Considering a PhD
Understand what makes a PhD unique and whether it's right for you and your career.
A PhD is the highest degree level available at university and as such, requires a significant investment of time and commitment. Whilst there are some taught elements to a PhD, the majority of your time is spent undertaking an independent and extensive research project, which culminates in producing a publication-worthy thesis, allowing you to make a unique and original contribution to a specific field or subject. Your success will depend on the originality and quality of the research project submitted.
There is no question that choosing to study a PhD is a really big decision. While some of the factors you consider will be the same no matter what kind of course you are considering, there are some additional features of a PhD you should bear in mind:
Duration
Full-time PhDs typically take between three and four years to complete, while part-time PhDs can take as long as seven years. PhDs can start at any point during the year, although PhD studentships tend to begin in September or October.
Passion for research
A PhD is all about research! You are completing an independent research project for an extended period of time. Think back to the research experiences you have had already. Did you enjoy them? What were some of the challenges? Does the prospect of carrying out intensive research for at least three years excite you?
Passion for field
Through completing a PhD, you are becoming an expert in your chosen field. PhD projects are very specific and seek to make a unique contribution to the subject. You have to be passionate about what you are going to spend at least 3 years of your life studying. Choose the PhD projects you apply for carefully. Read FindAPhD's advice on choosing a PhD.
Supervisor
Choose your PhD supervisor carefully. In most STEM PhD projects, which are often advertised as pre-determined research proposals, there is often a supervisor already allocated to the project. Ask to meet with them during the application process and find out more about their plans for the project and how you will work together. In arts, social sciences and humanities fields, particularly if you are proposing your own PhD, you may need to find your own supervisor. Identify their research interests and find out what they have worked on already. The relationship with a PhD supervisor can have a huge impact on your experience so take the time and effort to try and meet with them when applying.
What comes next?
Contrary to popular belief, most PhD graduates don't continue in academia when they complete their research, despite this being a common motivator to undertake a PhD. A PhD is a hugely transferable and valued qualification that can be used in many different fields and industries. The Vitae website has great information about the career destinations of PhD graduates and you can read more about where a PhD can take you on the FindAPhD website.
Before you decide
Remember choosing to complete a PhD is a big decision and there are lots of people who can help talk it through with you:
- You can book an appointment with your School’s Careers Adviser in your Student Futures Account – our dedicated advisers will explore your ideas with you, provide advice and coaching and support you to make a decision that’s right for you
- Speak to your personal tutor and academics working in your field about your interest in doing a PhD
- Try to speak to current PhD students or recent PhD graduates – ask your personal tutor or other academic staff to put you in touch with current PhD students in your academic school. Ask them for insight into their PhD so far and how they have found it – encourage them to be honest!
- Research! Exercise the skills you will need to do a PhD and put your research skills to the test. Use websites like FindAPhD and Vitae and blogs like the PhD Place to explore what a PhD is like