I know what I want to focus on as a topic - I have a more broad idea at the moment, rather than a narrowed-down, specific question to research. I am just a little stumped when it comes to how to apply. What is most important to focus on - the University itself (its reputation, location, how established it is with the subject being researched), what funding is available (how many fully funded places are on offer, additional funding that they may have for PhD candidates), or possible supervisors that they have?

I know I can only afford to do my PhD if I can acquire funding, but I also know that the topic I wish to focus on is fairly niche. I'm worried that some of the Unis that I would like to apply to would dismiss my application as there may not be supervisors interested in the area I propose to research.

How have others approached it? I wanted to stay down in the south coast, but I'm not sure if it's silly to focus on the location - do employers even care what University PhDs are acquired from, or just that you have studied to that level?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.