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Applying for a PhD
PhD applications are different to other university courses. For one thing, you won’t be applying to a course.
In the UK, most PhD application deadlines are between late December and mid January. This coincides with the deadlines set by UKRI Research Council funding bodies. Most students will begin work on their application in the autumn. Although less common, many PhD positions and funding opportunities are still available to apply for year round.
To apply for a PhD you’ll need to show that you’re the right candidate to fill an advertised position, or complete a research project that you designed and proposed yourself.
The articles here are designed to help you do that.
We've explained how PhD interviews work (and previewed some of the questions you might be asked). We've also looked at common postgraduate entry tests and provided some advice on eligibility criteria for doctoral research.
All that's left is to wish you good luck. So... good luck!
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Understand what a successful PhD research proposal needs to include and how to go about writing one for your project application.
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Our guide explains how to contact a potential PhD supervisor to discuss your proposal or ideas with them before applying.
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What actually happens at a PhD interview? And how should you prepare for yours? Read our top tips.
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Some PhD applications require students to write a personal statement (also known as a statement of purpose) outlining their background, goals and academic interests.
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What questions will you be asked at a PhD interview? And how should you answer? Find out with our handy guide.
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Applying for a PhD in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) often works a little different to other subjects. Here's everything you need to know about applying for a STEM PhD.
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