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