Composed by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
Embarking on a PhD application journey might appear daunting, yet with the right support, it can transform into a seamless and even exhilarating venture that enhances your understanding of your aspirations and passions. Here’s a general overview for discovering a PhD that fits your needs, inspired by my own experiences in locating, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
What motivates one to pursue a PhD?
Before commencing your search for a PhD, it’s vital to clarify your reasons for wanting to undertake one. A PhD entails a considerable commitment, so aligning it with your ambitions and passions is crucial. It equips you with the skills needed to become an independent researcher, a capability that I deem essential for my desired career path.
Aside from the technical expertise, I was drawn to the creative freedom and exploration that academia provides. My enthusiasm for science diminishes when engaged in subjects I find uninteresting, so I opted for a PhD project that genuinely captured my curiosity. The ability to direct my research is a significant benefit and one of my most cherished elements of pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I suggest creating a pros and cons list concerning your intention to pursue a PhD before diving into your search to confirm it’s truly what you wish to undertake – what do you envision a PhD will offer you?
The PhD application procedure
The application method typically consists of several steps:
- Identifying a PhD
- Submitting the initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interviews
- Conditional or formal offer letters
- Funding determinations
Interviews frequently center on your reasons for applying, your comprehension of the project, your previous research background, and your approach to overcoming obstacles. As I prepared for interviews, I revisited my application, reviewed relevant literature, and contemplated my experiences to convey them with clarity and confidence.
Locating a PhD
Finding a project necessitates recognizing what types of research excite you, the environment in which you perform best, and the skills you aspire to acquire from the PhD. Some resources for discovering your PhD include:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – explore specific departmental pages for available PhD opportunities
- Centrally managed PhD portals and job boards such as FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic circles and referrals from lecturers or supervisors
- Websites of funding organizations and doctoral training centers
My application journey might vary somewhat from yours. For my PhD, I secured funding from my home country, necessitating my search for a research group engaged in a project that fascinated me. I navigated the Imperial website, discovered lists of researchers and research groups, studied their research descriptions, and examined their outputs.
As a Master’s student at Imperial while I explored PhD options, I also consulted my lecturers regarding suitable research groups. I identified my current project supervisor through a list of research groups provided by my MSc course leader.
The essential strategy is to engage with EVERYONE and collect as much feedback as you can. I know a fellow PhD candidate who discovered their project through a conversation with a stranger in a pub, leading them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you’re not self-financed, there are numerous <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/postgraduate-doctoral/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" aria-label="https://