PhD study
As the highest degree level achievable at university, completing a PhD shows that you’ve made a meaningful new contribution to your chosen research field
PHDS AT A GLANCE
- Involves three or four years of full-time study, or up to seven part time.
- Typically undertaken after achieving a Masters degree.
- Can either be funded or self-funded.
- Assessed through a written thesis and oral exam.
- Many Doctoral graduates choose to pursue an academic or research career.
What is the meaning of PhD?
The term PhD or Doctorate of Philosophy is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase ‘philosophiae doctor’.
A PhD degree typically involves students independently conducting original and significant research in a specific field or subject, before producing a publication-worthy thesis.
While some Doctorates include taught components, PhD students are almost always assessed on the quality and originality of the argument presented in their independent research project.
How long is a PhD in the UK?
Full-time PhDs usually last for three or four years, while part-time PhDs can take up to six or seven. However, the thesis deadline can be extended by up to four years at the institution’s discretion. Indeed, many students who enrol on three-year PhDs only finish their thesis in their fourth year.
While most PhD studentships begin in September or October, both funded and self-funded PhDs can be undertaken at any point during the year.
If you’re planning on studying for a PhD abroad, take a look at our individual country profiles.
Do I need a Masters to do a PhD?
The majority of institutions require PhD candidates to possess a Masters degree, plus a Bachelors degree at 2:1 or above. However, some universities demand only the latter, while self-funded PhD students or those with significant professional experience may also be accepted with lower grades.
You may need to initially register for a one or two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Master of Research (MRes) degree rather than a PhD. If you make sufficient progress, you and your work will then be ‘upgraded’ to a PhD programme. If not, you may be able to graduate with a Masters degree.
If you need an MPhil or MRes before enrolling on your PhD, search Masters degrees.
What does a PhD involve?
A standard PhD degree is typically split into three stages. A three-year PhD may follow this pattern:
- First year – You’ll meet with your supervisor to discuss your research proposal and agree an action plan with deadlines. You’ll then complete your literature review, in which you’ll evaluate and critique existing works to inform the direction of your project and ensure that your research will be original.
- Second year – Your focus will shift to gathering results and developing your thesis, and potentially begin writing chapters of your thesis. You may also present your results and ideas at academic conferences, gain teaching experience, collaborate with other students on similar projects, communicate the benefits of your research to the general public through workshops, lectures and presentations, or submit work for publication in an academic journal or book.
- Third year – Primarily involves writing your thesis, though your research may still be in progress. After your supervisor gives their approval, you’ll submit your thesis before undertaking a one to three-hour oral exam (viva voce) in which you’ll discuss and defend your thesis in the presence of at least one internal and external examiner.
How do I find a PhD?
As a PhD is different to other degrees, you’re committing to more than simply an advanced qualification. You’ve chosen to engage in a large-scale independent research project and so you’ll need to take into account a range of factors that will drive your search.
A methodical approach to the process is required and you’ll need to consider the subject you’re interested in carrying out research in and the type of Doctorate you’re looking for, making sure this is the right project for you. Only when you’re fully prepared and have a good idea of your research proposal should you search for PhD opportunities.
What other types of Doctorate are there?
Alternative types of PhD include:
- Higher Doctorate – These are usually granted on the recommendation of a committee of internal and external examiners, which assesses a portfolio of published, peer-reviewed research you’ve undertaken over the course of many years. This type of Doctorate is usually for those with several years of academic experience. Common award titles include the Doctor of Civil Law (DCL), Doctor of Divinity (DD), Doctor of Literature/Letters (DLit/DLitt/LitD/LittD), Doctor of Music (DMus/MusD), Doctor of Science (DS/SD/DSc/ScD) and Doctor of Law (LLD).
- Integrated/New Route PhD – This four-year PhD course is offered by over 30 universities and involves taking a one-year MRes before studying a three-year PhD. It combines taught elements with independent research, allowing students to learn different methodologies while building their transferable skills.
- Professional Doctorate – Geared towards students of vocational subjects such as medicine, education and engineering, professional Doctorates are focused on teaching and so normally involve smaller research projects and thesis component. They’re often favoured by those aiming for a career outside of academia and are usually supported by employers.
How much does a PhD cost?
Tuition fees vary, but usually fall between £3,000 and £6,000 per year for UK students and those from the European Union (EU) with settled status. UK Research Councils pay universities £4,596 per year (from 2022/23) on behalf of each funded PhD student, so this gives a good indication of the average figure.
For EU students looking to pursue a Doctorate in 2022/23, you’ll need to have gained settled or pre-settled status to be eligible for student finance – see PhD loans.
Non-EU students may pay considerably more for their tuition fees.
Despite this, many PhD students are now part or fully funded – scholarships and bursaries are widely available, and particular attention should be paid to Research Council grants.
PhD studentships and assistantships involving a mixture of research and teaching are also common, with scientific studentships usually paid at a higher rate.
How do I apply for a PhD?
Some students propose their own research area and apply for funding, while in some cases a supervisor may already have funding for a project and advertise it like a job. When making a PhD application, you’ll typically be asked to submit:
- an academic CV
- your academic transcripts
- two or three academic references
- a personal statement
- a research proposal.
International students without settled UK status looking to study certain courses in medicine, mathematics, engineering and material sciences are required to comply with the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). This involves undergoing a security clearance process with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. International students may also have to prove their English proficiency.
What can I do next?
Your ability to critically analyse, display intellectual maturity, and research independently and honestly is highly valued within academia and the workplace.
Many students who undertake a PhD get an academic job or become an industry researcher, possibly following the PhD with postdoctoral study, then a fellowship or lectureship.
Other career options will depend on your study area.
As the competition for PhD places is incredibly fierce, your research proposal can have a strong bearing on the success of your application – so discover how to make the best impression
What is a research proposal?
Research proposals are used to persuade potential supervisors and funders that your work is worthy of their support. These documents setting out your proposed research that will result in a Doctoral thesis are typically between 1,500 and 3,000 words in length.
Your PhD research proposal must passionately articulate what you want to research and why, convey your understanding of existing literature, and clearly define at least one research question that could lead to new or original knowledge and how you propose to answer it.
Professor Leigh Wilson, director of the graduate school at the University of Westminster, explains that while the research proposal is about work that hasn’t been done yet, what prospective supervisors and funders are focusing on just as strongly is evidence of what you’ve done – how well you know existing literature in the area, including very recent publications and debates, and how clearly you’ve seen what’s missing from this and so what your research can do that’s new. Giving a strong sense of this background or frame for the proposed work is crucial.
‘Although it’s tempting to make large claims and propose research that sweeps across time and space, narrower, more focused research is much more convincing,’ she adds. ‘To be thorough and rigorous in the way that academic work needs to be, even something as long as a PhD thesis can only cover a fairly narrow topic. Depth not breadth is called for.’
The structure of your research proposal is therefore important to achieving this goal, yet it should still retain sufficient flexibility to comfortably accommodate any changes you need to make as your PhD progresses.
Layout and formats vary, so it’s advisable to consult your potential PhD supervisor before you begin. Here’s what to bear in mind when writing a research proposal.
Title page
Your provisional title should be around ten words in length, and clearly and accurately indicate your area of study and/or proposed approach. It should be catchy, informative and interesting.
The title page should also include personal information, such as your name, academic title, date of birth, nationality and contact details.
Aims and objectives
This is a short summary of your project. Your aims should be two or three broad statements that emphasise what you ultimately want to achieve, complemented by several focused, feasible and measurable objectives – the steps that you’ll take to answer each of your research questions. This involves clearly and briefly outlining:
- how your research addresses a gap in, or builds upon, existing knowledge
- how your research links to the department that you’re applying to
- The academic, cultural, political and/or social significance of your research questions.
Literature review
This section of your PhD proposal discusses the most important theories, models and texts that surround and influence your research questions, conveying your understanding and awareness of the key issues and debates.
It should focus on the theoretical and practical knowledge gaps that your work aims to address, as this ultimately justifies and provides the motivation for your project.
Methodology
Here, you’re expected to outline how you’ll answer each of your research questions. A strong, well-written methodology is crucial, but especially so if your project involves extensive collection and significant analysis of primary data.
In disciplines such as humanities the research proposal methodology identifies the data collection and analytical techniques available to you, before justifying the ones you’ll use in greater detail. You’ll also define the population that you’re intending to examine.
You should also show that you’re aware of the limitations of your research, qualifying the parameters that you plan to introduce. Remember, it’s more impressive to do a fantastic job of exploring a narrower topic than a decent job of exploring a wider one.
Timetable
Concluding or following on from your methodology, your timetable should identify how long you’ll need to complete each step – perhaps using bi-weekly or monthly timeslots. This helps the reader to evaluate the feasibility of your project and shows that you’ve considered how you’ll go about putting the PhD proposal into practice.
Bibliography
Finally, you’ll provide a list of the most significant texts, plus any attachments such as your academic CV. Demonstrate your skills in critical reflection by selecting only those resources that are most appropriate.
Final checks
Before submitting this document along with your PhD application, you’ll need to ensure that you’ve adhered to the research proposal format. This means that:
- Every page is numbered.
- It’s professional, interesting and informative.
- The research proposal has been proofread by both an experienced academic (to confirm that it conforms to academic standards) and a layman (to correct any grammatical or spelling errors).
- It has a contents page.
- You’ve used a clear and easy-to-read structure, with appropriate headings.
Research proposal examples
To get a better idea of how your PhD proposal may look, some universities have provided examples of research proposals for specific subjects:
- The Open University – Social Policy and Criminology
- University of Sheffield – Sociological Studies
- University of Sussex
- University of York – Politics
PhD loans are available in 2023/24 to help Doctoral students living in England or Wales pay for their course fees and living expenses
PHD LOANS AT A GLANCE
- Worth up to £28,673 for 2023/24.
- For UK nationals resident in England or Wales.
- Study at any UK university that awards PhDs.
- Repayments combined with Masters loans.
How much can I borrow?
With these government-backed postgraduate Doctoral loans, you can borrow any amount up to £27,892 if your course started between 1 August 2022 and 31 July 2023, or £28,673 if it starts on or after 1 August 2023.
PhD loans are not means-tested, so you can apply for the full amount regardless of your financial background. Also, the loan can be used however you like – to cover fees, other study-related costs or to help with your living expenses.
If you have a disability, you may be entitled to additional support in the form of Disabled Students’ Allowances.
Am I eligible for a PhD loan?
You must:
- be a UK or Irish national or have settled/pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- be ordinarily resident in England
- have lived in the UK, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for three years before starting the course
- be under the age of 60 on the first day of the first academic year of your course
- not already hold a PhD or equivalent qualification
- not be receiving a Research Council studentship (including fees-only), NHS funding or other government finance towards your PhD.
You can’t get the loan if you began your PhD before the 2021/22 academic year.
To discover whether you qualify for PhD funding, see GOV.UK – Doctoral loan eligibility.
Is my Doctorate eligible?
Most full and part-time PhD programmes, Professional Doctorates and PhDs ‘upgraded’ from Master of Philosophy (MPhil) are eligible, provided they are hosted by a UK university.
Your programme must last for at least three years and no longer than eight years. There are no restrictions on what subject you can study and your PhD proposal will not be assessed as part of your loan application.
PhDs by publication are not eligible because they do not involve an active period of studying. You also can’t get a PhD loan for a research Masters degree such as an MRes or a standalone MPhil – for these you should apply for a postgraduate loan instead.
If you’re studying for a PhD within a Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) or Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), your eligibility depends on whether your research is funded by a Research Council studentship. If it is, you won’t be able to get a loan.
How do I apply?
Visit GOV.UK - Apply for a Doctoral loan for full details of how to apply for PhD funding via Student Finance England.
The deadline for Doctoral loan applications is nine months after the first day of the final academic year of your PhD – meaning you can still apply after you have started studying.
How will I receive my PhD loan?
Your loan will be paid in three instalments (33%, 33% and 34%) per academic year directly into your bank account by the Student Loans Company (SLC). It will be spread evenly across your studies.
You’ll stop receiving your loan if you withdraw from your PhD or transfer to an ineligible programme, but you’ll still be liable to repay what you have borrowed.
When do I start repaying my loan?
Repayments will start once you have completed your PhD and you’re earning at least £21,000 per year (£1,750 per month before tax and other deductions). You’ll pay at a rate of 6% of your income over this threshold.
If you’re employed, your repayments will be taken out of your salary automatically on a monthly basis. If you’re self-employed, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will calculate how much you must repay on completion of your annual self-assessment tax return.
You’ll be charged interest on your loan from the date you receive the first instalment from the SLC. This is usually calculated at the retail price index (RPI) +3%, meaning that that the interest accrued will typically be the annually reviewed RPI percentage, plus an additional 3%. However, due to inflation, the interest rate has been capped at 7.3% until 31 August 2023, with the rate currently standing at 6.3%.
Any outstanding balance will be written off 30 years after your loan first becomes due for repayment.
Be aware that if you have previously taken out a postgraduate loan to fund Masters-level study, this will be combined with your PhD loan. You’ll therefore repay a single debt at a rate of 6% of your income over £21,000.
However, debt from your undergraduate student loan is paid concurrently rather than combined. This means you may find yourself repaying up to 15% of your income – 9% for your undergraduate loan and 6% for your postgraduate/PhD loan.
What other PhD funding is available?
- PhD studentships
- Research Council funding
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Employer sponsorship
- Crowdfunding
Remember that PhD loans cannot be combined with other public funding such as Research Council studentships or NHS funding.
PhD loans in Wales
In 2023/24, the Welsh government has confirmed that eligible students ordinarily resident in Wales are able to borrow up to £28,395 to study for a full or part-time PhD. As with the postgraduate Doctoral loan scheme for residents in England, it isn’t means-tested.
If your course started in 2022/23, you can apply for a loan of up to £27,880.
Explore how and when to apply by visiting Student Finance Wales.
Doctoral funding in Scotland and Northern Ireland
PhD loans are not currently available in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but there are other options you can pursue in order to fund your education.
For instance, organisations such as The Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland and the Department for the Economy (DfE) offer a number of PhD scholarships to residents of Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively.
If you’re looking to secure PhD funding, your first move should be to find out whether you’re eligible for a non-repayable Research Council studentship
RESEARCH COUNCIL GRANTS AT A GLANCE
- Research Councils fund PhD students in different subject areas.
- Grants can cover tuition fees and living costs.
- Apply to the university, not the Research Council.
- You don’t have to repay the money.
- Alternatively, take out a PhD loan.
Who awards Research Council funding for postgraduate study?
Research Councils in the UK provide funding for different subjects of academic research. The seven councils are:
- Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
- Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
- Medical Research Council (MRC)
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
- Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
These organisations are grouped together with Innovate UK and Research England under the umbrella organisation UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). This non-departmental public body supports around a fifth of all UK-based postgraduate researchers. You can learn more about the individual Research Councils at UKRI – Councils.
One of UKRI’s priorities is funding the training of new researchers, which means that if you’re studying for a PhD or research Masters you may be able to access a non-repayable Research Council grant.
Research Council funding is distributed directly to universities based on their research aims. To obtain funding, individual or groups of universities set up Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) or Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) within which they train PhD students.
It’s then up to the universities (not the Research Councils) to decide who to award studentships to – usually based on academic merit following a competitive application process.
Contact the university you want to study at to find out what’s available, whether you’re eligible, what the selection criteria is and how to apply. Your proposed PhD supervisor will be able to help.
How much Research Council funding can I receive?
There are two main parts to a Research Council studentship. In 2022/23 they’re worth:
- £17,668 as a minimum Doctoral stipend to cover living expenses
- £4,596 for PhD tuition fees.
The figures are slightly higher if you’re studying in London due to the high cost of living, and will also typically rise with inflation each year. Additional allowances may be available for specific costs related to your studies. Read more at UKRI – Get a studentship to fund your Doctorate.
Research Councils also pay Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) to those who are eligible.
The funding does not have to be paid back, and grants usually cover the full three or four years of your PhD study.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for Research Council funding, you’ll need to meet a range of criteria:
- Your undergraduate results - holding a 2:1 or higher undergraduate degree.
- Extra qualifications and experience - obtaining a Masters degree (or equivalent postgraduate qualification), as well as carrying out professional research or work experience. These aren’t necessary requirements but will enhance your application.
- Your financial situation - Research Council funding is awarded on a merit basis. However, you can’t be receiving any other form of government funding or working full time if you’re hoping to submit an application. Part-time workers may still be eligible for reduced funding.
- Your residency - If you’re a UK student who’s been resident in the UK for three years, you’ll normally be able to receive a full studentship for both living costs and fees. As an international student you’ll also be eligible for a full award covering your fees, living costs and other expenses. However, universities have placed a limit on the number of studentships available to international students, with this capped at 30% of the institution’s total.
Is my course eligible for Research Council funding?
Research Council studentships are open to both research Masters and PhD students, although it is PhD applicants who receive the majority of the funding. In 2020/21, UKRI committed over £2billion to the seven Research Councils in the form of research and innovation awards and fellowships.
Your university department will be able to tell you whether your programme is eligible for funding, as well as offering advice on how to submit a high-standard application.
For those receiving a PhD studentship grant, further help is available in the form of UKRI training and development to support you in getting the most out of your Doctorate.
If you can’t get Research Council funding, you may be eligible for a PhD loan worth up to £28,673 (2023/24) – but you aren’t allowed to combine the two types of funding.
How do I apply?
You’ll normally be able to apply for the funding only after you’ve been accepted onto a PhD programme.
While application processes may differ, each will follow the same outline. You’ll need to be prepared – if you start your research as soon as you’ve decided you’d like to study for a PhD you’ll have a greater idea of what’s on offer, what you’d like to do and the steps you need to take to get there.
Your funding application will usually need to contain:
- A research proposal - the most passionate students, who can show how their research is going to positively impact their career and the field they’re working in, are generally more successful. Get tips on how to write a successful research proposal.
- A justification of resources - this is a breakdown of what you’ll be spending and where throughout your studies, and why this spending is important.
- A personal statement - as well as impressing with your proposal, you might be asked to provide a written statement explaining why you deserve funding. Highlight your financial circumstances but also your skillset and enthusiasm.
- References - ideally provided by your undergraduate or postgraduate tutor, your references should be from those who can comment on your academic achievements or work ethic.
Generally speaking, applications can be made early in the academic year and will close in January/February, but you should bear in mind that opportunities for funding are open throughout the year so deadlines may vary.
How can I increase my chances of success?
The UKRI awarded 4,668 research and innovation grants and fellowships in 2020/21. Therefore, with competition so fierce, you’ll need a polished application to stand a chance of being considered. There are always more applications than there are grants available.
Your prospects of receiving funding are typically higher if your research is in a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field. This is because there are more funding places on offer to STEM applicants, particularly in the field of engineering. For instance, while the EPSRC offered 892 PhD grants and studentships in 2020/21, the number of AHRC and ESRC grants awarded totalled just 364 and 346 respectively.
It’s also important to ensure that your application is compelling. Universities want proof that they’re funding worthwhile research in a meaningful and interesting area. They expect assurances that you’ll complete your work to a high standard and in keeping with set deadlines.
After deciding on a topic for your Doctoral research project, it’s now time to find a PhD supervisor – as they’ll become crucial to your academic future
Most PhD students’ choice of university is heavily influenced by the opportunity to work alongside a particular academic, as they’re the person who’ll have the biggest impact on your studies.
While it’s possible to apply to an institution without contacting a potential supervisor beforehand, this approach can greatly diminish your chances of Doctoral success.
PhD candidates in many social sciences and arts and humanities subjects are encouraged to actively seek expert academics in their field prior to applying. However, some research projects – particularly those in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects that are tied to a PhD studentship – already have a supervisor allocated.
How do I find a PhD supervisor?
You should identify academics actively researching in your field by:
- approaching lecturers working within your current or potential department, as these individuals may be able to recommend supervisors
- browsing articles, publications and blogs relevant to your project, identifying the most commonly cited researchers
- reading recently submitted PhD dissertations within your research area, noting the supervisor used.
Once you’ve compiled a shortlist of individuals, visit their online academic profiles – for example, their page on the university website or their own website/blog. You can also follow their social media activity on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
This will signpost you to the articles, blogs, books and reports they’ve contributed to, plus any exhibitions, public engagement work or PhD research they’ve participated in – allowing you to decide whether they’re a suitable fit, academically speaking.
How do I approach a potential supervisor?
You can then approach your selected potential supervisor (or several, if you’re still deciding) with a tailored, well-written and passionate email. Make a positive first impression by:
- attaching your academic CV
- avoiding overstatements or vague generalisations, while keeping your message clear and concise
- conveying your skills and knowledge by introducing your academic background and the field you intend to research
- referring to the academic by their correct title
- showing your familiarity with and interest in the academic’s work
- letting them know about any funding you’re applying for.
Conclude your message by asking whether you could visit them in person, or at the very least speak over the phone or via Skype/Zoom/Teams. If you receive no response within two weeks, send a follow-up email.
Don’t take any rejection personally. The academic may simply be too busy, already supervising several PhD students, or unsure whether your project is suitable.
How do I make a good impression?
If an academic agrees to meet you, they’ll be aiming to discover whether you have the passion, tenacity and academic potential to complete a PhD. This means that conveying your determination to complete such an arduous research project is an absolute necessity.
You can also display your enthusiasm by asking your supervisor relevant questions, such as:
- How far do you see your responsibilities towards me extending?
- How much time would you have for me, and how often would we meet?
- What arrangements, if any, would be in place for a second supervisor?
- What characteristics do you feel successful PhD students have?
- What do you expect from the students you supervise?
- What funding and additional support is available at this institution?
- What is your opinion of my research topic and proposed methodology?
- What things should I do to supplement my PhD?
What qualities does a good supervisor possess?
Before deciding whether a PhD supervisor is right for you and applying to your chosen institution, you should be certain that the individual is:
- not intending to leave the institution permanently or go on sabbatical during your PhD
- of a similar personality and working style to you
- reliable and approachable, with a strong track record of supervising PhD students
- someone you’re inspired by and proud to associate with
- sufficiently interested in and enthusiastic about your project to commit three to four years of their guidance, support and encouragement
- up to date in their knowledge of the latest findings and publications within your field and has strong connections within the world of academia.
How do I develop a good relationship with my supervisor?
Your PhD supervisor will become your primary referee once you’ve graduated. Forging a strong relationship with them can greatly improve your chances of securing a postdoctoral job.
You can make a positive impression simply by performing many of the extra tasks expected of you – for example, teaching undergraduates, mentoring other postgraduates and representing the university at research conferences.
The University of Leicester recommends that you should also:
- be open and honest
- display independence and an ability to manage problems
- maintain regular contact
meet agreed deadlines - show a positive and professional attitude
- understand your mutual responsibilities and expectations
- use your supervisor’s advice and feedback.
What can my supervisor help me with?
Unlike at Bachelors and Masters degree level, your supervisor isn’t necessarily an expert in your specific field of study. You’ll quickly know more about your research topic than they do – so you must appreciate that they may not have the answer to all your problems.
Indeed, your relationship with your supervisor will evolve as you become less dependent on their support. They will initially focus on helping you to produce quality research, but quickly shift their attention to reviewing your findings and assisting your professional development.
Can I change my PhD supervisor?
Some supervisors dedicate far more time to students than they’re required to, while some prefer not to become too involved in their students’ research. However, you shouldn’t stay silent if you feel like things aren’t working out – especially if you’re studying a STEM subject, where your supervisor is often effectively your research collaborator.
It’s for this reason you should spend plenty of time finding the right academic before enrolling, as changing your supervisor should be the last resort, unless your topic has significantly shifted in the initial months of study.
As a PhD student, you’ll likely be presented with many obstacles along your journey towards a Doctorate – discover how to overcome these five common problems
Owning your time
One of the most important aspects of PhD study is strong time management to achieve the optimal work-life balance. You should view your Doctorate the same as a full-time job, while also appreciating that a complete lack of leisure time can be damaging to your health and chances of success.
Following the COVID-19 lockdowns, there may still be times when you’ll need to work off-campus. To ensure the quality of your work doesn’t suffer, it’s necessary to plan your time on campus carefully to get the most out of the opportunity – for instance, you may need to book study spaces or research facilities in advance. Read our 5 tips for studying at home.
In terms of the qualification itself, time management is particularly important when writing your thesis. ‘One needs to be disciplined enough to get work out to supervisors, giving them enough time for critiquing,’ warns Siddartha Khastgir, head of Verification & Validation (V&V) of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) at WMG, University of Warwick.
‘Sending large chunks of work to supervisors is a common pitfall. Short and regular submissions are much more productive,’ he adds.
Similarly, it’s important to recognise when additional duties such as teaching undergraduates or becoming a student representative are taking up too much of your time – if the quality of your PhD is suffering, it’s okay to reject the opportunity to do new things.
Managing your supervisor
A positive student-supervisor relationship is paramount to your PhD’s success. However, it’s not uncommon for problems to develop. These include:
- Absence – Your supervisor may be frequently unavailable, perhaps due to other research commitments. If your second supervisor doesn’t increase their level of support, you’ll need to demand more regular contact – either online or in person.
- Conflict – If your research is interdisciplinary and you’ve been allocated two leading supervisors, they may give you conflicting advice – or even dislike each other. If so, you could meet with them separately – but whatever you do, don’t take sides.
- Intimidation – Your supervisor may actually be playing a more active role in your PhD research than necessary, something that is particularly likely if they’re attempting to compensate for their inexperience. Don’t be afraid of asking them to take a step back.
- Leave – In some rare cases, supervisors may retire, change university or go on sabbatical with little notice. You’ll need to discuss what happens next with your department.
If your situation doesn’t improve after you’ve talked through any problems together, you should consider changing your supervisor.
Catching ‘second-year blues’
A PhD’s length and intensity makes an unwelcome dip in confidence, motivation and morale almost inevitable. This usually happens once the initial excitement of being a Doctoral student has died down and is commonly known as the ‘second-year blues’.
Siddartha emphasises the importance of remaining optimistic and discussing your feelings with other PhD students and your supervisor. Second-year blues are often cured by strong support, encouragement and constructive feedback.
You can boost your confidence by presenting at conferences or online seminars and help to alleviate any lack of motivation by pursuing varied, interesting and rewarding tasks. Always remember that training courses and other methods of support are readily available to PhD students to help strengthen any weaknesses you may have.
Siddartha believes that the second-year blues can be mitigated by setting realistic expectations from the outset. ‘At the start of the PhD, every student has the aspiration of changing the world,’ he says. ‘Students need to manage their expectations to do something really in-depth with great rigour.’
Starting your thesis
Getting started on your thesis can be extremely difficult. ‘One must examine work of the previous three or four years and find a coherent, cohesive narrative,’ explains Maz.
It’s advisable to begin work on the aspect you find the easiest. You can also help yourself by doing plenty of advance planning. ‘Learning to critique is important,’ Maz continues. ‘Articles are written to be watertight, and an inexperienced researcher struggles to identify what the shortcomings of a given research work are. Learning to identify what is not being described or what is missing is an important but challenging skill to master.’
Remember that some sections you write won’t make the final cut, but don’t let this discourage you – ultimately, it’s part of the learning process and these segments may provide useful material for future academic articles.
Feeling lonely or stressed
A Doctoral researcher will often work alone or with limited collaboration, which can lead to them feeling isolated and lacking in motivation.
For this reason, you should aim to accept any support that’s offered to you and remain in contact with as many PhD students as possible. You can achieve this by joining relevant clubs and societies – growing your network of Doctoral students will help you to improve your thesis, especially if your new friends are working at more advanced stages. Blogging your research is another fantastic way of reaching out and making valuable new contacts.
Finally, you may need to explain your busy schedule to your friends and family, as they may not truly understand the intensity of PhD study. You shouldn’t be afraid to reject any opportunity to socialise but remember that discussing your PhD with a layman can help to improve it.
If you ever feel under particular strain from any of these PhD challenges, consider our 5 ways to manage student stress and the importance of looking after your mental health at university.
5 routes to getting a Doctorate
While most of those studying for a PhD take the PhD by thesis pathway, there are five viable routes to achieving a Doctorate degree.
PhD by thesis
This is the most common means of getting a Doctorate degree. Over the three or four years of research at university, your PhD supervisor will support you as you aim to produce a thesis based on your research proposal.
A thesis is typically 60,000-90,000 words in length – although this can vary between institutions. For instance, the University of Glasgow’s College of Social Sciences expects a thesis to be 70,000-100,000 words including references, bibliography and appendices, while the University of Cambridge has set an upper limit of 80,000 words.
Once completed, you’ll need to defend your PhD thesis in front of a panel of examiners during your viva voce.
PhD by publication
This route involves submitting previously published work – such as books, book chapters and journal articles, which together form a coherent body of work and show evidence of an original contribution to a particular field of study.
It’s often taken by mid-career academics that haven’t had the opportunity to undertake a standard Doctorate degree.
Generally, a minimum of five to eight published pieces are required, but this varies between institutions and depends on their length. The published work will be assessed to the same rigorous standards as a traditional PhD by thesis.
You must also provide a written supporting statement, which can range from 5,000 to 20,000 words, and present your work to an academic committee. A supervisor will assist you with selecting which publications to submit and with the supporting statement.
Some universities accept only their own graduates for a PhD by publication, while others restrict this route to their academic staff. In general, you should have graduated from your first degree at least seven years ago to be eligible.
For example, The University of Manchester has published its own Guidance for the PhD By Published Work, with eligibility only extending to current members of staff.
Professional Doctorate
Geared primarily towards current professionals in vocational sectors such as healthcare, teaching and education, and engineering and manufacturing, this type of Doctorate degree includes a significant taught component and a smaller research project.
Professional Doctorates are often taken on a part-time basis and can last between two and eight years. Like their standard PhD counterparts, they usually begin in October or January.
While you won’t typically be looking to get an academic job, your research is expected to contribute to theory as well as professional practice. Projects often revolve around a real-life issue that affects your employer.
Several professional Doctorates, such as the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), are accredited by a professional body – for instance, the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and The British Psychological Society (BPS) – and may also lead to a professional qualification.
Common titles for graduates of professional Doctorate degrees include:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Engineering (EngD)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Unlike many professional Doctorates, the EngD is typically offered as a full-time course and is aimed at young engineering graduates with little or no professional experience.
Explore what’s currently available at Find a Professional Doctorate.
Integrated PhD
This four-year qualification, also known as the New Route PhD, involves studying a one-year research Masters degree (MRes) before progressing onto a three-year PhD.
Offered by a select number of universities across the UK, integrated PhDs are supported by the government and the British Council through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Visit Research Council funding for further information on research and funding for different types of PhD.
The integrated PhD involves a combination of taught materials, practical experience and advanced research. This allows you to learn subject-specific methodologies, while building the transferable skills that will enable you to become a leader in your chosen profession.
Institutions can also develop personalised integrated PhD programmes to meet each student’s needs. For example, universities may offer you the opportunity to gain a postgraduate certificate (PGCert) in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education – perfect if you’re considering a career as a higher education lecturer.
Online PhD
As PhDs are based primarily on independent research rather than time spent in lectures and seminars, distance learning has always been a viable route for many Doctoral students.
PhDs by distance learning offered by course providers such as The Open University are therefore a good option to consider if you’ve got family or work commitments or are an international student – as this gives you the chance to undertake Doctoral research without having to live close to your chosen institution. It’s also a suitable mode of study if your subject requires you to be based in a specific location away from the university.
For the most part, you’ll be in touch with your supervisor by phone, email or Skype/Zoom. You’ll need to bear in mind that even if you opt for this form of research, you’ll generally still need to attend university for one or two weeks of each academic year for meetings and to receive research skills training. Your final examination may be undertaken either face-to-face or virtually.
With online PhDs, you can usually register as a full or part-time student. The level of fees you pay varies between institutions – some charge the same as for a standard PhD while others offer a reduced rate.
Check that any funding you plan to apply for is available to distance learning students, as this isn’t always the case.
Every Doctoral researcher is expected to defend their thesis through an oral test – so discover how to prepare for your PhD viva and ensure you make a good impression on the examiners
WHAT IS A PHD VIVA?
A viva voce is an oral test, which literally translated means ‘with the living voice’. It’s a focused discussion giving you the opportunity to present your PhD thesis and then defend it in front of a panel of academic experts.
1. Understand what’s expected of you
Traditionally, your thesis would always be discussed in person, with the interview style viva exam overseen by at least two (internal and external) examiners. Afterwards, they would provide you with a joint written report detailing any corrections that need to be made.
However, following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the online PhD viva has become more commonplace with this examination more likely to take place via Microsoft Teams, Skype or Zoom.
The virtual experience will still typically follow the same format, but you’ll be briefed in advance about the arrangements and any technical aspects to bear in mind. You can prepare for an online PhD viva by reading our video interview tips.
The chair of the viva is usually the internal examiner, although it can be an independent person. If you and the examiners agree, your PhD supervisor can also be present.
The examiners’ main objective is to ascertain that you’ve written your own thesis, so if you have and are ready to talk through how you completed it, there’s no need to panic. You may even enjoy the viva voce test.
In addition to assessing your thesis, the examiners are also there to assist you in deciding how and where this research might be published.
There are various results between a ‘pass’ and ‘fail’ but it’s very rare to slip up at this point of a PhD. Most Doctorate awards will be made upon the condition that a number of minor corrections are made, with re-submission requests far less common.
However, while the pass rate is high, the viva exam itself can still be intellectually demanding. This is because you’ll be debating issues that are conceptually complex, so preparation is crucial to your success.
At the end of it, whatever the outcome, be prepared to take on board any advice, as the examiners are there to help you improve your argument or the presentation of your thesis.
2. Know your thesis inside out
While you can be sure this isn’t a memory test – as you’re fine bringing notes and a copy of your thesis with you to the PhD viva – it’s still important to gain a good understanding of what you’ve written and be knowledge about your field of study.
You’ll need to think carefully about where this original piece of work would be placed in the context of the wider body of research carried out in this field. Questions will surely be asked about this, as well as whether the project could possibly be developed further through any future research.
As you’ll be explaining parts of the document to the examiners (who’ll also have a digital or physical copy), make sure the pagination is the same in your version as the one they’re looking at to avoid any issues regarding everybody being on the same page.
If you get stuck at any point during the viva exam, you can use looking at the thesis as an excuse to re-focus and gather your thoughts.
3. Anticipate the viva questions
The examiners will have prepared a series of questions for you to answer at the viva voce, but this is nothing to get too concerned about. The questions will all be based on your thesis – what it’s about, what you did and what you found out – and why this matters, in relation to your field of study.
So when getting ready for the viva, consider the types of questions you’re likely to be asked, including:
- What original contribution has your thesis made to this field of study?
- Explain the main research questions you were hoping to address.
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of your thesis?
If you had to start the thesis again, what would you do differently? - If funding was no object, describe how you’d follow on from this project.
- What are your plans for the future?
It can be helpful to practise your answers beforehand, ideally vocalising them by arranging a mock mini viva – although, as you aren’t restricted in terms of referring to notes in the exam, you can leave room for spontaneity, and you don’t need to learn it all off by heart. If your viva is being held online, you can ensure any technical issues are identified before the day by having a run through with your supervisor or a friend.
While it may sound simple, stick to answering the questions posed. It’s really easy to go off on a tangent and this can open up other lines of enquiry from the examiners – possibly in areas you hadn’t expected to be quizzed about.
On the other hand, it’s completely fine to bring personality to your reasoning and use stories as a means of describing the learning process you’ve gone through and the techniques mastered over the last three or four years that have brought you to this point.
4. Learn about your examiners’ own work
The senior and well-respected academics who’ll be reading your thesis will have their own ideas on conducting PhD standard research. Therefore, it’s worth taking a look online at their academic profiles to discover if there’s any correlation with the research they’ve had published and your own work.
From this, you should be able to gain a better idea of their motivations, their possible views on your thesis and the kinds of questions they might wish to discuss after having read through it.
You should research up-to-date theories, read any recent papers on the subject and speak to others who’ve recently had their own viva exam. Think about how your work differentiates from the research carried out by others in your chosen field.
Prepare to provide any supporting evidence asked of you by the examiners – for example, they may request to see experimental data you mention once the exam is over.
It’s also necessary to check the policies and practices in place at your university and be sure of what the roles of the examiners are and how the viva panel will be structured. In many cases, Doctoral students can choose the examiners conducting the PhD viva.
5. Plan towards the viva exam
From the moment you know the date of your viva voce, work backwards and plan the steps you’ll need to take before the day itself. Allow enough time to assess and review your work so that as the day approaches, you can focus on the practicalities.
This encompasses everything from making sure you relax, eat and sleep well the day before to arranging transport so you get to the viva on time – if you’re attending in person.
An online PhD viva will present its own challenges, so ensure your working space is presentable and you still make an effort in terms of what you’ll be wearing.
It’s always advisable to adhere to interview etiquette and go with something that’s both smart and comfortable. By looking the part, this should get you in the right frame of mind to communicate in a professional manner.
In the build-up, avoid any situations that might make you feel stressed and instead try to adopt a positive attitude, one that results in a genuine eagerness to engage in a debate about the work you’ve been toiling over for a substantial period of time.
If you’re travelling to the examination, be sure to check that you have everything you wish to take with you, including the thesis, plus any notes or other materials that will help support your claims.
The PhD viva can last between one and four hours – usually two – so it’s necessary to pace yourself to get off to the best possible start.
Remember, the examiners aren’t trying to trip you up – they want you to pass and are primarily there to hear you talk about your project. So, after the polite introductions they’ll typically start with an icebreaker to put you at ease and help calm the nerves.
It’s meant to be an open and honest conversation about your work, so feel free to politely disagree with the examiners, especially on areas you feel strongly about. Don’t forget to use examples from your thesis to back up what you’re saying, remembering to be clear and concise.
If you know your way around your thesis and can explain your thinking and way of working, this test shouldn’t be a problem. And if you don’t know the answer to a specific question – admit it, as it’s better to concede your limitations in an area than ramble on and hope they don’t notice you’re struggling to come up with an explanation. No research is perfect, so it’s important to appreciate this during the discussion – but don’t be too overcritical about your work either, as that’s not your job.
Finally, as the PhD viva can quickly move from a series of friendly questions to those that are more in-depth, take some time to think before answering. Don’t worry about any periods of silence from the examiners, as this certainly isn’t an indication that you’re doing badly.
Those who’ve completed a Doctorate are finding more opportunities to work outside of academia than ever before – discover the types of PhD jobs available and what other PhD graduates go on to do
What jobs can I do with a PhD?
The most common roles for PhD graduates are:
- higher education teaching professionals
- other researchers, unspecified discipline
- biochemists and biomedical scientists
- specialist medical practitioners
clinical psychologists - Although getting an academic job is a natural step for many PhD graduates, a greater number of opportunities exist outside of teaching and education.
For instance, a significant amount of PhD graduates work in the science and pharmaceuticals (14.4%) and healthcare (14.8%) sectors. This has perhaps been helped by private sector companies becoming more research-orientated in recent years.
As well as the medical profession, research scientists can also specialise in life sciences, maths and physical sciences.
If you’ve aspirations to become a clinical or educational psychologist, you’ll need to have studied a specific taught Doctorate in either clinical (DClinPsy or ClinPsyD) or educational (DEdPsy) psychology.
How do I get started in academia?
Those graduating with a PhD often struggle to secure a permanent academic job immediately. To give yourself the best chance, contact as many other academics as possible in your specialist field.
You may then be presented with the opportunity to become a teaching or research fellow, though this is likely to be on a short-term contract with a view to permanent employment.
You may find opportunities on individual university websites or at Jobs.ac.uk. You can also read about getting an academic job for more information and advice.
Can I get a non-academic job?
There are many ways to boost your chances of landing non-academic PhD jobs. You should:
- build a network of contacts to help you unearth ‘hidden’ job vacancies
- gain relevant work experience in your chosen field
- search for graduate jobs
- use social media to join in discussions with like-minded academics and share your research and opinions.
It’s also worth regularly checking sector-specific websites and publications for job adverts, such as:
- Nature Careers
- New Scientist Jobs
- Science Careers
- Technojobs – PhD jobs
- The Economist
- The Psychologist (The British Psychological Society)
How do I sell my PhD to employers?
When applying for non-academic PhD jobs, you must demonstrate how your knowledge and expertise will benefit the employer. Focus on the transferable skills that the PhD has helped to enhance, such as:
- communication skills – you’ll have given many presentations, lectures or seminars
- creative thinking – PhD students are often asked to think outside the box
- management ability – as well as managing your own time and workload, you may have managed a small team of research assistants or mentored undergraduate students
- problem-solving skills – during your PhD, you’ll have tackled and solved numerous research problems.
What do other PhD graduates do?
Of the PhD graduates in employment 15 months after graduation in 2019/20, just over a fifth (20.8%) found work in education – as higher and secondary education teaching professionals. The majority therefore chose to pursue non-academic careers.
| Destination | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Working | 83.3 |
| Studying | 1.4 |
| Working and studying | 6.9 |
| Unemployed | 2.5 |
| Other | 6 |
PhD graduate destinations
| Type of work | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Education | 20.8 |
| Other professionals | 17.6 |
| Health | 14.8 |
| Science | 14.4 |
| Business, HR and finance | 8.6 |
Types of work entered in the UK
PhD destinations data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
A PhD is often used as a stepping-stone into the world of academia – here’s how you can get started with landing your first academic job
What does an academic job involve?
Tasks vary according to job title, but may include:
- administrative work
- analysing data and preparing reports
- applying for Research Council funding
- marking and assessing work
- presenting work at conferences and seminars
- teaching in lectures and seminars
- writing up research and publishing the findings.
As detailed in our comparing UK universities article, the Research Excellence Framework (REF) assesses the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. Universities therefore work in a competitive environment and are under pressure to recruit the best possible staff. In turn, this increases the burden on academic staff, with many expected to hit performance targets.
How much do academics earn?
Typical salaries for academic positions include:
- research assistant – £29,000
- postdoctoral researcher – £27,000 to £39,000
- higher education lecturer – £34,000 to £50,000
- senior higher education lecturer – £39,000 to £59,000.
More than half (57%) of full-time academics had an annual salary greater than £46,718 in 2020/21, while just over a fifth (21%) were in the highest salary band of £62,727 or over (Higher Education Statistics Agency).
How do I get an academic job in the UK?
It’s difficult to gain a permanent academic job immediately after graduation. The traditional entry point for PhD graduates is as a research assistant or research fellow. However, these roles aren’t renowned for their job security. Short-term contracts are usually offered, lasting from three months to three years. It’s not uncommon for a research assistant or fellow to spend years working on a temporary contract before being offered a permanent role.
Universities typically advertise academic positions on their websites. If you have a clear idea about where you want to work, try contacting the institution directly. You’ll also find academic jobs online at Jobs.ac.uk – Research assistant jobs.
Having previous teaching experience will help your application, and universities often make teaching opportunities available to PhD students. Getting your work and name well-known is an excellent step into an academic career, so try to get articles published in high-quality journals and actively engage with other academics through collaborations and conferences.
The University of Manchester notes that successful academics must possess skills in leadership, management, networking, presentation, resilience and time management.
What about academic jobs abroad?
By taking a quick look at the QS World University Rankings 2022, you’ll find that the world’s highest rated universities are spread far and wide – with the United States, Switzerland, Singapore, China and Japan all featuring in the top 25.
Therefore, if you’re interested in working for one of these leading institutions, see our work abroad and study abroad pages to discover what it’s like to get a job in a specific country and its higher education provision.
You’ll then be able to make a more informed choice when considering the range of academic jobs abroad.
How do I apply for an academic job?
When applying for jobs in academia, it’s important that your CV showcases your academic experience.
You must also provide clear evidence of your research and a plan of how you wish to develop this in future. As with most jobs, it’s important to get your application in as early as possible.
An academic CV is essential when looking to apply for roles such as a higher education lecturer or anything that’s research based.
You’ll therefore need to ensure that your academic achievements plus research interests and any specialist skills are featured on the first page.
While there may be no page limit, keep your CV concise and targeted to the specific requirements of the role. Each section should be in reverse chronological order.
In terms of your writing style, it should be scholarly but still easily comprehensible for those unfamiliar with your field of interest.
Be sure to include information about the outcomes of your research, potential future developments, and any funding you’ve received, events you’ve attended, professional memberships you hold and publications you’ve been in.
Please note, if you’re a postgraduate but not looking for an academic career, your CV should follow an alternative layout. You can find out more about this at CVs and cover letters.
If you’re looking to get PhD funding for a specific research project or field of study, Doctoral studentships can provide you with either a partially or fully-funded PhD
Who awards PhD studentships?
PhD studentships are most commonly awarded by the UK’s seven Research Councils in the form of Research Council grants, with research funding overseen by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Individual UK universities also offer scholarships and bursaries to PhD students, while many professional bodies fund Doctoral research in collaboration with these academic institutions.
For instance, research awards are offered by the following engineering organisations:
- Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) – QUEST scholarships
- Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
Additionally, Cooperative Awards in Science and Engineering (CASE) can be part-funded by any non-academic body. These four-year PhDs require the student to work at the organisation for at least three months.
You can also apply for funded PhD opportunities through many charities, foundations and trusts, including:
- Action Medical Research
- Alzheimer’s Society
- British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG)
- British Heart Foundation (BHF)
- Cancer Research UK
- Diabetes UK
- Rosetrees Trust – PhD Plus
- The Leverhulme Trust
- Wellcome Trust
Before you start applying for a funded PhD, it’s always a good idea to discuss this with a prospective supervisor first, as they’re often able to provide tips on maximising the likelihood of receiving financial support.
How much can I receive?
Many PhD studentships, including those offered by universities, professional bodies, or charities, foundations and trusts, provide three years’ funding paid at a similar rate to the Research Council grant:
- Fees-only studentship – These cover a student’s tuition fees, plus any associated project and training costs.
- Full studentship – These add a non-repayable, tax-free maintenance grant known as a ‘stipend’. In 2022/23, this is worth a minimum of £17,668 and it can be used towards living costs – see UKRI – Find studentships and Doctoral training.
For example, a University of Manchester School of Social Sciences PhD studentship includes tuition fees for three-and-a-half years and a maintenance grant of £16,062 (2022/23 rate) per year for living expenses, plus associated research costs – such as fieldwork and attending conferences – from the Research Training Support Grant.
However, you should be aware that some PhD studentship recipients are required to teach undergraduates. While this provides an excellent opportunity to gain vital employability skills, it can also be hugely time-consuming. You must be satisfied that tutoring won’t negatively affect the quality of your research before accepting your place.
Is my programme eligible for a PhD studentship?
PhD studentships can start at any time of the year, but most begin in September, October or January.
Certain types of PhD, for example professional Doctorates, may not be eligible for a PhD studentship. The same applies to part-time or distance learning options.
Am I eligible?
PhD studentships typically demand that applicants have a Bachelors degree at 2:1 or above, plus a relevant Masters degree or professional experience at that level of study.
Those who already possess a PhD are often ineligible, while some PhD studentships are limited to students fitting certain criteria – for example, those from a disadvantaged background, from a certain country or of a certain ethnicity.
If you’re a European Union (EU) national, you’ll need to have settled or pre-settled status under the government’s EU Settlement Scheme to be eligible for student finance in this country – and this includes PhD studentships.
How do I apply for a PhD studentship?
The application process can be lengthy, and competition is fierce.
Some PhD students will be automatically considered for financial support once they’ve been accepted by an institution, but many are required to make separate PhD funding applications. These are usually made directly to the university – even for those studentships from Research Councils, professional bodies, or charities, foundations and trusts.
You’ll typically be asked for your PhD application form, a research proposal, a cover letter and your references. After the institution has reviewed your application, you may be invited to interview.
Throughout this process, the university will scrutinise what you’ll bring to the institution. Applicants at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), for example, are judged on:
the quality of their research project and how it connects with research currently being undertaken at the institution how appropriate the supervisory team is their calibre, academic qualifications and academic/research experience
whether the research can contribute towards the Research Excellence Framework (REF), meaning that interdisciplinary research will be preferred.
How do I increase my chances of getting a PhD studentship?
You can improve your chances of success by:
- asking a friend or family member to proofread your application
- carefully choosing your referees, ensuring that they’ll speak positively of you
- discussing your draft application with a relevant academic
- explaining how your work will be unique and innovative
- following the funding body’s guidance regarding word counts and formatting.
What other PhD funding is available?
If you’re unsuccessful with your PhD studentship application, you could consider:
- crowdfunding
- employer sponsorship
- PhD loans.