PhD The Early Process, Application and Interview advice

Within the Arts, interviews are very few and far between.

That's honestly very surprising. It seems like a bit of a shame to me, as I think interviews are the best way to get a feel for whether somebody is suited to a position.

I think the two of us make a pretty good catalogue of the differences between arts and sciences PhDs (not sure whether you remember us talking about these differences before).

Within the Arts, interviews are very few and far between.

I would advise that the word 'advice' be spelt correctly, if planned to be used in any way or form (I'm referring to the title). ~By the way I'm a prick.

Who's applying for Mathematics? My reply was to radioelectric as they've got experience of not knowing people not to be interviewed etc.

Do all PhD's do interviews. i have received an email from Aberdeen saying that my application has been considered and I should receive a letter within 3 weeks - but i haven't had an invitation for interview. Does that mean I havent got a place?

PhD interviews are in the minority and tend to be linked to funding or studentships AFAIK. So I wouldn't worry just yet

Within the life sciences I've never known the application process for a PhD position to not involve an interview.



Could you be finding out in three weeks whether you've made it through to the interview stage? That sounds sensible in terms of my experience of PhD applications (and that of my friends).

I had a look at your profile to try and see what area you would be applying in. I didn't find out anything relevant, but I will say your LastFM box has informed me of your excellent taste in music.

I have to do a presentation on why I want to do the particular PhD. Has anyone done one on their proposal? What sort of things did you include?

Also, as this is a studentship advertised by the university, is it advisable now that I have an interview to get in touch with the supervisors for more information (informal), or will that be to my disadvantage, as I didn't show interest earlier before I was called, as I said earlier this was because I wasn't really expecting an interview?

I've done a presentation like this. I'm not sure which department you're in, so this advice might be way off. But for a Humanities proposal, I found that a "poster presentation" sort of outline can be handy.

If you can spend 30 seconds or so on acknowledgements, and another minute on the specifics of your project, that leaves you with the majority time to really hammer home the two most important things (in my opinion): what contribution you hope to give to the field, and why [insert uni name here] is the best launch pad to do that from.

The fact is that universities want to recruit research students who have the brightest possible futures. This means having a clear understanding of what has been done in your field (background), what you're hoping to do (method/framework), and most importantly, what this could mean in the larger picture (attention to the university, a breakthrough for you, a new angle on an old issue, etc.).

The second part to this is being able to show that you understand your place in the faculty. You should know the basics at this point, but if not, put together some background information on key members of faculty and their interests. If a method has been pioneered at that university and you want to use it, mention this. As much as you need to answer "Why me, as the student?" you should answer, "Why you, as the institution."

Best of luck getting through it!

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