Thinking of a PhD?: What You Need to Know Dr Holly Prescott, Postgraduate Recruitment Advisor, University of Birmingham h.prescott@bham.ac.uk

Why do a PhD? X Carry on living the ‘student life’ X Peer pressure To make an original contribution to knowledge in your field To become an expert in your chosen area Personal development and improvement The rare opportunity to dedicate time to an extended research project Passion for subject Necessary for a career Entry to an academic career Networking X Carry on living the ‘student life’ X Peer pressure X Fulfilling others’ ambitions X Fear of change X Beating the recession X Keeping your visa X Escaping a job you’re not enjoying

Doctoral options 3-4 years full-time, 6-8 years part-time Standard PhD Regular supervisions/team meetings to check progress Examined by written thesis (worthy of publication in learned journal or equivalent) and spoken viva voce exam (‘defence’) Distance learning As above, but allows majority of research to be conducted off-campus with one (or more) compulsory visits to the university No need to relocate - supervisions can be conducted virtually by Skype etc

Doctoral options continued PhD with Integrated Study Usually takes longer (minimum 4 years full-time) Combines taught modules (usually in year one) and coursework with a research thesis Professional doctorates Usually prepare researchers to practice or enhance their practice in their chosen area, e.g.: Psychology: Forensic Psychology Practice Doctorate (ForenPsyD), Clinical Psychology Doctorate (ClinPsyD) Educational and Child Psychology (App Ed and Child PsyD) – often involve a number of professional placements as well as research Engineering (EngD): involves working closely with industry to carry out a research project Education (EdD): for education professionals to develop and research their own special interests

How do I find a PhD project/ topic Formulate your own project Popular in arts, humanities and social sciences You produce a research proposal Identify supervisor(s): search departmental websites; Google your research interests; ask current tutors Approach academics with a clear idea of your research project Contact enquiry services e.g. dr@contacts.bham.ac.uk Find an advertised project Popular in science and technology; sometimes in psychology and social sciences Search sites such as: www.jobs.ac.uk, www.prospects.ac.uk and www.findaphd.com Birmingham has its own: www.birmingham.ac.uk/dr Check departmental websites Apply for projects which closely match your own interests and experience Show commitment to your research area!

PhD proposal Research topic: General subject area / explain domain on which you will focus Review of the literature: Demonstrate familiarity with relevant literature, show awareness of previous research and explain how your research aims to make an original contribution to knowledge Research objectives: Explain what you are intending to achieve. You might use: Hypotheses: an assumed relationship between two or more variables Propositions: statements that explain likely phenomena Objectives or a set of research questions Problems: identify existing unsatisfactory conditions and propose a solution Research strategy: Explain your research strategy / method, consider strategic options / outline how you plan to collect your data (if any) Anticipated results: Consider the type of expected results, data analysis method and identify potential data collection problems Schedule and budget: Plan resource requirements; detail stages of the research and timescale References and bibliography

Making a compelling case Strategic fit: how does your research and/or previous experience fit in with the research strengths, agendas and priorities of the University? Your research proposal should make a positive and powerful first impression about your potential as a researcher The proposal and supporting statement are for you to show that you have the ability to take ownership over your project and demonstrate research leadership State and justify your objectives clearly (“because it is interesting” is not enough!) – make sure that you address a clear gap in existing work Persuade potential supervisors and/or funders of the importance of the research, and why you are the right person to undertake it

Submitting your application For an advertised project: apply online through www.findaphd.com or www.birmingham.ac.uk/dr For your own project: apply online through Birmingham’s Coursefinder (or other universities’ online application forms) You will need to upload/send the following supporting documents to most universities: 2 references Degree transcripts A personal statement (why you want to study on the programme) A research proposal (if applicable) or project outline A sample of written work (not always necessary) Evidence of English language competence (for international students)

Support from Birmingham You can search for PhD opportunities, funding and potential supervisors at the University of Birmingham through the Doctoral ReSEARCHer database: www.birmingham.ac.uk/dr Order a free, subject-specific Doctoral Research Prospectus direct to your inbox at www.birmingham.ac.uk/drp Search for funding opportunities using our searchable Postgraduate Funding Database: www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgfunding