How to find a PhD

Hello guys! I would like to know the typical procedure of finding a PhD in the UK. In mainland Europe, normally, you go to the university websites, see the people, and send them an email asking if they are willing to accept PhD student. Sometimes, on university websites, there are advertised PhD projects, but a lot of times, the supervisors don't actually advertise them, and you have to send an email to ask.

I don't know how things work in the UK. Do you do the same thing? Or people only apply to the PhD opportunities advertised online?

Thank you in advance!

Hello guys! I would like to know the typical procedure of finding a PhD in the UK. In mainland Europe, normally, you go to the university websites, see the people, and send them an email asking if they are willing to accept PhD student. Sometimes, on university websites, there are advertised PhD projects, but a lot of times, the supervisors don't actually advertise them, and you have to send an email to ask.

I don't know how things work in the UK. Do you do the same thing? Or people only apply to the PhD opportunities advertised online?

Thank you in advance!

At least in the natural sciences, a large proportion of PhD projects (certainly those run through DTPs/CTDs) are advertised on findaphd.com, which is the first place I'd look. Note that most DTP/CTD projects will not be advertised until October-December. In my experience, lots of projects are also advertised on twitter networks (it's a bit of a rubbish time to be getting into twitter, but tons of PhDs are advertised there). You can email people directly, but I'd recommend looking at DTPs/CTDs first. They're usually more competitive, but funding is much more secure, there are lots of funded training opportunities, and you're part of a cohort which makes the PhD less lonely.

Thank you! Btw, what do "DTP" and "CTD" stand for?