4 Things a PhD Applicant Doesn’t Need to Be

#1 An expert in your field

The purpose of a PhD is to become the expert in your field. If you already know everything (which, I argue is impossible in any subject) then what’s the point in enrolling for the degree?

Of course you need to have good knowledge of the field you intend to study but the more important things are to understand how to research, how you learn and what perspective you bring to the table. I’ve just finished my PhD in how Elizabethan sailors interacted with animals. Previously, the closest to Maritime History I ever got was to studying American colonial puritans. I also had never studied animals before – I did climate work. But my experience in Colonial Studies and Environmental History were useful perspectives to bring to the table.

TL;DR: No you don’t need to know everything and don’t forget the value of the stuff you do know.

#2 Published

One of the most common questions I get asked is if you need to be published to be accepted onto a PhD programme. The answer is no, you don’t. In fact, some PhD students don’t even publish until after they’ve graduated!

There’s a horrible saying in academia, “publish or perish”. This is wholeheartedly not true. While there is greater pressure on academics to publish their research, this becomes more important if you want to secure a permanent staff position later in your career. It’s also far more valuable to put out one piece of high-quality research in a reputable journal than four in less respected publications.

TL;DR: You don’t need to publish before applying for a PhD. Remember, quality over quantity and if that means waiting until the end of the doctorate (or even after) that’s ok too.

#3 At the start of your career

Another PhD myth is that the degree best serves those at the start of their career, fresh faced from a previous degree or a year or two of work experience.

There is no age cap on PhD research. There is also no age cap on entering academia, if that’s your reason for pursuing a doctorate. While there may be more obstacles with regards to funding, for instance you cannot be over 60 to apply for the UK doctoral loan, in the academy everyone is meant to be valued the same.

The beautiful thing about research is that everyone approaches it from a different angle. Every perspective is valued, whether you’re 25 or 65!

TL;DR: A PhD may be the right thing for you at any stage of life, whether that’s early on in your career, in the middle or at the end.

#4 The best in your academic year

Academic achievement is a factor applicants are judged against. A PhD involves a serious amount of scholarly work which you must be capable of completing. That’s why there are grade boundaries for any postgraduate degree, they’re there to help you avoid unnecessary struggle.

With that in mind, while being the top in your academic year may give an extra shine to your PhD application, it won’t make or break any decisions. Universities and funders are more interested in you demonstrating your knowledge of the subject and ability to conduct a research project.

TL;DR: As long as you can meet the given grade boundaries, your PhD potential is not ruined if you were not the best performer in your year. Focus on your suitability for the project, not the general degree.