Have you been thinking about completing a PhD?
Would you like to learn more about how to choose the course which is best suited for you? In the following article, we shall look at how to find the right PhD and how to apply for it.
You may choose to complete a PhD for a wide range of reasons: becoming an expert in your field, improving your career prospects and expanding your network just to mention a few. Your studies will provide you with the opportunity to become part of a closely-knit academic community and to dive deep into your area of interest. However, it can be a challenging journey.
Applying for a PhD comes with research.
You will need to make sure that you choose the university, the course and the supervisor which are best aligned with your aspirations. Universities may release some PhD topics which you need to explore prior to applying. You would also need to research who your supervisors would be. It is essential that you are aware of the structure of the course, and available scholarships, as well as consider the costs of studying. Once you have found the right PhD, you can move on to the application process and get in touch with your potential supervisor(s).
Research
Many people spend time thinking about completing their doctoral studies however they put off applying. They fear rejection and making the wrong decisions. They worry that they will start the course however they will not be able to complete it. They are concerned about the costs of living and studying.
Spending some time researching courses will help you to be more clear about what you want. Finding the right course is like putting together a puzzle. To start with, you will need to explore the following:
- the university (location, rankings)
- the structure of the course
- mode of delivery (face-to-face/ online)
- admissions criteria
- supervision topics and available supervisors
- scholarships and funding options, tuition fees
The more time you can devote to research, the more likely you are to find the right course. You could investigate reviews and rankings of your preferred university. You could talk to friends and colleagues who have recently completed academic study. Some universities will encourage you to have conversations with their alumni and find out about their experiences. You might want to talk to an admissions representative to clarify any questions about the admissions criteria. Most universities offer open days for potential candidates. You will be able to meet current students, supervisors and other applicants, as well as learn about what facilities the university offers.
You could start by searching jobs.ac.uk
Networking
Throughout your previous academic studies, you have met other university students, academic supervisors, tutors and you may have made some connections via social media. You might find it helpful to reach out to some of these individuals asking for recommendations and to help you choose your topic, university and your course.
Reflect
For many people, studying is similar to making a form of investment. Before embarking on a new course, it is wise to think about what you will gain from your education and what you need to put in. You might be prompted to study in order to further develop your professional skills or receive a promotion. You might want to change your career direction and feel that this is now the best time to dig deeper in your new field.
Set some time aside and find a comfortable place where you will not be disturbed and jot down your answers to the following questions:
- What is your motivation for completing doctorate studies?
- Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years’ time?
- What is the subject area you like reading about most?
- What are some of your key strengths?
- What is your Plan A (in the event that you get accepted to a PhD)?
- What is your Plan B (in the event that you do not get accepted to any PhD courses)
Diversify
Many applicants think that they are not supposed to express interest in several courses. It is a good idea not to put all your eggs in one basket. If you concentrate all your efforts in one specific area (one course only), you may easily end up disappointed. You could apply to different universities around the country, as opposed to focusing on one specific geographical area.
Get in touch with supervisors
It is essential that you carefully explore potential universities and supervisors prior to submitting your application. Do start with researching potential supervisors whose research expertise aligns with your interest. Some doctorate supervisors prefer communicating with PhD candidates prior to seeing their applications while others like to get to know candidates once their applications are received. You may try to reach out to your preferred supervisor(s) to introduce yourself. However, if you do not receive a response, please do not get disheartened. Academics tend to have a busy schedule which includes presenting at overseas conferences, publishing articles, researching and teaching.
What to look for in a supervisor?
Your supervisor would need to have good knowledge of your research topic. The best supervisors have strong listening skills, and they genuinely care about your academic progression. They are happy to provide with you with lots of guidance and signpost you to resources. Ideally, you would find it easy to establish rapport with them. You should find them approachable and friendly. They would have the capacity to meet you either face-to-face or online (or both) and keep in touch via e-mail in between the meetings. They need to be able to provide you with constructive criticism and feedback. Your supervisor should have some previous experience in supervising other university students. If going through some challenging times while completing your doctorate, it would be helpful if you could share some of these with your supervisor. Completing a doctorate is an investment of your time, energy and resources. From time to time, most students tend to reach a stage when their motivation dwindles. Your supervisor should be able to inspire you and help you move forward.
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