3146 - Teesside University
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Transcript 3146 - Teesside University
Applying for a PhD
Advice for Biological Scientists,
Physical Scientists and Engineers
Teesside University Careers Service
What is a PhD?
• Doctor of Philosophy (Doctorate)
• Could be in any subject e.g. engineering
(EngD)
• Traditionally 2/3 years and a year to write
up (5-7 years p/t)
• In-depth study and research, completion
completion of a thesis then viva (oral
exam)
• 74% f/t*
*Source-www.vitae.ac.uk
Difference between PhD and M
or u/g level study
Thesis must make an original significant
contribution to existing knowledge
- develop theories, connection of previously
unrelated facts
- Of publishable quality
Other PhD opportunities
Collaborative Awards in Science and
Engineering (CASE)
Collaboration between university and
industrial partner
Jointly supervised by academic and company
representative
New Route PhD - an integrated approach
Taught at M level
Front loaded advanced research skills
Both 4 years f/t
Other PhD opportunities
• Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme (KTP)
Tripartite arrangement between a student, an
academic and an employer
Work on a project and receive a salary
Completion Process
MPhil (after Mlevel study, 1year f/t
or 2 years without Mlevel)
or
MRes
(2 years)
Successful
completion
of report
PhD
Typical PhD student
No such thing!
• New graduate (usually a 1st or 2.1)
• Masters graduate
Most likely route
Opportunity to develop important skills
and research experience
Why do a PhD?
• Highly valued by employers
• PhD graduates:
Have a combination of maturity & autonomy;
Are enthusiastic, lateral thinkers;
Are more sophisticated in their thinking with a
broader toolkit of skills;
Can think analytically and work through
complicated processes
Have evidence of time management skills
What do PhDs do? (all subjects, 2007)
• Population = 14,505
• 81% employed in UK, 6% overseas
49% education sector inc post-doctoral
research, teaching & lecturing
18% scientific research and analysis
17% health & social work sector
10% enter business, managerial & IT careers
3% unemployed (6% graduates)
Source: vitae.ac.uk
What do PhDs do?
• Biological - 13% of all UK PhD graduates, 79%
employed in UK
50% education sector inc post-doctoral
research, teaching & lecturing
4% health & social work sector
36% scientific research
• 8% working overseas
• 2% unemployed (3% for 1st degrees)
Source: vitae.ac.uk
What do PhDs do?
• Physical Sciences and Engineering - 33%
of all UK PhD graduates
• 78% employed in UK
41% education sector inc post-doctoral
research, teaching & lecturing
25% manufacturing & research in industry
21% business and information technology
• 8 % working overseas
• 4.5% unemployed (compared with 7.8% 1st
degree)
Source: vitae.ac.uk
What do PhDs do?
• Scientific & Engineering Research - Most
popular destination – 43% of employed UK
PS&E PhDs
– 20% of above based in the education sector
in academic research positions
– Remainder work in the chemical and
pharmaceutical industries
• 12% entered engineering professions
Academic research and/or teaching career in
UK universities often require a PhD
Prospects
Jobs in academia
Gain transferable skills and teaching/supervision of
undergraduates – enhances employability
Do your research and think carefully
• It’s a major commitment
• High drop out rates
• It can be a lonely existence
Points to consider
• Focused on a highly specialised field
• Essential that you are interested
• Supervisor – student relationships very
important (although often have more than
one supervisor)
Choosing a project area
• Think about which area you are interested in
• Be committed to this topic and
knowledgeable about current technology and
related areas
• Read journals/scientific papers and other
publications to develop knowledge and learn
who the experts are
• May be dictated to you due to funding
Choosing a project area
• Select a relevant final year project/
dissertation/MSc project to demonstrate
aptitude, interest and research skills
• Undergraduates contact project supervisors
early to secure a relevant project
• Check available project areas early or before
you accept a place
Join societies and professional institutes
• Attend conferences/ presentations –
NETWORK
• Post graduate opportunities often advertised in
society publications, only available to members
Applications
• No central application system
• Speak to/e-mail potential supervisors
• Register your interest and describe your
research interests
• Ask about the possibility of funded
research opportunities
Applying to advertised opportunities
• Application form/CV
• Provide evidence of skills
– Research skills/experience
– Written/spoken communication
– Organisation/time management
– Team work skills
– Project work
TAILOR IT
Application Process
• Apply early – 12 months before planned
start date
• Demonstrate an awareness of potential
supervisor’s specialist area
– University website staff pages often feature
research interests and publications
– LinkedIn
– Evaluate and understand papers/reports
– Also be aware of other publications in the
same research area
Attending interviews
Opportunity for you and supervisor to get to
know one another. Could you work well
together?
Read your application form again
Likely to be asked about your experience and
motivation for the focus of research
Come to the careers service for advice on
preparation or a mock interview
Check eligibility for grant/award
If offered a place…
• Ask for a formal letter of offer with details
of– Supervisors
– Start date
– Funding arrangements
– Financial requirements from you
– Academic preparation
Funding
• Universities apply to awarding bodies then
advertise studentships when funding is secured
www.jobs.ac.uk
• Some offer “fees only” PhDs, others a stipend
• Remember to include living costs in your
calculations
• Industrial sponsor, charitable foundation e.g.
Wellcome Trust, part-time lecturing or
family donations may be available
Self-funded PhDs
• Approx £1k per month including living
costs and fees
• Fees for international students approx
£16k per year, plus living costs
Part-time PhD
• Usually 12-15 hours per week
• Time available for other activities e.g. work
= income
Further Information - opportunities
•
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www.newroutephd.ac.uk
www.findaphd.com
www.wellcome.ac.uk/node2126.html
www.ktponline.org.uk
www.newscientistjobs.com
www.vitae.ac.uk
www.tees.ac.uk
Further Information- Funding
• Medical Research Council
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
Council
• CASE
• Natural Environment Research Council
• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences R C
• Funderfinder
• Research Councils
• Sources of funding for international students
• British Council
Further Information
Funding
• Prospects Postgraduate Directory Volume
2 Science & Engineering
• Prospects Postgraduate Funding Guide
• The Grants Register: the complete guide
to postgraduate funding worldwide
• Hotcourses Postgraduate Funding Guide
Careers Service
1st Floor
Student Centre
Tel: 01642 342260