Written by Shayma, PhD in Genomic Medicine
Embarking on a PhD application can feel daunting, yet with appropriate guidance, it can transform into an enjoyable and seamless experience that aids in defining your objectives and interests. Below is a comprehensive guide to locating a suitable PhD, informed by my personal journey of discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD program at Imperial.
Reasons to pursue a PhD
Prior to initiating your PhD search, it’s essential to reflect on why you wish to obtain one. A PhD demands a significant commitment, and it’s vital to ensure it corresponds with your aspirations and interests. It equips you to become an autonomous researcher, a competency I deem fundamental for my professional ambitions.
In addition to the technical training, I was drawn to the academic freedom and creativity that comes with research. My enthusiasm for science would be curtailed if I were engaged in areas that didn’t interest me, which is why I opted for a PhD topic that genuinely intrigued me. The ability to steer my project is a significant advantage and one of my preferred elements of pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I recommend creating a pros and cons list regarding the pursuit of a PhD prior to starting your search to confirm that it is something you genuinely wish to chase—what do you believe a PhD can provide for you?
The PhD application journey
The application journey typically encompasses several phases:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting the preliminary application
- Creating a shortlist
- Interviews
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Making funding decisions
Interviews often center around your motivations, comprehension of the project, previous research experience, and your approach to challenges. In my interview preparation, I revisited my application, explored pertinent literature, and contemplated my experiences to convey them effectively and confidently.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project entails recognizing what research sparks your interest, the environment in which you flourish, and the skills you’d like to develop. Some resources for finding your PhD include:
- University websites such as Imperial’s—search for specific departmental pages listing available PhD opportunities
- Centralized PhD directories and job boards like FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and advice from lecturers or supervisors
- Websites of funding organizations and doctoral training centers
My application experience may differ somewhat from yours. For my PhD, I received funding from my home nation, which required me to identify a research group focused on a project that captured my interest. I navigated the Imperial website, found directories of researchers and research groups at Imperial, reviewed their research descriptions, and examined their outputs.
While pursuing my Master’s at Imperial and looking for PhD opportunities, I also consulted my lecturers about research groups they believed would align with my interests. I discovered my current project supervisor through a list of research groups provided by my MSc course leader.
The crucial element is to engage with as many people as possible and collect a substantial amount of input. I know a fellow PhD student who found their project by conversing with a stranger at a pub who subsequently introduced them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you are not self-funded, there are numerous <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/postgraduate-doctoral/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" aria