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Applying for a PhD

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)

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Applying for a PhD

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  1. Applying for a PhD Advice for Biological Scientists, Physical Scientists and Engineers Teesside University Careers Service

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Completion Process

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. Do your research and think carefully • It’s a major commitment • High drop out rates • It can be a lonely existence

  15. 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)

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. Join societies and professional institutes • Attend conferences/ presentations – NETWORK • Post graduate opportunities often advertised in society publications, only available to members

  19. 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

  20. 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

  21. 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

  22. 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

  23. 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

  24. 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

  25. Self-funded PhDs • Approx £1k per month including living costs and fees • Fees for international students approx £16k per year, plus living costs

  26. Part-time PhD • Usually 12-15 hours per week • Time available for other activities e.g. work = income

  27. 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

  28. 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

  29. 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

  30. Careers Service 1st Floor Student Centre Tel: 01642 342260

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