Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
Pursuing a PhD may seem daunting, yet with the right support, it can transform into a seamless and thrilling experience, aiding in the clarification of your aspirations and passions. This is a guide inspired by my journey of discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
What motivates the pursuit of a PhD?
Before embarking on your search for a PhD, it’s vital to comprehend your reasons for wanting one. A PhD represents a significant commitment, so it must resonate with your ambitions and interests. It equips you with the training to emerge as an independent researcher, a competency I deem crucial for my professional journey.
In addition to the technical training, the allure of creative freedom and research opportunities within academia captivated me. My enthusiasm for science would diminish if I engaged in mundane topics, so I selected a PhD project that genuinely piqued my interest. The autonomy in steering my project is a considerable advantage and one of my favorite elements of pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may appear, I advise crafting a pros and cons list regarding the pursuit of a PhD to ascertain it is genuinely what you desire—what benefits do you anticipate a PhD will bring you?
The PhD application journey
The application journey typically encompasses several phases:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting the initial application
- Shortlisting
- Interview(s)
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Funding decisions
Interviews generally concentrate on your motivations, comprehension of the project, prior research experiences, and your approach to challenges. In preparation for interviews, I revisited my application, perused relevant literature, and contemplated my experiences to articulate them clearly and with confidence.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project entails discerning what research excites you, the environment in which you excel, and the skills you aim to acquire. Some resources for discovering your PhD include:
- University websites, such as Imperial’s—explore department pages for available PhD opportunities
- Centralized PhD portals and job boards like FindAPhD
- Research group and supervisor webpages
- Academic networks and recommendations from instructors or supervisors
- Funding organizations and doctoral training center websites
My application process may not mirror yours. I secured funding from my home country, so I had to locate a research group with an engaging project. I navigated through the Imperial website, identified researchers and groups at Imperial, reviewed their research descriptions, and analyzed their outputs.
As a Master’s student at Imperial, I also sought advice from lecturers regarding appropriate research groups. I identified my current project supervisor from a list provided by my MSc course leader.
The essence is to engage with everyone and gather as much insight as possible. I know a fellow PhD student who discovered their project through a serendipitous chat with a stranger in a bar, which led to their current principal investigator and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you’re not self-financed, numerous PhD funding alternatives are available, including:
- Fully-funded PhD projects promoted by supervisors
- UK Research Council studentships
- External funding from research councils, charities, and industry
- Scholarships and fellowships dedicated to particular backgrounds or research fields
- Grants and loans
Gaining an understanding of funding deadlines and eligibility criteria early on is vital, as these often differ from project application deadlines.
Imperial provides a variety of funding schemes to investigate, but many are fiercely competitive, making it essential to align your application with the priorities of the funder.
Pursuing a PhD after completing a Master’s at Imperial
For students already enrolled at Imperial, transitioning to a PhD can be an intriguing opportunity, allowing for a continuation of research.