PhD Study in Focus

Written by Mark Bennett

Whilst there are some things all PhDs have in common (such as a supervisor, a thesis and a viva), funding, applications and day-to-day routines can differ dramatically between different subject areas.

The guides here provide a helpful introduction to some popular research areas, explaining how to get started with your PhD search and what to expect from a doctorate once you start one.

PhD Research in Chemistry

Chemistry Advice

Chemistry is one of the most diverse and interdisciplinary research areas in science, with a wide variety of PhD opportunities available. We've explained how applications and funding work, together with what you can expect from the day-to-day of a doctorate in Chemical Sciences,

PhD Research in Nursing

Nursing & Health Advice

Nursing PhDs take a range of forms, with the opportunity for practice-based work as well as data-driven investigations into the efficacy of different techniques and approaches.

PhD Research in Computing, IT & Computer Science

Computer Science Advice

Computer Science PhDs involve a combination of complex practical and theoretical work, with a range of important applications. We've explained what's expected of students in this research area.

PhD Research in the Arts & Humanities

Languages, Literature & Culture Advice

What's it like to complete an Arts or Humanities PhD? What do you need to apply for a project and how do funding and supervision work? Our guide explains.

Arts & Humanities

Research in Arts & Humanities subjects tends to be highly independent, with students proposing their own projects.

Chemistry

Chemistry is one of the most popular, diverse and interdisciplinary of the physical sciences, with frequent opportunities for industrial collaboration.

Computing

PhD research in Computing and Computer Science is often well-funded, with a wide range of theoretical and practical applications.

Nursing

Nursing PhDs take a range of forms, including vocational research as well as more data-driven projects reflecting on practice.

Mark Bennett

Mark joined FindAPhD to develop our first ever advice articles in 2013 and now serves as our Director of Audience & Editorial, making sure our websites and information are as useful as possible for people thinking about Masters and PhD study. He has a PhD in English Literature from the University of Sheffield, as well as Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Kent and the University of South Wales.

Last Updated: 08 February 2021

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