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PhD Student Guides

As a prospective PhD student, you’re likely to have a lot of questions about the doctoral journey. Whether you’re keen to make your own research proposal or you’re applying for an advertised PhD project, the process is very different to what you may have experienced during your Bachelors or Masters degree.

Similarly, the funding situation can seem more complicated for doctoral candidates, with competition often tough for the most prestigious studentship schemes.

Over the years, we’ve written hundreds of guides on the topics that matter most to prospective PhD researchers. They cover everything from writing a research proposal and finding a supervisor to completing your thesis and acing your viva exam.

by Chantelle Francis

Making the Most of Your University’s Resources as a Postgraduate

Advice

As a postgraduate you'll really benefit from the unique library collections, high-tech facilities and other resources your university offers. This blog will help ensure you get the most out of them.

by Anh Hoang Le

Setting Out on a PhD Journey - FindAPhD Scholarships Winner 2016

Medicine Scholarships

What's it actually like to start a PhD? What can you expect in the first few months of a doctorate? How does it feel to finally be an independent researcher? Anh Hoang Le won the top prize in our FindAPhD Scholarship competition for 2016. In this first post he tells us what it's been like to get started with his project.

by Mark Bennett

UK Higher Education Bill - Postgraduate Updates

United Kingdom International Study

The UK Government continues to debate plans for the reform of universities, with some potentially significant effects on future postgraduate students. Our Content Editor has been following the discussion.

by Gaia Cantelli

The Science of PhD Study - PhD Interviews

Applications Advice

What's it like facing a PhD interview in Science and Technology? We're looking at key areas of PhD study from the perspective of different subject areas.

by Mark Bennett

The Art of PhD Study - PhD Interviews

Applications Advice

What's it like facing a PhD interview in the Arts and Humanities? As part of a special series, we're looking at key areas of PhD study from the perspective of different subject areas.

by Rachel L King

Returning to University and Embracing New Challenges - PhD Study as a Mature Student

Nursing & Health Advice

Heading back to university for your PhD? What's it like adjusting to the challenges of postgraduate research as a mature student? In this blog Rachel King speaks about her recent experiences.

by Mark Bennett

PhD Loans Update - New Details Emerge

Student Loans Funding

The UK government has released new details of its planned PhD loans. Big changes include a complete separation from Research Council grants. We've summarised all the new information and looked at what's happening next.

by Jamie Depledge

PhD Inspiration - Top Tips

Advice

Considering a PhD, but wondering what you'll actually get out of it? We've sat down with some of the UK's top academics to hear their experiences and thoughts on postgraduate study. Here we showcase some of the top tips provided by Professor Gavin Schaffer, Professor Alison Woollard, Sir Paul Nurse and Simon Singh MBE.

by Ania Gruszczynska

Taking Control of Your PhD: Managing Your Wellbeing

Advice

A PhD is only as effective as the person researching it. In the final instalment of her series, Dr Ania Gruszczynska looks at taking control of your well-being as a postgraduate researcher.

by Chantelle Francis

Managing Postgraduate study with a Chronic Illness, Disability, or Learning Difficulty

Advice

Completing a postgraduate degree whilst managing a disability, illness or learning difficulty may seem tough, but it's far from impossible. In this post Chantelle offers some tips from her own experience.