Written by Shayma, PhD in Genomic Medicine
The process of applying for a PhD may appear daunting, but with the right support, it can transform into a seamless and thrilling experience, allowing you to gain a clearer understanding of your aspirations and interests. Here’s a guide shaped by my personal journey of discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD position at Imperial.
Reasons to pursue a PhD
Before diving into the search for a PhD, it’s important to clarify your reasons for wanting one. A PhD signifies a long-term commitment, so it’s essential to ensure it resonates with your aims and passions. It equips you with the ability to conduct independent research, a crucial skill for my intended profession.
More than just technical training, I was drawn to the autonomy and imaginative possibilities that academia provides. My fervor for science would diminish if I were engaged in dull topics or experiments; thus, I opted for a PhD project that genuinely captivated my interest. The ability to guide my project is a notable benefit and one of my preferred aspects of pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I recommend creating a list of pros and cons about undertaking a PhD before embarking on your search to confirm it’s something you genuinely desire—what do you envision a PhD will deliver for you?
The PhD application procedure
The application procedure typically encompasses several steps:
- Look for a PhD
- Submit initial application
- Shortlist candidates
- Conduct interview(s)
- Receive conditional or formal offers
- Finalize funding decisions
Interviews usually center around your reasons for applying, your comprehension of the project, your previous research background, and your approach towards overcoming challenges. In preparing for interviews, I reviewed my application, perused relevant literature, and contemplated my past experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently.
Locating a PhD
Discovering a project entails recognizing what research excites you, the environment in which you flourish, and the skills you wish to acquire. Some resources for discovering your PhD include:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – search for specific departmental pages that list open PhD opportunities
- Centralized PhD portals and job boards like FindAPhD
- Research group and supervisor webpages
- Academic networks and recommendations from professors or supervisors
- Websites of funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My application experience may vary from yours. For my PhD, I secured funding from my home country, necessitating that I locate a research group engaged in a project that piqued my interest. I browsed the Imperial website, identified researchers and research groups at Imperial, read about their research, and examined their research outputs.
As a Master’s student at Imperial during my PhD search, I also consulted my lecturers about research groups they believed would align with my interests. I discovered my current project supervisor from a compilation of research groups provided by my MSc course leader.
The essential approach is to communicate with EVERYONE and gather as much information as you can. I know another PhD student who found their project through a chance conversation with a stranger at a pub, who then connected them with their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Securing funding for your PhD
If you’re not funding yourself, there are numerous <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/postgraduate-doctoral/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" aria-label="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/st