from research councils, charities, and