Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
Your PhD interview will be an important part of your postgraduate research application.
This is your chance to meet your prospective department, discuss your project and
show your potential as an academic researcher.
Of course, it’s also when that potential is going to be assessed.
You’ll need to show an awareness of what’s involved in a PhD project and prove that
you have the right aspirations and approach to work on one for three (or more) years.
You’ll also need to make it clear that this is the right university, department, research
group or laboratory for you.
None of this has to be especially intimidating. Putting some thought into your project
and your choice of institution can make answering PhD interview questions quite
simple.
On this page we’ve put together a list of the questions you might be asked at an
interview. We’ve also explained why the university might be asking each question, with
some tips on what to cover in your answer.
You won’t necessarily be asked all of these questions – and you almost certainly won’t
be asked them in the order here. Some of them also overlap with each other. But
they’re all topics that you should be prepared to discuss at a PhD interview.
Contents
Interview questions about you
Interview questions about your PhD project
Interview questions about your choice of university
Asking your own questions at a PhD interview
I’ve always been interested in discovering how things work, but my time as an
undergraduate opened my eyes to the excitement and wider benefit of science. I
had the chance to do some original research on my Masters and that’s inspired
me to take up the challenge of a PhD. I’m also a keen hiker and amateur
naturalist, so I’d love to combine my studies here with the chance to visit the local
area.
Don't say:
I was born in a house next to the local post-office. My first cat was called Timothy
and he liked chasing string. At school my best friend was Kevin. My favourite
colour is blue and my favourite flavour of ice-cream is raspberry ripple…*
*Please note: The PhD application process is not biased against people with cats called Timothy and
friends called Kevin. Or those who like blue things and ice cream.
I’ve enjoyed my academic work so far, but I really feel I’ve got more to offer as an
independent researcher. I’m also passionate about this subject and don’t feel
enough attention has been paid to the questions I’m looking to address.
Don't say:
I can’t think of anything to do with my Masters, but my current tutor says I’m clever
enough for a PhD.
Don't say:
I expect someone will give me a job doing more research. That’s what PhDs do,
right?
Do say:
Are there any training needs you can identify ahead of your PhD?
This question (and its answer) can be part of an invitation to reflect on your strengths
and weaknesses (as above).
But, you may be asked about training needs more specifically. This is likely if you’re
applying to a more structured programme, within a Doctoral Training Partnership or
similar.
Either way, this is a great opportunity to reflect on your aims and aspirations as a
researcher and show that you’ve read up on the project and programme you’re applying
to. If the university offers a series of training modules, mention them. Say what you
hope to gain from them and how you think they’ll help you succeed in your PhD.
You might also want to refer to any discussion of your aims and aspirations with a
doctorate. If you’re keeping an open mind about non-academic career paths, show an
awareness of the transferrable skills this PhD can give you.
And don’t worry about revealing a few gaps in the core skills required by your discipline.
A PhD is a training process, not a three-year exam.
Do say:
Don't say:
This PhD appeals to my existing research interests. But I’m also attracted by the
opportunity to specialise and develop new expertise. Other projects didn’t seem to
offer the same possibilities to pursue the questions that really interest me.
Don't say:
I’ve been interested in this topic since the final year of my undergraduate degree.
This lead to my choice of Masters and helped me pick my dissertation topic, which
I really enjoyed. I’m really excited to now go on and do some sustained research
in this area as a PhD student.
Don't say:
I can see that some of the archival material I’ll need to examine for this project
may be difficult to access. My first task will be to request permissions, arrange
visits and develop a system for recording my findings. I’m hoping to undertake
training in archival practices and seek advice from my supervisor as I develop
these key skills early in my project.
Don't say:
Yeah, I know a PhD is hard, but I’m just going to see how I get on.
I’m keen to share my passion for this subject with a wider audience. I’m hoping to
maintain a public-facing blog documenting my research and would also be keen to
approach local schools and museums to discuss educational events.
Don't say:
I’ve shortlisted external funders and would be keen to investigate any small
bursaries or other forms of support through the university. I’ve also made
arrangements to work part-time, with the option to adjust this if my funding
situation improves.
Don't say:
I have no idea how I’m going to afford this. Are you sure I can’t have a
scholarship?
I’ve looked at lots of opportunities in this area. I feel that this project is the best of
its kind, combining a unique research angle with a training programme that will
meet my professional needs. I was already familiar with the work of my
prospective supervisor and their research has greatly informed my own
development as a scholar. I’m eager to combine my work with theirs and make
use of the facilities the university has put together for this project.
Don't say:
I’m eager to take advantage of the facilities and expertise this university has to
offer. But I also want to contribute with my own expertise and enthusiasm. My
previous work has given me the skills to make the most of the material involved in
this project and I’m motivated to take up new training opportunities as relevant. I’ll
be proud to be a part of this department and would actively seek to represent it
through my own publications and other research outputs.
Don't say:
What will the supervision arrangements be for the project? - This shows that
you’re thinking practically and looking ahead to the process of actually doing the
PhD. It’s also something you’ll probably want to check for yourself.
What kind of training and skills sessions are offered as part of the PhD
programme? – This shows that you’re interested in the development
opportunities that form part of a modern PhD. It’s also a good way to address any
concerns you have about your own skills. Be careful though. Avoid asking simple
questions about material that’s already covered in the PhD project description, or
in the university’s postgraduate prospectus.
Will I have opportunities to teach / present / publish? – This is something else
you’ll want to know for yourself, but it also demonstrates a practical approach to
your PhD (and future career). A good PhD programme should offer some
opportunity to teach or demonstrate towards the end of your project. Equally, you
should be encouraged to communicate your research and supported in doing so.
How many other PhD students has this supervisor seen to completion? –
Don’t be afraid to ask about previous students and what they’ve gone on to do.
You may also want to know if you’ll be working with or alongside other students
and what the arrangements for that will be.
Are there likely to be any changes to the funding arrangements for the
project? – A good practical question. If you’re applying for a funded place, make
sure you understand the terms of that funding (its duration, whether you can
combine it with any other income, etc). If you’re currently self-funding, it won’t hurt
to ask if the university anticipates having any support available for you in future.
Is the university or department likely to run any events or other associated
projects during the period of my PhD? – This might not seem like an obvious
question, but it’s worth asking. The university might be in the early stages of
planning a major hosted conference, external partnership or outreach project.
Asking about these shows a genuine interest in your university and its research
and suggests that you’ll be the right sort of PhD student to help deliver them.
Needless to say, these kinds of projects are also excellent opportunities to gain
experience and build your CV.
Other questions will probably occur to you according to your specific circumstances and
the nature of the project you’re applying to.
Focus on the things that would concern you as a student actually doing the PhD in
question, but avoid trivial topics. Your panel will be happy to talk about library resources
and lab facilities. They’ll be less keen to advise on the best local pubs or say how often
the bus runs between campus and town.
Also try to avoid asking for information that’s readily available elsewhere. This suggests
you haven’t done your research – which is never a good sign when applying to do
research.