Most supervisors will not have dressed up to interview you and will not expect you to. However there's no accounting for taste so dressing smartly is the safest bet. It's probably best not to go over the top, but if your choice is between a suit or crotch worn Levis with a pair of espadrilles and Marilyn Manson T-Shirt, then just put the suit on and don't worry about it - you can save the Levis for your first day.

As already stated here it's the reputation of the department and the supervisor that counts. Check the RAE (research assessment exercise) rating of the department - most departments publish this on their web site, but you can also check on the HERO web site. The most recent RAE took place in 2001.



The larger universities do tend to have more high rated departments, but working in a bad lab in a good university will do you no good. At this point it will be difficult for you to judge the quality of your potential new supervisors, but the research direction they set for you can dramatically affect the progress of your PhD. A good PhD project should have achievable research aims as well as providing a genuine contribution to knowledge. In general successful supervisors have successful students, so talk to as many people as possible when you go for interview or to an open day. If your supervisor does not have a realistic grasp of what you can achieve, it won't matter how hard you work.

It's not really for us to say what you might be asked. PhD interviews vary tremendously depending on the supervisor concerned. It is likely however that you will be asked about your third year project or any other research experience you may have.


If you have been given details of any particular references then make sure you do your best to read them. If you've not been given this info, then use the web to find relevant papers (particularly those by your potential supervisor). You are not likely to be examined on these things, but the supervisor will be looking to see that you were at least interested enough to read them.


The other question you are likely to be asked is why you want to do a PhD in general, and this PhD in particular. You should think about the answers to these questions before you go to the interview. Many people apply for PhD's because they couldn't think of anything else to do. A good supervisor will try to avoid these people.


Finally, remember to find out as much as you can while you're there. Try to speak to PhD students working in your potential new lab/Department and see if you like the atmosphere. Don't be afraid to ask the PhD students about the quality of supervision. Three years is a long time to be stuck with a bad supervisor or to work in an unfriendly environment.

The only reason for pursuing an MPhil (if you already have a masters) is if there's a chance of converting to a PhD. In the arts it is fairly standard for students to register for an MPhil at the start of their postgraduate studies, after a year or two they convert to a PhD (unless their supervisor thinks they're not up to it). The research used for the MPhil counts towards the PhD and the MPhil thesis may never actually be written (nor the degree awarded). This system is also used in some science departments/disciplines. If you apply for an MPhil check on the prospects of converting to a PhD after one year (remember to check what the funding options would be if you do this).



The system can also work the other way around. A PhD student who wants to quit can (if they have enough results and can be bothered to produce a thesis) submit early for an MPhil instead of a PhD. On rare occasions a PhD student may be awarded an MPhil instead of a PhD if their results, thesis or viva performance are not considered worthy of a PhD.


If you want to improve your chances of getting a PhD place you may consider an MRes. These are available in a number of departments and are designed to prepare students for a full research degree. However, as you already have an MSc your best bet could be to try and find some work experience until you secure a PhD place.

It is probably easier to get accepted for a PhD place. Medicine and postgraduate research are very different careers. You should probably apply first to the one you'd most like to do, rather than the one you're most likely to be accepted for. If you want to be rich apply for medicine.

If you want research experience try asking in your old department. Finding part time paid employment may be difficult, although temporary lab work for science graduates is often available, particularly in the South East. Look in national papers and graduate recruitment guides.

There are quite a few postings on the forum from older students wanting to start a PhD. Have a look through for more encouragement, etc. Employment after a PhD varies from subject to subject. Whilst it is likely that a PhD will improve your career options, it may not provide a guarantee of a career in academic research. If you know anybody already working in your field ask them for advice. You can always ask questions like this at the end of your interview.

There is no strict definition to separate either term and in many circumstances they mean the same thing. However generally a studentship covers course fees and living expences, but may only be available to home students. Scholarships may be supplemental to a studentship or instead of one. They may only cover some or all of the course fees but not living expences.

Many institutions (eg most MRC centres) have closing dates in early-mid January. Don't dispair if you miss these as other opportunities come up throughout the year, but the earlier you start applying, the more choice you'll have.

It is usual to include your contact details on a CV, even if it is accompanied by an application form

ORS or Overseas Research Students Awards in most cases cover the difference between the tuition fee for a home (ie UK) postgraduate student and the rate charged by the institution to an international postgraduate student for the particular full-time research course being taken by the awardholder. Around 800 awards are made each year and between 60% and 70% of applicants are succesfull. You can get further details from the Universities UK web site. You need to be accepted by a university before applying. Your university will then provide you with help and advice on your application.

Yes, the home fee is subsidised by the government, whereas the overseas fee is usually designed to make a profit.

I think (hope) it was meant to be a joke. Obtaining a PhD is like applying for a job. If you don't want to risk accepting or turning down the studentship now then write to your potential new supervisor and ask them by which date they need your decision by. If they want it immediately then you'll have to make your mind up. If you are a self-funded student (even if you intend to apply to ORS) then you probably have a reasonable chance of being accepted in the lab of your choice (providing your qualifications meet the minimum requirements).

Most students applying for postgraduate research have little or no work experience. Concentrate on relevant academic qualifications and particularly any research projects which formed part of your first/masters degree.

Your Masters should be sufficient entry qualification, but you will need to spend some time investigating possible sources of funding.