1. Applying for a PhD with your own proposal: What you need to know
Dr Holly Prescott, Postgraduate Employer Liaison Officer, University of Birmingham

2. 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

3. 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?

4. Making contact…
Via personal recommendation from an academic who knows you
OR…
Contact directly with polite letter or
Keep initial 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

5. 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’

6. 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

7. 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

8. ‘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

9. 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?