Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
Pursuing a PhD may appear daunting, yet with appropriate direction, it can transform into an enjoyable and seamless experience, aiding you in refining your ambitions and preferences. Here’s a guide derived from my journey of discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
What motivates the pursuit of a PhD?
Prior to embarking on a PhD search, it’s essential to comprehend your motivations for pursuing one. A PhD signifies a significant commitment and should resonate with your aspirations and passions. It equips you with the skills to become an autonomous researcher, which I deem vital for my career goals.
I was drawn to the freedom and creativity that research in academia offers. My enthusiasm for science would diminish if I focused on subjects that didn’t inspire me, so I opted for a PhD project that I genuinely found engaging. The autonomy to steer my research is a significant advantage and one of the highlights of embarking on a PhD.
Create a pros and cons list regarding undertaking a PhD to ensure it’s the appropriate decision for you. Take into account what you would gain from a PhD.
The application pathway for a PhD
The pathway to application typically entails several steps:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting an initial application
- Shortlisting
- Interview(s)
- Receiving conditional or official offers
- Making decisions on funding
Interviews often center on your motivations, comprehension of the project, previous research experiences, and methods for tackling challenges. I prepared by reviewing my application, reading up on relevant literature, and contemplating my experiences to confidently articulate them during interviews.
Locating a PhD
Initially, identify the research that ignites your enthusiasm, the working environment you excel in, and the skills you desire to acquire. Resources for finding a PhD include:
- University websites, such as Imperial’s, which list available PhD opportunities
- Centrally managed PhD portals and job boards like FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and recommendations from professors or mentors
- Websites from funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My journey was somewhat different as I obtained funding from my home nation, necessitating the identification of a research group with an intriguing project. I navigated the Imperial website, delved into research groups, and reviewed their outputs.
As a Master’s pupil at Imperial, I also engaged with lecturers about suitable research groups. I discovered my current supervisor from a list shared by my MSc course leader.
Engage with everyone and collect as much feedback as you can. I know a fellow PhD student who stumbled upon their project through a serendipitous meeting in a pub.
Funding your PhD
If you are not self-funding, investigate a variety of PhD funding alternatives, including:
- Fully-funded PhD projects advertised by supervisors
- Studentships from UK Research Council
- External funding from research councils, charitable organizations, and industry
- Scholarships and fellowships aimed at specific demographics or research fields
- Grants and loans
Grasping funding deadlines and eligibility criteria at the outset is critical since they often differ from project application deadlines.
Imperial provides several funding options, although many are fiercely competitive, so tailor your application to align with the priorities of the funder.
Pursuing a PhD after completing a Master’s at Imperial
For students at Imperial, continuing to a PhD