Research PHD programs?

R

Hi,
Just wondering if there is a site that compare PHD programs, areas of study, funding available etc.
In advance, I appreciate any info. on it.
Thanks.
Kind Regards,
Roberto

J

What do you mean by PhD programmes - generally they aren't programmes but are individual pieces of research which you undertake guided by a supervisory team - consequently you can't compare them like you can taught programmes. Different universities will specialise in different subjects and within that different areas of expertise. I know that colleagues of mine who have PhDs mention where they studied but also who their supervisor was and who their external examiner was.

R

With the reply that I received in mind, perhaps I should refrase my question: With so many Universities in the US and worldwide, how one can find out areas of expertize, funding etc at different Universities without having to entering each site and discovering one by one? Is there a magazine, article or something that compares PHD programs and talks briefly about programs, areas, research, funding and other relevant topics?
Thanks for the comments and suggestions.

G

For UK you can check this website (http://www.findaphd.com/) for any PhD advertisements. You did not make it clear where are you based in the world and where you have been looking for PhD courses.
From my experience funding is first dispersed internally. So sometimes it's best to contact university where you gained your previous degrees to see if there is anyone offering funding.

I could not travel to USA due to greater expenses but universities like UCLA, MIT are super institutes that offer far better research techniques than any UK based university (in my subject atleast)
I always follow people who are doing doctorate in American Universities. Most of the research work in UK universities in really crap as far as my discipline is concerned.

My faithful advice is always go through the supervisors research pages to see if there is any ongoing research work. Do not go for a supervisor who has not produced reasonable publications.
That sort of supervisor could prove as a liability which you would need to drag with you in order to become successful at a later stage..

B

What is your subject area Roberto? That might help people give better advice. As far as I know there isn't any general comparison thing across all disciplines/countries like you're looking for.

There are some lists of the "best" universities out there, for example like the one compiled by the Times and others, but that's across the board, not for specific disciplines.

J

The other way is to look for the key academics in your field who are publishing in the specific areas you are interested in and then look at their universities. Some journals produce rankings for research in universities in their specific field which are a better indicator than lists like the Times Good Unviersity Guide which is much more based on / aimed at undergrad study. That may throw up universities that you might not have considered but which are among the best for your specific subject.

You don't say whether you have restrictions on where you can move to (eg family commitments or visa restrictions) as that may come into play. And of course the funding situation which may be a major factor.

J

The other way is to look for the key academics in your field who are publishing in the specific areas you are interested in and then look at their universities. Some journals produce rankings for research in universities in their specific field which are a better indicator than lists like the Times Good Unviersity Guide which is much more based on / aimed at undergrad study. That may throw up universities that you might not have considered but which are among the best for your specific subject.

You don't say whether you have restrictions on where you can move to (eg family commitments or visa restrictions) as that may come into play. And of course the funding situation which may be a major factor.

R

Hi,
Thanks for everyone's replies.  My area of study is Psychology.  My interest is Sports, Wellness, Nutrition and healthy living for all ages.  I am doing some research in the area as part of my Master and I have not ran across any "enlighten" PHD programs yet. I am currently studying in the US but would not mind going overseas if the opportunity would come also.  Currently, I do have a graduate assistantship as I help out as a tennis assistant coach and would not mind doing something similar, or teaching to help pay for the PHD.
I do have an undergraduate, master in Business and many years of executive multinational work. I would not mind using any of my experience to help pay for my PHD either.
Perhaps, I just need to do more research and ask my teacher.  My currently University, do not have anything as a PHD that I want to do but maybe the will adapt as they are doing for my Master that in theory is Educational Psychology but I am focusing on sports and wellness.
Any other suggestions, welcome!

Regards to all,

R

Hi,
Thanks for everyone's replies.  My area of study is Psychology.  My interest is Sports, Wellness, Nutrition and healthy living for all ages.  I am doing some research in the area as part of my Master and I have not ran across any "enlighten" PHD programs yet. I am currently studying in the US but would not mind going overseas if the opportunity would come also.  Currently, I do have a graduate assistantship as I help out as a tennis assistant coach and would not mind doing something similar, or teaching to help pay for the PHD.
I do have an undergraduate, master in Business and many years of executive multinational work. I would not mind using any of my experience to help pay for my PHD either.
Perhaps, I just need to do more research and ask my teacher.  My currently University, do not have anything as a PHD that I want to do but maybe the will adapt as they are doing for my Master that in theory is Educational Psychology but I am focusing on sports and wellness.
Any other suggestions, welcome!

Regards to all,

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