PhD Application Process
There are several key steps when you cover for a PhD Application Process.
For starters, be prepared for these basic steps below:
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Look for Research Projects:
Identify research areas that align with your research interest.
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This should be done by thinking about all topics, courses, projects, recent publications, recurring questions or experiences that have caught your curiosity over the past year.
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Note: If you have difficulty finding a research topic that interests you, read our guide to choosing a research topic.
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Once you have a better understanding of your preferred research area, browse through PhD listings. the ‘postgraduate research degree’ and ‘research centre’ sections of a university’s website if you already have a particular one in mind.
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This is probably the most important thing to consider before you apply to PhD programmes given you will be working on your project for the next three to eight years – make sure not to rush it.
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Note: If you intend to study part time or via distance learning, make sure to check the university offers this option as not all do.
2. Contact Potential PhD Supervisors
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If you are proposing your own research project, which is usually the case with a self-funded postgraduate programme, you will need to find your own potential supervisor.
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The best way to find a suitable PhD supervisor is to review the staff profiles on the department’s webpage and examine the topics they have published before.
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This will help you decide whether their research interests coincide with yours. Outside of research interests, there are other aspects you will want to look for.
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Such as their level of support and patience, and how successful their former students have been.
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For further information on this, you can learn how to find a good PhD supervisor here.
Online Application Form - PhD Application Process
Once you have found a research programe you are interested in, most universities will require you to make a formal application via their online application portal.
The below outlines the supporting documentation you will likely require when completing your online application form.
Qualifications and Transcripts:
If you have completed your studies, you will be asked to provide original or certified copies of your academic qualifications.
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Academic CV
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An academic CV outlines your contact details, academic background and relevant experience in your PhD Application.
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Cover Letter
An academic cover letter can be requested alongside your CV. An academic cover letter explains why you are applying for the particular PhD project.
Why you are a strong candidate for the position and what you can offer the department as a research student.
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Personal Statement
Instead of a cover letter, you may be asked to submit a personal statement. A personal statement is a short document describing your interest in the research programe and explaining why you believe you are suitable for it.
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Research Proposal
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Most universities will require you to submit a research proposal, especially if you are not applying to a pre-determined research project.
