Applying for a PhD with your own proposal: What you need to know Dr Holly Prescott, Postgraduate Employer Liaison Officer, University of Birmingham h.prescott@bham.ac.uk

Know your outline… Research topic: General subject area / explain domain on which you will focus Context: Demonstrate familiarity with relevant literature, show awareness of previous research and explain how your research aims to make an original contribution to knowledge in the area Research objectives: Be able to explain what you intend to achieve. You might use: Hypotheses: test relationship between two or more variables Comparison: you will undertake a comparative study Objectives or a set of research questions Problems: identify existing unsatisfactory conditions and propose a solution Research strategy: Be able to explain your research strategy / method - how you are going to access the material and the research methods or techniques that you will use? Anticipated results: Consider the type of expected results and the relevance/ impact your results will have on wider society Schedule and budget: Know your resource requirements; have a realistic timescale to complete your proposed research References and bibliography

Identifying a supervisor Do your research: 67% of staff receive enquiries that do not match their interests! Have a well-thought-out draft proposal/ project outline Possible routes: Talk to current lecturers for recommendations Look up authors of relevant books/papers Come across someone’s work at a conference Search ‘staff’ pages of university websites Consider: Supervisor’s experience (in successful supervision) Willingness and enthusiasm Are they likely to be away often?? Your own ‘style’: do you like lots of intervention and guidance, or prefer to work more independently?

Making contact… Via personal recommendation from an academic who knows you OR… Contact directly with polite letter or email: Keep initial email brief Demonstrate your eligibility Outline mutual interests Explain why them Meaningful subject line: ‘Prospective PhD student looking to research XX’ (and ‘XX’ should be relevant to them) Ask if they could recommend someone else if unable to supervise you themselves Leave yourself lots of time and be patient

Choosing your supervisor See multiple people Someone who excites you Good chemistry and mutual understanding Consider your needs and ‘style’ Choose your favourite ‘match’ See multiple people Someone who excites you Good chemistry and mutual understanding Consider your needs and ‘style’ Choose your favourite ‘match’

Working up your proposal… what should it demonstrate? Originality Feasibility Context Critical thinking ‘Strategic Fit’/ ‘Match’ Ownership Impact Why you? Training needs Passion Why your research is worth investing in

Making a compelling case Strategic fit: how does your research and/or previous experience fit in with the research strengths, agendas and priorities of the University? Your research proposal should make a positive and powerful first impression about your potential as a researcher The proposal and supporting statement are for you to show that you have the ability to take ownership over your project and demonstrate research leadership State and justify your objectives clearly (“because it is interesting” is not enough!) – make sure that you address a clear gap in existing work Persuade potential supervisors and/or funders of the importance of the research, and why you are the right person to undertake it

‘The four P’s’ Person – what makes you the best person to undertake this research? Preparation – What relevant experience do you have (relevant elective modules, dissertation, research skills courses etc.)? Proposal - A sound proposal that is clear, coherent and concise, and displays an original contribution to knowledge Place – Why are you applying to that University? Your fit with existing research interests, resources available and evidence that appropriate qualified supervisors are available

Applying, AKA the admin part… Apply online through universities’ online application forms You will need to upload/send the following supporting documents to most universities: 2 references Degree transcripts A personal statement (why you want to study on the programme) A research proposal A sample of written work (only necessary for some subjects) Evidence of English language competence (for international students) Check your offer… is it the supervisor you want?