Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
The process of applying for a PhD may appear daunting and protracted. Nevertheless, with the right support, it can transform into a smooth and even thrilling experience, allowing you to gain a clearer picture of your aims and passions. Here’s an outline based on my own journey of locating, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial that may assist you in finding one that fits you.
What motivates you to pursue a PhD?
Before diving into your PhD search, it’s important to consider your reasons for wanting one. A PhD represents a considerable commitment, and confirming it resonates with your aspirations and interests is vital. A PhD provides the training necessary to emerge as an independent researcher, which is crucial for the career path I intend to follow.
In addition to technical training, I was drawn to the autonomy and innovation that academia presents. My enthusiasm for science is limited if I am engaged in unexciting subject matter and performing experiments that don’t interest me, so I opted for a PhD project that genuinely captured my attention. The ability to guide my research is a significant advantage and among my favorite elements of pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I recommend drafting a pros and cons list regarding undertaking a PhD before you embark on your search to ensure it’s truly what you want – what benefits do you believe a PhD will bring you?
The PhD application journey
The application journey generally encompasses several phases:
- Finding a PhD
- Submitting the initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interview(s)
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Making funding decisions
Interviews usually revolve around your motivations for applying, your grasp of the project, your previous research background, and your approach to overcoming difficulties. In preparation for interviews, I revisited my application, perused relevant literature, and contemplated my experiences to discuss them with clarity and confidence.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project begins with discerning what type of research energizes you, what work environment you excel in, and what skills you hope to acquire through the PhD. Some resources to assist you in finding your PhD include:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – check specific department pages that list all available PhD opportunities
- Consolidated PhD platforms and job boards such as FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and referrals from lecturers or supervisors
- Websites of funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My experience in the application process may vary somewhat from yours. For my PhD, I obtained funding from my home country, so I needed to identify a research group engaged in a project that intrigued me. To accomplish this, I navigated through the Imperial website, discovered directories of researchers and research groups, read up on their research topics, and examined their research outputs.
Since I was already a Master’s student at Imperial while looking for PhDs, I also consulted my lecturers regarding which research groups they believed would be a good fit for me. I located my current project supervisor from a list of research groups provided by my MSc course leader.
The key is to engage with EVERYONE and amass as much insight as possible. I know a fellow PhD candidate who discovered their project through a chance encounter with a stranger in a pub who introduced them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Funding your PhD
If you’re not funding yourself, there are numerous <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/postgraduate