PhD funding: advice for applicants
PhD projects
Candidates seeking a funded PhD project should be prepared and plan ahead. The majority of funded projects will be advertised between October and March for PhD study commencing the following September. Candidates who do not find an ideal project should not be discouraged. The Faculty openly encourages outstanding PhD candidates to contact us directly regarding projects they would be eager to undertake. This can be done by either:
- Viewing individual research groups/themes on various School websites and contacting academics directly
- Consulting with the Faculty Postgraduate Recruitment Officer: james.k.power@manchester.ac.uk
What next?
Candidates who find a project of interest should take the following steps:
- View the academic profile of the lead investigator of the project. All academic staff within the Faculty have a personal staff profile searchable from the Faculty homepage. This provides a useful insight into their current research priorities and publications
- Visit the website of the Research Group the lead investigator is based within to find out more about its development, facilities and research environment
- Check the academic and residency criteria for the project to ensure that minimum requirements for applicants are met before applying
- Contact the lead investigator of the project in advance of applying. They will be able to answer any questions, however trivial. Project information held on the website provides only an introduction, so further questions are expected
- Follow the application process carefully. For example, any requests to provide a covering letter outlining an applicant's suitability for a studentship require the candidate to adapt their academic and professional experience to the demands of the project. Often, the decision as to whether applicants are short-listed depends on how effectively they demonstrate their desire and aptitude for the project. Applicants submitting general information for a number of projects are unlikely to be successful
- Do not be afraid to pose searching questions. In many instances, you may be asked to develop a project proposal with the supervisor ahead of an interview
- Be prepared for any interview – you may find you are asked to present on a previous research project you have conducted or comment on a scientific paper
- Show enthusiasm for the project you are applying for. A PhD is a four-year commitment, so you must demonstrate your interest and wider knowledge on the research area
- Unsuccessful applicants should not be too disheartened. Look to gain some insight into why you were not selected and enquire as to whether there are similar projects available
