Written by Shayma, PhD in Genomic Medicine
Applying for a PhD can feel daunting; however, with the right support, it can be a seamless and exhilarating experience, aiding you in defining your ambitions and interests. Below is a guide derived from my personal experience of locating, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Why follow the path to a PhD?
Before you embark on the search for a PhD, reflect on your motivations for pursuing it. A PhD requires a substantial commitment, so it’s important that it aligns with your aspirations and interests. It offers valuable training to become a self-sufficient researcher, a competency I consider crucial for my professional goals.
In addition to the technical training, I was drawn to the autonomy and imaginative possibilities that academia provides. My enthusiasm for science flourishes when I engage with subjects that captivate me, which led me to select a PhD project I was keen to delve into. The ability to shape my project is a significant advantage and one of the aspects I cherish most about pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I recommend creating a pros and cons list regarding pursuing a PhD before you commence your search, to ensure it’s a true pursuit for you. What do you anticipate a PhD will bring to your life?
The process of applying for a PhD
The application process usually consists of several phases:
- Locating a PhD
- Filing an initial application
- Creating a shortlist
- Conducting interviews
- Receiving either conditional or formal acceptance
- Deciding on funding
Interviews frequently concentrate on your motivations, comprehension of the project, previous research background, and problem-solving skills. As I prepared for my interviews, I revisited my application, reviewed pertinent literature, and contemplated my experiences to express them clearly and assuredly.
Locating a PhD
Finding a suitable project involves recognizing what research inspires you, the environment where you thrive, and the capabilities you wish to develop. Tools for discovering your PhD include:
- University websites, such as Imperial’s, where dedicated departmental pages list available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD platforms and job boards like FindAPhD
- Research group and supervisor profiles
- Academic networks and referrals from professors or supervisors
- Websites of funding organizations and doctoral training centers
My application experience may vary somewhat from yours. I obtained funding from my home country, so I had to locate a research group engaged in a project that intrigued me. I explored the Imperial website, discovered lists of researchers and research groups at Imperial, perused their research descriptions, and examined their outputs.
As a Master’s student at Imperial while searching for PhDs, I also engaged my lecturers regarding appropriate research groups. I identified my current project supervisor through a list provided by my MSc course leader.
The essential step is to converse with everyone and collect as much feedback as you can. I am aware of a fellow PhD student who uncovered their project by chatting with a stranger in a pub who introduced them to their existing principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you’re not funding your studies independently, there are numerous funding opportunities for PhDs to consider, including:
- Fully-funded PhD positions posted by supervisors
- Students from the UK Research Council