PhD The Early Process, Application and Interview advice

Hello,

PhD advise seems to be a common thread amongst the TSR postgrad community. This thread provides an insight into the early and later PhD application process.

Warning! This is not a definative guide by is aimed to be added to with other peoples advise.

Mod edit: this post has also been added to the TSR wiki, and expanded upon. It can be found at: PhD Courses: Tips and Advice for Making your Application. Many thanks to Epoch for his hard work!

Reasons for doing a PhD

Everyone has thier own reasons for doing a PhD but serveral things are considered a must

1) Commitment and an eye for detail
2) Intelligence (not merely high grades but a willingness to learn etc)
3) Independance
4)Aspiration
5) Passion for your subject

Keep these in your mind during the application process and interviews!

Applying for a PhD

First things first think about what you want to do, the subject your intrested in and make a list of ideas. A good person to seek early is your supervisor if still at uni. They should stear you in the right direction and give you sound advise. But be warned some academics an be out to curtail your plans before you start and are best ignored!

Ok now to start looking for your subject area. A great place to start is

www.findaphd.com

This list all current phd courses in all subjects and is a great place to see whos offering what. Then start looking for department specific websites this is where there are detailed PhD listings. Remember PhD details will be released at different times so contact the postgraduate admissions tutor.

Fear not! if your subject of choice is not there then contact the academic staff directly with your C.V and a letter detailing you situation and intrests. This is a good way to get first hand advise and also a way of testing the water some what regarding your credentials

At this point make sure you know the funding situation of the PhD as this will dictate much of the application process. You can be awarded a PhD place with no funding which is very difficult to pursue.

As a rule in house school scholarships are very hard to get so projects which are specifically funded are worth finding.

The C.V

Now you have found your course or have a contact in the department of your choosing sit down and get that C.V in order. For PhD places an academic C.V is often needed. This is a posh term for a detailed subject break down of your undergrad and postgrad (if any) degrees so far. Include any relevant experience relating to the project and do not be afriad to tailor a C.V for an individual PhD. It helps to be affilitated with a academic society as this shows that you are serious and implies that you are well read (May be!).
This keeps cropping up in discussions and I would like to help provide a guide line about what to expect as I have been through a few already!

Good C.V links
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/downloads/documents/prospects/IDD/Special%20Interests%20Series/CVs/2007/Academic%20CV%20updated%20version.pdf

http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/humanresources/jobsintro/apply/cv/

http://www.jobs.ac.uk/careers/articles/1220/Academic_CV_Building_Where_to_Start

Coverng letter and Online applications

The covering letter may not be asked for as of the variety of submission processes that each university may imply. Make it concise why have you chose this PhD and what makes it suited to your skills. Do not try to answer the question just outline why you want this place and your qualifications and where you currently study/work.

Online applications are slightly more difficult in that more specific details need to be employed. However if you have a good C.V then it becomes easier to fill in. Personal statements for PhD need to be academically focused as well as social.

DONT forget your references

Remember to ask academic staff which know you and are not just associated with the subject. From this they want to know whether you are hard working, commited and shown intrest in the subject before. Pick your references carefully as they have possibly the most say in the early PhD selection process

The research proposal
This is where I need help and addition advise would be greatly accepted! I did not have write a long one alot of science subjects do not need one at all but arts most likely do. Consultation with the supervisior of the PhD is paramount in my experience.

Now you wait and hope for the dreaded interview.............

The Interview
This is not a definative guide and it would be good for other people to contrbute there experiences and opinions on the matter

The "formal" interview and Interview styles

The interview can take two different paths the first often an informal chat with the supervisior where the project is discussed generally

The second is usually a board of people usually 3 to 5 which ask questions. As far as I know Oxbridge is different in this respect they seem to have a series individual interviews.

What to expect

The first question in most interviews seems to be "Why do you want to do a PhD and what has brought you to this position so far ?"

What follows is a series of questions that is designed to test your knowlegde of the basic aspects of the programme. What it entails and what contibution is expected. The project supervisor will want to know specifics the other will want to see how you delt with the question.

During my interview they seemed to want to see my past work, e.g dissertation etc. but they would never ask directly. It is a good idea to have the work prepared and key places marked. Make sure you know the work in depth and be prepared to ask answer any questions on it.

Usually if the PhD involves a studentship or is funded by an outside body they will have a representative. They will assess how you present youself and will probably want to hear how the project is likely to benefit the company or the University.

The interview panel want you to express a wider knowledge. It is key you have read reccomended references and understood them as it will just help your case. Also find out what is cutting edge at the moment and bring with you or make a typed sheet with problems you might want to tackle during the PhD

Remember that you do not want to answer the PhD title but you are aware of lines of evidence that you might want to pursue.

Presentations

Be confident and speak fluently. Made the audience know you are confident (even though you might not feel like it)

Focus on your research unless asked not to and relate this to the project. Essentially what can you bring to the table?

Have it practiced and timed. Draw together on a concluding slide and expect questions

You and yourself!

At the interview they want to see that your motivated to do the project and prepared.

Be confident and don't be afriad to say "I don't know".

Wear something smart. I know some places are not to fussy but it never harmed any one to look smart on interview

Try not to be nervous!

Again each institution has its own style and i would like to open a thread to disscuss the possiblities.

!!!!Sorry about the poor spelling!!!!

Reply 20

RadioElectric

2

A piece of general advice: In a situation where you're not being interviewed by your prospective supervisor, or you're being interviewed by a large panel (usually funding-related), you'd do well to try to meet the supervisor earlier in the day for an informal chat. The benefits are threefold:
1) Make a positive impression on the prospective supervisor as somebody they'd like to work with.
2) You'll get a better understanding of the working environment within the research group (if it's lab-based then a tour might be involved).
3) The supervisor will very likely explain a lot more about the research project (or the research interests of the department in the case of proposals you have made) than you will have been able to surmise from the advertisement. This kind of "insider information" can really help when it comes to the interview proper.

apotoftea

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).

Reply 21

apotoftea

19

RadioElectric

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.

Yup, totally agree with you on this one (and it's something the people that interviewed me last week said too) - I find it really strange that the rest of my applications are done without even meeting me! Just because someone's academically brilliant on paper doesn't necessarily mean they're the best all round and vice versa. But alas, that's how it is :frown:

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).

Think it helps for people who arn't 'in the know' to realise just how different different subjects are dealt with.

Reply 22

Cirsium

19

apotoftea

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

But Mathematics isn't an Art? :s-smilie:

Reply 23

apotoftea

19

Bekaboo

But Mathematics isn't an Art? :s-smilie:

Who's applying for Mathematics? :s-smilie:

My reply was to radioelectric as they've got experience of not knowing people not to be interviewed etc.

Reply 24

ArchetypalWonderland

_Ravi_

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.

I'm incredibly compelled to correct grammatical mistakes in this sentence. :frown:

Reply 25

Cirsium

19

apotoftea

Who's applying for Mathematics? :s-smilie:

My reply was to radioelectric as they've got experience of not knowing people not to be interviewed etc.

FeelingForSnow

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?

apotoftea

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

FeelingForSnow is applying for Maths.

Reply 26

apotoftea

19

Bekaboo

FeelingForSnow is applying for Maths.

I had no idea they were applying for Maths given there's no mention of it :wink:

And my Arts comment was still purely in ref to radioelectric :smile:

Reply 27

RespectAll

I'm not sure if I am posting in the right place, but I just received a letter from a university that I applied for an advertised fully funded studentship, asking me to come for an interview. The problem is I can't find the Phd description online (it has expired on jobs.ac.uk, where I originally saw it) and there is nothing on the website, it seems like it has been taken off. Normally I would have saved it but I wasn't really expecting an interview. I am in a dilemma now as I don't know what to do, as I have to do a five minute presentation too on the day explaining why I would like to do this particular phD. Do you think its ok if I email them back asking if they could send me the PhD description etc?

Reply 28

Cirsium

19

Should be fine - chances are it's an admin person who's emailed you anyway rather than the interview panel right? Just explain that the advert you had has been taken down and "you want to make sure you can tailor your talk to the specifics of the post" or something

Reply 29

RespectAll

Bekaboo, thanks.

Reply 30

RespectAll

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?

Reply 31

FeelingForSnow

RadioElectric

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. :wink:

Thanks, for your reply. Still havent heard from Aberdeen and so far Ive got 2 PhD offers and for both i have to do interviews.

So, guess i was right about Aberdeen :yep:

I am doing sciences, mathematics.
Well...bye bye Aberdeen!!! Not a big deal :biggrin:

Reply 32

RespectAll

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?

Bump. Anyone?

Reply 33

amandabanana

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!

Reply 34

RespectAll

amandabanana

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!

Thank you. I've had mine, and it went well :smile:

Reply 35

amy818

Hello guys

I am going to be doing a PhD in Sept 2010. I have scholarship offers for Nottingham, Lancaster, Bath uni (and waiting for KCL reply) for PhD in Business and Marketing.. not sure which to pick!!!

I have been in Nottingham for my undergrad and masters, do you think moving away from Nott is best so i have experience of other uni as i do feel loyal towards them and i know the supervisors are great (which i think is v important whilst doing PhD). Went to visit Lancaster, it felt a bit secluded and a bit dated, uni and the city. I have yet to visit Bath and KCL.

Which do you think is best, in respect to doctoral studies, city/ social life, or uni etc any ideas?

Thanks

Reply 36

RadioElectric

2

amy818

x

You should visit those other universities. I'll say that it's usually best to move away from your undergraduate university as it shows that you're more independent. :smile:

Reply 37

elsiglo

I've got onto a funded PhD at Queen's University Belfast, only problem is that I'm not British (from the Republic) so I only have my fees covered, which is better than nothing I suppose.
I've applied for funding in the Republic etc... but does anybody know of any funding opportunities in the UK for Irish students or loans that I might be able to get from a bank in the UK?
All help is appreciated!

Reply 38

asm1986

I have just received two offers from Queen's University Belfast and Bristol University.
In my experience I have found that using findaphd.com is better as a rough guide to finding the research areas of the Universities, then I just went onto the University website and went straight to the source to find the funded PhD's.
My offer from Queen's came without an interview but I went over for an informal chat about the course and to meet the supervisors, Bristol Uni gave me an informal interview where I was offered the funding unconditionally halfway through after speaking to the current students.

Reply 39

Sjd73

Evening all,

I've been accepted onto a number of law PhDs (Cambridge, Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh) starting in September but I'm yet to make a final decision on my destination. My question is, how much do you think the institution you attend matters? My tutors at Cambridge seem to think that, if I don't want to stay at Cam, Oxford is clearly the best place to go. In some respects I see their point, but I always thought that when it came to research, faculty reputations could be somewhat disgarded. Is the case different when it comes to Oxbridge?

PhD The Early Process, Application and Interview advice

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