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-

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 M- level study, 1year f/t or 2 years without M- level) or MRes (2 years) Successful completion of report PhD

Typical PhD student No such thing! New graduate (usually a 1 st 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 1 st 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% 1 st 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/ 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 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 hours per week Time available for other activities e.g. work = income

Further Information - opportunities

Further Information- Funding Medical Research Council Engineering and Physical Sciences Research CouncilEngineering 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 1 st Floor Student Centre Tel: