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
MPhil (after Mlevel study, 1year f/t
or 2 years without Mlevel)
or
MRes
(2 years)
Successful
completion
of report
PhD
Typical PhD student
No 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 processes
Have evidence of time management skills
What do PhDs do? (all subjects, 2007)
• Population = 14,505
• 81% employed in UK, 6% overseas
49% education sector inc post-doctoral
research, teaching & lecturing
18% scientific research and analysis
17% health & social work sector
10% 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 UK
50% education sector inc post-doctoral
research, teaching & lecturing
4% health & social work sector
36% 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 industry
21% 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 interviews
Opportunity for you and supervisor to get to
know one another. Could you work well
together?
Read your application form again
Likely 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 interview
Check 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
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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 Information
Funding
• 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