Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
Embarking on a PhD program may appear daunting, but with the right support, it can be a fulfilling journey that clarifies your ambitions and passions. Here’s a guide drawn from my experience in scouting and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Why consider a PhD?
Clarify your motivations for pursuing a PhD before commencing your search. A PhD represents a substantial commitment and should correspond with your professional aspirations. It provides training to become an autonomous researcher, a competency I deem crucial for my career trajectory.
I was drawn to the liberty and inventiveness found in academia. My enthusiasm for science flourishes when I immerse myself in subjects I am passionate about, so I opted for a PhD project that I found truly compelling. The capacity to steer my own project is a significant benefit and one of my preferred elements of pursuing a PhD.
Think about creating a pros and cons list to determine if a PhD is the right path for you. What do you wish to achieve from it?
The PhD application journey
The journey typically consists of multiple phases:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting an initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interview(s)
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Decisions on funding
Interviews often delve into your motivations, understanding of the project, past research experiences, and your problem-solving techniques. I prepared by reviewing my application, reading pertinent literature, and contemplating my experiences to discuss with confidence.
Locating a PhD
Determine the research that excites you, the environment where you thrive, and the skills you wish to acquire. Helpful resources include:
- University websites, such as Imperial’s, for department-specific PhD offerings
- Centralized PhD portals like FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and suggestions from professors
- Websites of funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My approach might vary from yours. I received funding from my home nation, so I needed to locate a research group with an intriguing project. I navigated the Imperial website, assessed researcher profiles, and scrutinized their research outputs.
As a Master’s student at Imperial, I consulted faculty about appropriate research groups. I discovered my supervisor through a list provided by my MSc course leader.
Connect with everyone and gather as much feedback as possible. A fellow student discovered their project through a serendipitous chat in a pub, which led to a link with their present supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you are not self-financed, examine different PhD funding possibilities, including:
- Fully-funded PhD positions
- Studentships from UK Research Council
- External funding from research councils, charities, and industry
- Scholarships and fellowships for specific demographics or research fields
- Grants and loans
Familiarize yourself with funding deadlines and eligibility requirements early on, as they often differ from project application timelines.
Imperial presents various funding opportunities, but competition is fierce. Ensure your application aligns with the priorities of the funders.
Advancing to a PhD after a Master’s at Imperial
For current students at Imperial, moving to a PhD has its perks. You are accustomed to the academic setting and may have connections with prospective supervisors. This familiarity aided me in pinpointing suitable research groups and securing lecturer support.
Crafting a PhD application
Typically, PhD applications demand:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter or personal statement