PhD FAQs

JK2015 wrote: »

Hi all,
Right now Im looking to apply for a couple of PhD projects I've seen advertised on college notice boards. Im not sure what to include in the first email to a prospective supervisor - what questions are appropriate for an initial email, that will also show interest? Im aware this is a silly question and I should be well able to write decent emails at this stage, but I think Im after over-thinking this one and need some advice any other advice about obtaining a phd position is very welcome also
Thanks

Just outline your motivation for researching the topic in question, and very briefly sum up the gap in the literature to demonstrate there is something worth pursuing. Outline your credentials to date as well. Once you've found a prospective supervisor who is interested in talking to you, arrange an informal meeting where you can discuss your motivation and what you are trying to accomplish in greater detail. There is also an element of it being a dating process - you need to try and establish if could see a good working relationship between the two of you.

Hi guys.

I'm interviewing shortly for a specific PhD project. I've worked with my supervisor at undergrad level for my dissertation and did well. The topic of which is similar to the upcoming project.

However I'm pretty unsure what to expect in the interview in terms of questioning. Could any one help with their own experiences? There is the possibility of a presentation also, could anyone advise how to structure it. I don't how much to lean on literature or potential research areas or impacts...

Thanks so much.

exaisle wrote: »

I think Carr Communications does this kind of thing...mock interviews etc...

Great... I'll look into them. Cheers.

Article in Nature today with advice on choosing a PhD:

Find the best fit

Choices for doctoral programmes can seem endless, so look for one that matches your interests and personality.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nj7627-127a

finuge wrote: »

Hi everyone, I am looking for someone to proof read my PhD before I hand up sections to my supervisors. My PhD is in the Arts/Media area - any recommendations. I am conscious of getting someone who has possibly completed their PhD already?

PhD in English language and literature here. What level of proofreading do you require (just simple spelling/grammar or a more detailed structural analysis)? And what's your budget? Feel free to PM

It's probably been asked and answered.

I have just completed an MBA and have a thirst to continue in education part time. The workload whilst intense never really stressed me and I'm sure I could complete a PhD within the 6 year required time.

My only issue is that I'd like to do one with minimal (if any) class time/modules lectures required. Work and Life have ramped up and I feel I would struggle to fit classes in between. If classes are mandatory then I would still like to do one but perhaps in a year or two.

Many thanks.

A lot of Irish universities will allow you to do a research PhD part time over 6 years (no lessons or contact hours).However I haven’t found any that will fund this - all Irish funding seems to be for full time students only, and you are not supposed to work during the funded period apart from taking tutorials at the college.

SmallTeapot wrote: »

It depends on your programme and discipline - in Irish universities (I'm not very familiar with the protocols for IT's), some faculties within universities insist on a structured programme (which has graduate classes and most likely a portfolio of some sort, which details your ongoing academic development - engaging in workshops/ seminars/ conferences, etc). Comparatively, other faculties within Irish universities offer either structured or 'traditional' (purely research) programmes. I did the traditional route (full-time) but I know more and more disciplines (usually directed by the faculty they fit under) are moving towards structured programmes...... which by default are usually minimum 4 years full-time (I'm not too sure what the minimum length is for part-time structured PhD programmes).

So, classes are not always required or enforced..... it's very much dependent upon discipline/faculty/ university you are applying to.......


Another thing to consider also, is funding. Will you be self-funding or seeking funding to cover fees? Also, some disciplines require their doctoral students to contribute to teaching in the department - in the form of tutorials/ labs demonstrating, etc. - so this may need to be factored in to your 9-5 schedule for the academic year..... if you are considering the part-time PhD route.

Best of luck with your choice

Thank you for the detailed response.

Im in the last year of a part time doc...finding it a struggle to gain momentum to write up. Going round in circles, procrastinating etc...but running out of time.
I'm basically looking for the likes of a life coach that has experience in coaching postgrads. I'm not looking for another supervisor. I've seen this kinda service online in the states but im looking for something here.
Anyone have any ideas?

kob29 wrote: »

Im in the last year of a part time doc...finding it a struggle to gain momentum to write up. Going round in circles, procrastinating etc...but running out of time.
I'm basically looking for the likes of a life coach that has experience in coaching postgrads. I'm not looking for another supervisor. I've seen this kinda service online in the states but im looking for something here.
Anyone have any ideas?

Tom Dunne wrote: »

No ideas on a service, but have you thought about doing out a plan? Routine is key - schedule certain times to get measurable outputs complete and you will see progress. Even if it means writing 250 words of rubbish, it is a start and you can build on that.

If you have a submission date (or as was my case doing mine part-time, I got to pick my own submission date), work back from that.

My PhD was in a healthcare discipline and involved data collection with clinical populations; I completed it on a full time basis.

I echo what Tom Dunne said, setting a plan is crucial. While I didn’t find the process of writing ‘X amount of words per day‘ compatible with the way I write and work, devising a plan in the first instance was very helpful. A plan keeps you on track.

My PhD plan was as follows: I first devised an outline for how I wanted the finished thesis to look - as a means of determining what content aligned with each chapter. I then wrote a brief but concise summary under each chapter heading, detailing how many sections each chapter would contain and what each section would in turn focus on. This skeleton plan allowed me to set deadlines for each section/ chapter across time. Some were personal deadlines, while others were major deadlines, wherein I would forward the completed chapters for review to my supervisors.

What is your discipline, kob29? Did your project involve data collection or experiments? And if so, are all these aspects of your project complete and only the write-up remains? Have you discussed your plans for submission with your supervisors and detailed what your writing milestones should be for this journey?

I have never come across a ‘life coach‘ who works with postgraduates to finish theses... Thats certainly a new concept for me. :cool:

Best of luck on your write-up journey