At the University of Westminster, we understand that putting together a research proposal and applying for a PhD can be a very mysterious process. This can be especially true for applicants from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in higher education, particularly in doctoral education, so we have put together some guidelines and information to help.
Things may differ slightly depending on the subject or discipline, but these notes will give you a good basis from which to begin.
If you have any questions about doing a PhD with us, please get in touch with the Graduate School at [email protected].
Applying for a research degree
There are certain areas of the application process that can be particularly confusing for students, so to help we have put together specific advice for anyone unfamiliar with the process:
Finding a supervisor
Your supervisor will be the most important person during your research degree, so you need to ensure you find the best person for you. Find out how to approach prospective supervisors, what they will be looking for in a research proposal and what you can expect.
Please note that you will not be able to submit your application unless you have completed the box that asks for the name of the member of staff you have consulted in preparing your application.
Find out more about finding a supervisor.
Understanding the application process
The application process can be a bit intimidating, so we have put together a list of all the key stages, so you know what is going to happen.
Find out more about the application process.
Funding
Funding PhDs can be complicated, and the advice can often be convoluted. We have listed the most common methods of funding research degrees along with how to apply for funding.
Find out how to fund your course.
What are PhD students called?
You have probably noticed that a variety of names are used when speaking about research degrees and those who do them, which can be confusing. Those doing these degrees are sometimes called PhD students, doctoral students, doctoral researchers, or postgraduate researchers (PGRs).
Generally, in higher education, 'doctoral researchers' and 'PGRs' are the most often used terms for PhD students, as it is felt that those doing research degrees are no longer 'students' in the same way as undergraduate or Master's students are. However, it is also true that the majority of those engaged in research degrees use the term 'PhD students' – which is also the term used most widely outside of universities.
The PhD student community
Doing a PhD can be an isolating experience – and so can thinking about doing one. There are lots of ways, however, to find and talk to others whose experience can help you through the decision making and the application process.
- The Student Room is the UK’s largest online student community and is a fantastic way to ask questions and find tips and information.
- The University of Westminster Students' Union also has a Vice President for postgraduate education – you can find their information on the Students Officers page of the UWSU website.
Other resources
There are several websites you can look at for advice on starting a PhD, we have compiled some of the most useful below:
- findaphd.com – as well as advertising studentships, the website has many resources providing information and guidance on applying for, getting funding for and doing a PhD.
- jobs.ac.uk – this is the main place in the UK that academic jobs are advertised. Many PhD studentships are also advertised on the website. There is also a lot of information and guidance on doing a PhD.
- Leading Routes is dedicated to empowering and preparing the next generation of black academics. They offer a range of events, initiatives and resources, on their website designed to support reseachers through their academic journey. One of the standout offerings is their report, The Broken Pipeline, which focuses on obstacles black students face when applying for research council funding.
- 'Letter to A Prospective PhD Student' – this letter from an academic gives a good insight from the other side – what academics want to see when approached by potential doctoral researchers.
- A Ted talk given by someone who has completed their PhD. The talk gives some real insights and reflections into the reality of working towards one.
- Government loans – the UK government offers loans for PhD study (subject to its eligibility criteria).
- UKRI (United Kingdom Research and Innovation) is the umbrella organisation for all the government-funded research councils in the UK. The research councils fund PhD study through Doctoral Training Partnerships and Doctoral Training Centres. Find out more about AHRC-funded DTP Techne (to which the University of Westminster belongs).
- Vitae is an organisation that supports the development of researchers worldwide, from doctoral-level and beyond. There is a lot of useful information on their website about what it is like to do a PhD.
- Working-Class Academics – are a relatively new group who help academic colleagues overcome class-based barriers throughout their careers. You can find information on those involved and how to contact them via their website.