Applying for a PhD
Advice for Biological Scientists, Physical Scientists and Engineers
Teesside University Careers Service
What is a PhD?• Doctor of Philosophy (Doctorate)• Could be in any subject e.g. engineering
(EngD)• Traditionally 2/3 years and a year to write
up (5-7 years p/t)• In-depth study and research, completion
completion of a thesis then viva (oral exam)• 74% f/t*
*Source-www.vitae.ac.uk
Difference between PhD and M or u/g level study
Thesis must make an original significant
contribution to existing knowledge- develop theories, connection of previously
unrelated facts- Of publishable quality
Other PhD opportunities Collaborative Awards in Science and
Engineering (CASE) Collaboration between university and
industrial partner Jointly supervised by academic and company
representative New Route PhD - an integrated approach Taught at M level Front loaded advanced research skills Both 4 years f/t
Other PhD opportunities
• Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme (KTP) Tripartite arrangement between a student, an academic and an employer
Work on a project and receive a salary
Completion Process
Typical PhD studentNo such thing! • New graduate (usually a 1st or 2.1)
• Masters graduate Most likely route Opportunity to develop important skills
and research experience
Why do a PhD?• Highly valued by employers• PhD graduates:
Have a combination of maturity & autonomy;Are enthusiastic, lateral thinkers;Are more sophisticated in their thinking with a
broader toolkit of skills;Can think analytically and work through
complicated processesHave evidence of time management skills
What do PhDs do? (all subjects, 2007)• Population = 14,505
• 81% employed in UK, 6% overseas49% education sector inc post-doctoral
research, teaching & lecturing18% scientific research and analysis17% health & social work sector10% enter business, managerial & IT careers
3% unemployed (6% graduates)Source: vitae.ac.uk
What do PhDs do? • Biological - 13% of all UK PhD graduates, 79%
employed in UK50% education sector inc post-doctoral
research, teaching & lecturing4% health & social work sector36% scientific research
• 8% working overseas• 2% unemployed (3% for 1st degrees)
Source: vitae.ac.uk
What do PhDs do?• Physical Sciences and Engineering - 33% of
all UK PhD graduates• 78% employed in UK
41% education sector inc post-doctoral research, teaching & lecturing
25% manufacturing & research in industry21% business and information technology
• 8 % working overseas• 4.5% unemployed (compared with 7.8% 1st degree)
Source: vitae.ac.uk
What do PhDs do?• Scientific & Engineering Research - Most
popular destination – 43% of employed UK PS&E PhDs– 20% of above based in the education sector
in academic research positions– Remainder work in the chemical and
pharmaceutical industries• 12% entered engineering professions
Academic research and/or teaching career in UK universities often require a PhD
Prospects
Jobs in academia
Gain transferable skills and teaching/supervision of undergraduates – enhances employability
Do your research and think carefully
• It’s a major commitment• High drop out rates• It can be a lonely existence
Points to consider
• Focused on a highly specialised field• Essential that you are interested• Supervisor – student relationships very
important (although often have more than one supervisor)
Choosing a project area• Think about which area you are interested in• Be committed to this topic and
knowledgeable about current technology and related areas
• Read journals/scientific papers and other publications to develop knowledge and learn who the experts are
• May be dictated to you due to funding
Choosing a project area• Select a relevant final year project/
dissertation/MSc project to demonstrate aptitude, interest and research skills
• Undergraduates contact project supervisors early to secure a relevant project
• Check available project areas early or before you accept a place
Join societies and professional institutes• Attend conferences/ presentations –
NETWORK
• Post graduate opportunities often advertised in society publications, only available to members
Applications• No central application system
• Speak to/e-mail potential supervisors
• Register your interest and describe your research interests
• Ask about the possibility of funded research opportunities
Applying to advertised opportunities• Application form/CV
• Provide evidence of skills– Research skills/experience– Written/spoken communication– Organisation/time management– Team work skills– Project work
TAILOR IT
Application Process• Apply early – 12 months before planned
start date• Demonstrate an awareness of potential
supervisor’s specialist area– University website staff pages often feature
research interests and publications– LinkedIn– Evaluate and understand papers/reports– Also be aware of other publications in the same
research area
Attending interviewsOpportunity for you and supervisor to get to
know one another. Could you work well together?
Read your application form againLikely to be asked about your experience and
motivation for the focus of research Come to the careers service for advice on
preparation or a mock interviewCheck eligibility for grant/award
If offered a place…• Ask for a formal letter of offer with details
of-– Supervisors– Start date– Funding arrangements– Financial requirements from you– Academic preparation
Funding• Universities apply to awarding bodies then
advertise studentships when funding is secured www.jobs.ac.uk
• Some offer “fees only” PhDs, others a stipend• Remember to include living costs in your
calculations• Industrial sponsor, charitable foundation e.g.
Wellcome Trust, part-time lecturing or family donations may be available
Self-funded PhDs
• Approx £1k per month including living costs and fees
• Fees for international students approx £16k per year, plus living costs
Part-time PhD• Usually 12-15 hours per week
• Time available for other activities e.g. work = income
Further Information - opportunities• www.newroutephd.ac.uk
• www.findaphd.com
• www.wellcome.ac.uk/node2126.html
• www.ktponline.org.uk
• www.newscientistjobs.com
• www.vitae.ac.uk
• www.tees.ac.uk
Further Information- Funding• Medical Research Council• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
Council • CASE • Natural Environment Research Council • Biotechnology and Biological Sciences R C • Funderfinder• Research Councils • Sources of funding for international students• British Council
Further InformationFunding
• Prospects Postgraduate Directory Volume 2 Science & Engineering
• Prospects Postgraduate Funding Guide
• The Grants Register: the complete guide to postgraduate funding worldwide
• Hotcourses Postgraduate Funding Guide
Careers Service
1st Floor
Student Centre
Tel: 01642 342260