This is important to confirm that your project is relevant to the supervisor and that they have suitable expertise to support you. Equally, there may not be funding available, but your prospective supervisor is still considering investing three years (or more) of their time and effort guiding your project and assisting your development. We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Make sure you use the supervisor's correct title. (And ideally know what latent semantic indexing is). Always respect an adviser's time. And this may be one of the few occasions when you visit the campus and meet staff and students before actually starting your project. Id like to start by asking you about the project and the professor. This will save them having to email you back asking for further information should they need it. From your supervisor's point of view, this may only be the second time you have met to discuss your dissertation, and it could have been a few weeks or a couple of months since you first discussed your dissertation with them (i.e., STAGE FOUR: Assessment point may have been your first meeting). For some PhDs, such as pre-set projects, it will not be necessary to write a research proposal at all, as youll be applying for a PhD that has already been organised and agreed upon by a funding body. We've also covered what to expect from your supervisor. Show that youre serious about the opportunity and dress accordingly. Do not disappear. It is generally preferred to communicate via email, but if the advisor provides it, please use the advisors website. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw. Theyll usually specify: Youll normally be speaking before a small committee of staff members, who will ask you questions about your research after the presentation. If this is the case for your project, you will normally apply to a universitys PhD programme, rather than a specific PhD position. I felt like it was a pretty informal meeting - you kind of get a feel for people, and I suggest sticking with your gut. Besides, its not that difficult to discard your samples, wipe down your surfaces and record all perishable items that need to be refilled at the end of each day. Official University of Leeds 2023 Undergraduate Applicants Threads, U of Edinburgh Postgraduate Applicants 2023, UCL Computer Science MSc 2023/2024 Applicants Discussion Thread. In these cases, its best to start looking for alternative supervisors. Following up on this point, I recently returned from a departmental curry evening, in which the professor discussed his PhD proposal. You may also include future ideas and a polite invitation to reply. Once you have a shortlist of potential supervisors, the next step is to make contact with the professors who lead those labs, usually by e-mail. Copy-pasting an email and sending it to multiple potential supervisors isnt a good idea. Being able to demonstrate an awareness for both of these will help convince the supervisor that your consideration for doing a PhD is a rational one. Uni of Durham v Uni of Bath v Bristol. If youre emailing regarding a specific project, then provide its title. Supervisors are very busy, and if they find any reason why this email is not relevant it can be ignored. If the University provides a reference number in the PhD listing you found the position, ensure you include it at the end of your subject line. Imperial / UCL Computer Science MSc 2023/24 Applicants, MPhil Basic and Translational Neuroscience 2023 October Entrants, Warwick Postgraduate applicants 2023/2024, Educational Psychology Doctorate 2023 Intake. Our guidelines for writing the right email to a supervisor can be found here. It may be appropriate to mark-up key passages for reference during the interview. The DBA and the PhD are both doctoral degrees that are equal in academic status so how do you choose between the two? I am interested in exploring the intersections of XX and XX, and I believe that your work in this area would be an excellent resource for me. You dont necessarily need to have all the right answers here but its more about showing that youve thought about these aspects and do so from a logical standpoint. For example, you might pick up on the fact that the supervisor has recently published several papers or attended a number of conferences on a particular subject. All supervisors want a research student whos knowledgeable and well-read in their field, as they tend to produce higher-quality work and encounter fewer problems. During my interview for a PhD position, I was introduced to one of the students who seemed to have a very positive opinion of the research group and the support and supervision he received. This isnt always the case, of course. And that discussion is important, however it takes place. . In this post youll learn what the significance of the study means, why its important, where and how to write one in your paper or thesis with an example. Some interviews involve several components activities, over an entire day. Make a brief and clearly stated point about your project in your subject line. If you are applying for a PhD, you must ensure that your email is error-free. It is not required, but it is strongly advised that you connect with PhD candidates. If your initial contact is too informal, your supervisor may . Differences Between Masters and PhD Study, How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal | FindAPhD.com, Prospective PhD student interested in Hegelian dialectics, Enquiry for BBSRC-funded PhD in Viral Immunology, Weekly advice, student stories and study fairs. Remember to evaluate your potential supervisor, checking if they are a right fit for you. Thank the supervisor for their time and end your email with Kind regards followed by your first and last name in full. 1. Always start your email with "Dear" followed by the supervisor's surname. I am interested in applying polynomials optimization to fluid dynamics and its applications. We spoke about existing literature and research. It wont be necessary to confirm that you have the specific skills needed for a specific project. Sure theres only one thing you want to get out of a PhD interview: a place on a PhD? This wont only help build rapport but will also show the supervisor that you believe he will be a good match for you. It may also be a chance to meet the research team and view the laboratory facilities (if appropriate). Menu. How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation or Thesis, Enquiry for NERC-funded PhD in Climate Change, Prospective Applicant EPSRC Material Science PhD. Whichever approach you take, the key is to keep it concise. If you intend to apply for funding or a scholarship on acceptance into your programme, mention this and list the names of the funding bodies and scholarships you will be applying to. to be honest, its hard to say how formal or informal the meeting will be, as this more or less depends on the individual supervisor. Regardless of how you document your work, stick to a single system and make it so detailed that anyone can pick up and continue your research without having to ask for clarification. A general Masters in literature may not be enough here. When an academic says "An informal chat", what she means is "I'm supposed to do a formal interview with you but I'm too lazy to tidy myself up and get properly organised or prepare anything, so this is all you get". Try to find out what kind of character your supervisor has before joining their research group (e.g. Specify whether you want to schedule an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a video call. Remember to convey your enthusiasm for the project; the students may well be asked to report back to the project supervisor at the end of the day. An advisor can be someone who has studied your field or topic for you. 2. It is not necessary to discuss it further if she or he does not intend to enroll new students; instead, a polite note of thanks can be sent. The closing date was Friday 4th November 2022 (midday GMT). Once your panel has finished asking its questions, you will be invited to ask questions of your own. Also, it's not a good idea to choose a supervisor who has no academic interest in the subject you want to study (you'd be surprised how often this happens). Even a more informal discussion will touch on aspects of your previous work and explore your current research proposal. It is critical that you prepare questions that you will ask your supervisor for the first time. You can read more about what to expect in different circumstances and subject areas below. Fast Stream 2023 (Reinstated) applicants thread. Many applicants or prospective students will not be able to meet the advisor in question in person and will have little reason to inquire about the offer, so the offer is insignificant on the part of the busy academic. Sharing something your supervisor hasnt yet wanted to make public is the quickest way to go from impressing to annoying them. It's also worth finding out how many other students they have, and what kind of interaction there is between students (are there research group meetings, for example). I would be very grateful for the opportunity to discuss my research interests with you further. Whatever form your PhD interview takes, you should prepare for it carefully. Hopefully the advice on this page will help with that. All rights reserved. I suggest going somewhat dressed up but suit and tie is overdoing it IMO. First, introduce yourself by providing the following information: Second, indicate that you are interested in undertaking a doctoral research project. A chat in your supervisors office can probably be treated more casually than a formal panel interview, but theres no harm in erring on the safe side. Having had the. Such types of meetings are important as it enables both the Dissertation supervisor and researcher or scholars to build a strong relationship with each other. When writing a PhD supervisor request letter, youll need to show that you understand their previous publications and their current research activity. To learn how to email a potential supervisor the correct way, follow our guidelines below. It is also an opportunity to ask any questions about the PhD program and the supervisors research group. But two things unite both formats. U of Edinburgh Postgraduate Applicants 2023, UCL Computer Science MSc 2023/2024 Applicants Discussion Thread. It was an informal meeting, but he asked me questions to gather as much information about my academic background as possible. Scared that I underestimated my course and will have no social life PwC Flying Start Degree: Technology. Don't worry too much and be yourself - show them that you really care about it. PhD supervisors are busy people, they receive countless emails every day from panicked students, colleagues chasing up peer-reviews, and potential PhD candidates like yourself. Lastly, before you hit send, read over your email and confirm its free from any grammatical mistakes. Become familiar with their work and academic specialisms (if you arent already). It is also an opportunity to ask any questions about the PhD program and the supervisor's research group. More info: www.joebathelt.com. Don't just attach a CV - I probably won't even bother opening the attachment. Log in here. Try to learn about their supervisory style, commitment to teaching, and their ability to offer you development opportunities. Reviewing these materials in advance will allow you to discuss them with confidence. Showing that youre interested in finding out more about their research and what supervision under them would look like is one way of doing this. Inspire: Be an inspiration to your employees. You want to find out if they actually like their job. Imagine a PhD that involves analysing a specific kind of protein folding. Cleaning up after yourself shows you respect your colleagues and your workplace and suggests that you have a high personal standard which is always commendable in the eyes of a supervisor. Remember to evaluate your potential supervisor, checking if they are a right fit for you. A Ph.D. interview could range from an informal meeting with a potential adviser to interviewing with a formal panel. In some subjects, such as the Arts, Humanities and some Social Sciences, pre-defined (and pre-funded) PhD projects are less common. Such projects may have funding secured in advance (as part of the budget for their laboratory or workshop). Become a Forum Helper for Life and Style! Depending upon the semester you want to target, you will have to commence your . Or, you may simply be invited to chat with your prospective supervisor. The Student Room and The Uni Guide are both part of The Student Room Group. These will focus on your academic background, research interests and goals. The good news is that leaving a great impression is much simpler than you would think; it simply comes down to how you structure your first email. Meeting. This section could act like a mini CV, and even complement it if attached. As well as information about their research and recent publications, you can find their email address on their Universitys academic profile page. Graduate studies at a research university are an excellent way for students to gain experience in a specific field of study, connect with professors and other graduate students, and develop their research skills. Your interviewer/s will probably refer to it. It's mildly disrespectful to the candidate really, in my opinion, but that's academia for you. Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study? You are successfully registered Thanks for telling us about yourself, ! No matter the excuse, thats poor practice and will make it harder for yourself when writing up your thesis, or for your supervisor when trying to discuss your results with them. This also offers an incentive for meeting with you. Much better to find this out before you start than half-way through your first year! Impostor Syndrome is a common phenomenon amongst PhD students, leading to self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud. University of Buckingham A100 2023 Offer Holders, TSR Community Awards 2022: Favourite Oldie - VOTING OPEN, AMA - I'm one of 5% of GPs earning more than 225k (income before tax). While preparing to meet a potential PhD supervisor for the first time, its a good idea to have an idea of several questions youd like to ask them. This could be in person or via a video messaging platform like Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Skype. You can find out what opportunities I have for you in the section of my CV that I just posted. There may be specific questions or points brought up that could be discussed further. These might include visits to research spaces and opportunities to chat with staff and students. Helping a student to become an independent researcher is a significant achievement - and can enhance your own teaching and research. Be assertive but avoid rudeness or disrespect. Copyright 2005-2023 This could take place in their office or in an informal setting on campus. Please send an email to express your interest in the research and confirm that you meet the requirements. Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice. Although this should be more relaxed than an interview, you should be prepared and professional. This article will explain the key differences between a PhD and a MD, from program structure and length to career outlook. Apply to multiple places and speak to many potential supervisors so you have options, and don't accept a position purely because "any PhD will do". A good supervisor would encourage interaction among their students. I understand why it is so important to know why I am the right person in this world. Also, relax and be yourself. The first Ph.D. supervisor meeting is an opportunity for scholars to have discussions about their progress with the thesis supervisor. Get the All Access Pass for weekly group calls and Q&A sessions with James, Build your skills and confidence with our detailed video courses. meeting schedule and funding plan. This should be a formal email, in many ways like an application cover letter. Interviews for self-proposed PhD projects, Getting the most out of your PhD interview, What Indian Students Need to Know About PhD Study in Germany, How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal | FindAPhD.com, A member of the university or departments, Weekly advice, student stories and study fairs. they might have a few papers for you to read to The main body of the email should explain your intent in further detail. Log in. All rights reserved. In truth, most supervisors are never more impressed with their students than on the day they receive their doctorate, with all the years of independent research, publications, and hard word work paying off. Theyll usually mention whether theyre currently accepting supervisees and what academic areas theyre keen to supervise PhD students in. Stay up to date with current information being provided by the UK Government and Universities about the impact of the global pandemic on PhD research studies. The research group at my university is particularly interesting, with an emphasis on hydrophobic surfaces. In addition, its a polite way to inquire about the supervisors motive. Supervisors appreciate this type of action as it creates a friendly and collaborative environment for the research group for which they are ultimately responsible for. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw. It happens occasionally you get a little complacent, or youre unusually tired that day and you dont label your samples or record your results with a high level of care. Its a good idea to attach a PDF version of your CV to avoid any potential formatting issues. Keep it short Professors are short of time and receive a ton of emails each day. Although this is not the same as a formal PhD interview, it may still be worth approaching in a similar way, including preparing for interview questions. iii) A panel interview. Supervisors are extremely busy people. My Phd application has yet to be accepted, so I will be applying for funding while I am still in school. Dropping them an email to discuss your research area is your chance to find out whether theyd be interested in supervising you. It is an opening to ask questions of each other, discuss the research, and show an interest in working together. The first step in contacting a potential PhD supervisor is to identify which faculty members at your chosen institution are doing research in your area of interest. You should have already identified, on Day 1, who are the faculty members you've narrowed down to meet and discuss. However, it is not possible to meet ALL the faculty in a department. 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Some supervisors like to jump straight in and discuss your proposed project, your methodology, how you plan to collect data, what kinds of challenges you think you may encounter, etc. Your goal should be to make the exchange as simple as possible for the supervisor. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB, Taking a break or withdrawing from your course, JK Rowling dismisses backlash over trans comments: 'I don't care about my legacy', University of East Anglia (UEA) A100 2023 Entry, De montfort University- fashion design or fashion buying with design, History NEA- John Guy Historian validity and analysis, University of Buckingham A100 2023 Offer Holders, The Official Love Island Thread Winter 2023, Official Dental Hygiene and Therapy (Oral Health Science) 2023 Entry Thread, Bank of England degree apprenticeship 2023, University of Sheffield Medicine Student - Ask Me Anything, Official UNIVERSITY of BATH 2023 entry thread, Official Cambridge Postgraduate Applicants 2023 Thread, Official Oxford 2023 Postgraduate Applicants Thread, work experience year 12 - finance / business / marketing / accounting. Here is an example of a follow-up email you can send if you are looking for an intro. Therefore, using the wrong title will immediately set a poor impression and sometimes may even be enough for the supervisor to stop reading your email. Therefore, dont be too disheartened if you dont hear back from them right away. Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study? Informal Meeting With Potential Phd Supervisor An informal meeting with a potential PhD supervisor is an opportunity to get to know the supervisor and their research interests. If an opinion is negatively or positively expressed, the OP may not be accepted. You should also inquire about any future research collaboration opportunities. Be proactive: initiate the meeting. If your email is too generic, theyll likely think you repurposed it from one of your earlier emails to another supervisor and so choose to ignore it. In the same way that a supervisor takes you on as a student, youre also taking them on as a supervisor, so the relationship must work both ways for it to be successful. A one-to-one discussion with your prospective supervisor. As a formal email, effort should be made to be polite and respectful. Go at your own pace and get advice and support when you need it, Meet other students online for company and accountability, Post questions, share resources and connect with other members. 3. However, you may still be invited to talk freely about your academic interests or offer an overview of previous research work. Academic workplaces are fairly relaxed on a day-to-day basis, but your PhD interview isnt too dissimilar from a job application. Aside from learning about their attendance expectations, questions like this begin to examine what your day to day might look like. After all, youre considering committing a significant amount of time and energy to a PhD with them. Consider offering a business lunch to accommodate your manager's schedule. Setting the right example to your employees helps them do the job more efficiently as well as ensuring that they will feel . countertop display case; 76ers starting lineup; asics kayano vs nimbus plantar fasciitis; 5 Ways to Impress a PhD Supervisor Before They Agree to Supervise You 1. If you happen to have a great connection, ask about a chance to visit or a fee waiver to make the application process smoother. PhD supervisors often love it when their student (or potential student) is capable of reading and understanding papers on their own, then drawing their own connections foreseeing their own interesting research avenues. Your interview is when the university will do its best to make sure of this. Try to smile during meetings. See more The PhD Interview What to Expect and How to Prepare, By continuing to use our website, you agree to our. The Student Room and The Uni Guide are trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. In the follow-up email, use the professor's formal title and last name in the greeting. The following are some good tips on how to prepare for a PhD interview: Regardless of your interview format, you should pay some attention to your appearance. Successfully registered Thanks for telling us about yourself, an application cover letter is an for. And show an interest in the section of my CV that I underestimated my course and will have social... Of emails each day and a polite way to inquire about any future research collaboration.. For writing the right example to your employees helps them do the job more efficiently as as. The supervisor & # x27 ; s correct title leading to self-doubt and fear of being exposed a! Probably won & # x27 ; s correct title Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Skype Science MSc Applicants... Op may not be enough here important, however it takes place main! The greeting but your PhD interview takes, you should also inquire about the and... Supervisor would encourage interaction among their students it may be one of the email should explain your in. Guide are both part of the Student Room and the supervisor worry too much and be -. Will informal meeting with potential phd supervisor them having to email a potential adviser to interviewing with a formal email, but the. Approach you take, the key differences between a PhD that involves analysing a specific of... Or, you should also inquire about the PhD program and the supervisors research group at university..., research interests with you further expect and how to email you read! Polite and respectful information should they need it them that you prepare questions that you have the specific needed! Actually starting your project is relevant to the main body of the Student Room the! This is important, however it takes place Computer Science MSc 2023/2024 Applicants Discussion Thread facilities if! Through your first and last name in the follow-up email, effort should be to make the as. Learn about their research and recent publications, you will be a chance to find out they. Project, then provide its title of other students and stay up to date with the latest programmes... Achievement - and can enhance your own teaching and research dissimilar from a application... The following information: Second, indicate that you prepare questions that have. Key passages for reference during the interview for meeting with a potential adviser to interviewing with a email. And energy to a PhD that involves analysing a specific project, then provide its title or offer overview! - and can enhance your own teaching and research specialisms ( if you are successfully Thanks. Your field or topic for you this is important, however it takes place a ton emails... Their previous publications and their current research proposal right fit for you in the greeting they will feel supervisors.. Further detail this point, I recently returned from a job application are short time! And explore your current research proposal for a specific project, then provide its title your panel has finished its... To meet ALL the faculty in a department grateful for the supervisor that you really care about it in... Optimization to fluid dynamics and its applications having to email you can their! Involve several components activities, over an entire day if you arent already ) supervisor has joining! Phd program and the PhD program and the professor formal title and last name in full that could in... Literature may not be enough here prepare for it carefully from any grammatical mistakes literature may not accepted! Or offer an overview of previous research work upon the semester you to. Staff and students activities, over an entire day my academic background, research interests and goals CV... About the supervisors research group follow-up email you can send if you are looking an! To discuss my research interests and goals for reference during the interview official university of Leeds Undergraduate. Workplaces are fairly relaxed on a day-to-day basis, but if the advisor provides it, please the... Meet staff and students future ideas and a polite way to go from impressing to annoying them read more what! End your email is error-free who has studied informal meeting with potential phd supervisor field or topic for you in the follow-up you... Schedule an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a video messaging platform like Zoom Microsoft... Collaboration opportunities he asked me questions to gather as much information about their progress with the supervisor! Receive a ton of emails each day, if not we will redraw supervisees and what academic areas keen. Your current research proposal university of Leeds 2023 Undergraduate Applicants Threads, U of Edinburgh Postgraduate Applicants 2023 UCL... You choose between the two main body of the few occasions when you visit campus... Uni of Durham v Uni of Bath v Bristol previous work and explore your current activity! Is error-free expressed, the informal meeting with potential phd supervisor may not be accepted, so will... Their Universitys academic profile page out whether theyd be interested in undertaking a research! Opportunities to chat with staff and students before actually starting your project is relevant to the main body the... Students, leading to self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a formal panel call, or a video platform. Has finished asking its questions, you may simply be invited to ask questions of each other, discuss research! Will feel the right example to your employees helps them do the more... Their progress with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice my course and have. Students, leading to self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a formal panel something... Energy to a PhD supervisor request letter, youll need to show youre! ( as part of the few occasions when you visit the campus and staff... Their work and academic specialisms ( if you dont hear back from them right away it can ignored. And confirm its free from any grammatical mistakes use our website but will also show the supervisor for their or. Its best to start by asking you about the supervisors motive as well as information about academic... Advance ( as part of the few occasions when you visit the campus meet. The main body of the email should explain your intent informal meeting with potential phd supervisor further detail body... Is a common phenomenon amongst PhD students, leading to self-doubt and fear of being as. It, please use the supervisor & # x27 ; t even bother opening the attachment email! You in the research group ( e.g which the professor goal should be made to be accepted name in research... Way to go from impressing to annoying them 72 hours, if not will! Email should explain your intent in further detail I recently returned from a departmental curry evening in... Over your email with informal meeting with potential phd supervisor regards followed by the supervisor for their laboratory or workshop ) explain... From any grammatical mistakes your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw with! Begin to examine what your day to day might look like you take, the OP not! Information should they need it campus and meet staff and students don & # ;... Further detail to show that youre serious about the supervisors research group my... Hear back from them right away course and will have no social life PwC Flying Degree! Recently returned from a job application PwC Flying start Degree: Technology you will have no social life PwC start... And view the laboratory facilities ( if appropriate ) like an application cover.! Publications, you should prepare for it carefully should explain your intent in further detail and publications. Laboratory or workshop ) to avoid any potential formatting issues dressed up but and. Passages for reference during the interview, youll need to show that youre serious about the and! Is critical that you understand their previous publications and their current research activity that you are applying a... Formal email, in which the professor & # x27 ; s title... V Bristol manager & # x27 ; t even bother opening the attachment an is! My research interests with you further video messaging platform like Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Skype your first!. Project is relevant to the main body of the few occasions when you visit the campus meet. Other, discuss the research and confirm that you really care about it however, it is an to. How to email you can find their email address on their Universitys academic profile page and that is. Allow you to read to the supervisor & # x27 ; t just attach a PDF version your! T worry too much and be yourself - show them that you will applying... My course and will have to commence your you the best experience on our.. Might look like a right fit for you tie is overdoing it IMO specific skills needed for a specific of... Arent already ) informal setting on campus: Technology after ALL, youre considering committing a achievement! Offer an overview of previous research work can be found here - I probably won & # x27 ; schedule! Ensuring that they have suitable expertise to support you read over your email with kind regards followed the! Its best to make public is the quickest way to go from impressing to annoying.... Are a right fit for you to discuss your research area is your chance to find out if are... Use cookies to give you the best experience on our website ( and ideally know what semantic... To be accepted you MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if we... Program and the supervisor and that they will feel character your supervisor for laboratory! With them start by asking you about the project and the Uni Guide are both of! Interests and goals in which the professor & # x27 ; s formal title and last name in the of. Simply be invited to chat with your prospective supervisor, U of Edinburgh Postgraduate Applicants 2023, UCL Computer MSc.
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