Doing a PhD …in Meteorology …at the University of Reading Robert Warren

What is a PhD? An extended piece of original research, carried out individually but with the guidance of one or more supervisors, for a period of 3–4 years (in the UK).

Reasons why you might want to do a PhD Good reasons I really love the subject. I want to further my understanding and contribute to the advancement of the science. I feel like a career in research might be for me. Not so good reasons I think it would be cool to have “Dr” before my name I can’t face the real world I can’t get a job I want to be rich

Pros You’re your own boss Directly applying the knowledge and skills from your degree Flexibility in work regime Travel Developing transferable skills (critical thinking, data analysis, written and verbal communication) Working with some of the best people in the field Potential for a better paid job Opportunities to work abroad after you finish Student discounts! Pros and cons of doing a PhD Cons You’re your own boss! It’s a long slog Can be lonely Hard to know how well you’re doing most of the time Low-pay compared to a lot of graduate jobs Post-doctoral research positions often have low job security Thesis!

Programming! (writing models, analysing data, producing plots) Reading papers Lab and/or field work (for some projects) Attending seminars, conferences, research group meetings, workshops, and training schools Masters classes (first year for BSc or non-Meteorology MSc students) Supervisor meetings Monitoring Committee meetings Reading Researcher Development Programme (RRDP) courses Giving presentations Writing and publishing papers Writing your thesis and doing your Viva Demonstrating and marking for Undergraduate and Masters classes Pantomime! What’s involved?

A solid understanding of the subject (First or 2:1 honours degree) Enthusiasm for your chosen research area Self motivation The ability to build and maintain a good working relationship with your supervisor(s) Patience and perseverance What you will need

List of potential topics posted online in December; can also suggest your own (see research/pgropportunities.html for this year’s list) research/pgropportunities.html Submit application form before end of January Visit/interview day held in late February / early March Students give project preferences and supervisors give student preferences to PhD Admissions Tutor who allocates projects Offers made in the weeks following the visit day Start in October (Week 1 of Autumn term) Applying for and being offered a PhD

For UK citizens and EU residents of the UK, funding to cover fees, travel, and living costs generally provided by research council grants (most from NERC). NERC Studentship includes a tax-free maintenance grant (currently £13,590 per year) and a £1,500 travel allowance. CASE awards, through partnerships with the Met Office and industry, attached to some projects with additional funding paid directly to the student. Can apply to various bodies (e.g. RMetS) for additional funding to support participation in conferences, field campaigns, etc. For more info see research/pgrfunding.htmlhttp:// research/pgrfunding.html Funding

For more info see