phd guide registration

• Form-1A : Change of Research Supervisor
• Form-1B : Addition of Co-Supervisor
• Form-1C : Cancellation of Co-Supervisor
• Form-1D : Interchange of Supervisor and Co-Supervisor
• Form-1E : Change of Research centre
• Form-1F : Change of Research Topic
• Form-1G : Cancellation of Admission to PhD
• Form-1H : Change of Subject in Course Work

How to write a PhD thesis: a step-by-step guide

A draft isn’t a perfect, finished product; it is your opportunity to start getting words down on paper, writes Kelly Louise Preece

Kelly Louise Preece

• More on this topic

Created in partnership with

You may also like

Popular resources

.css-1txxx8u{overflow:hidden;max-height:81px;text-indent:0px;} How to develop a researcher mindset as a PhD student

Formative, summative or diagnostic assessment a guide, emotions and learning: what role do emotions play in how and why students learn, how to assess and enhance students’ ai literacy, how hard can it be testing ai detection tools.

Congratulations; you’ve finished your research! Time to write your PhD thesis. This resource will take you through an eight-step plan for drafting your chapters and your thesis as a whole. 

Organise your material

Before you start, it’s important to get organised. Take a step back and look at the data you have, then reorganise your research. Which parts of it are central to your thesis and which bits need putting to one side? Label and organise everything using logical folders – make it easy for yourself! Academic and blogger Pat Thomson calls this  “Clean up to get clearer” . Thomson suggests these questions to ask yourself before you start writing:

• What data do you have? You might find it useful to write out a list of types of data (your supervisor will find this list useful too.) This list is also an audit document that can go in your thesis. Do you have any for the “cutting room floor”? Take a deep breath and put it in a separate non-thesis file. You can easily retrieve it if it turns out you need it.
• What do you have already written? What chunks of material have you written so far that could form the basis of pieces of the thesis text? They will most likely need to be revised but they are useful starting points. Do you have any holding text? That is material you already know has to be rewritten but contains information that will be the basis of a new piece of text.
• What have you read and what do you still need to read? Are there new texts that you need to consult now after your analysis? What readings can you now put to one side, knowing that they aren’t useful for this thesis – although they might be useful at another time?
• What goes with what? Can you create chunks or themes of materials that are going to form the basis of some chunks of your text, perhaps even chapters?

Once you have assessed and sorted what you have collected and generated you will be in much better shape to approach the big task of composing the dissertation. 

Decide on a key message

A key message is a summary of new information communicated in your thesis. You should have started to map this out already in the section on argument and contribution – an overarching argument with building blocks that you will flesh out in individual chapters.

You have already mapped your argument visually, now you need to begin writing it in prose. Following another of Pat Thomson’s exercises, write a “tiny text” thesis abstract. This doesn’t have to be elegant, or indeed the finished product, but it will help you articulate the argument you want your thesis to make. You create a tiny text using a five-paragraph structure:

• The first sentence addresses the broad context. This locates the study in a policy, practice or research field.
• The second sentence establishes a problem related to the broad context you have set out. It often starts with “But”, “Yet” or “However”.
• The third sentence says what specific research has been done. This often starts with “This research” or “I report…”
• The fourth sentence reports the results. Don’t try to be too tricky here, just start with something like: “This study shows,” or “Analysis of the data suggests that…”
• The fifth and final sentence addresses the “So What?” question and makes clear the claim to contribution.

Here’s an example that Thomson provides:

Secondary school arts are in trouble, as the fall in enrolments in arts subjects dramatically attests. However, there is patchy evidence about the benefits of studying arts subjects at school and this makes it hard to argue why the drop in arts enrolments matters. This thesis reports on research which attempts to provide some answers to this problem – a longitudinal study which followed two groups of senior secondary students, one group enrolled in arts subjects and the other not, for three years. The results of the study demonstrate the benefits of young people’s engagement in arts activities, both in and out of school, as well as the connections between the two. The study not only adds to what is known about the benefits of both formal and informal arts education but also provides robust evidence for policymakers and practitioners arguing for the benefits of the arts. You can  find out more about tiny texts and thesis abstracts on Thomson’s blog.

• Writing tips for higher education professionals
• Resource collection on academic writing
• What is your academic writing temperament?

Write a plan

You might not be a planner when it comes to writing. You might prefer to sit, type and think through ideas as you go. That’s OK. Everybody works differently. But one of the benefits of planning your writing is that your plan can help you when you get stuck. It can help with writer’s block (more on this shortly!) but also maintain clarity of intention and purpose in your writing.

You can do this by creating a  thesis skeleton or storyboard , planning the order of your chapters, thinking of potential titles (which may change at a later stage), noting down what each chapter/section will cover and considering how many words you will dedicate to each chapter (make sure the total doesn’t exceed the maximum word limit allowed).

Use your plan to help prompt your writing when you get stuck and to develop clarity in your writing.

Some starting points include:

• This chapter will argue that…
• This section illustrates that…
• This paragraph provides evidence that…

Of course, we wish it werethat easy. But you need to approach your first draft as exactly that: a draft. It isn’t a perfect, finished product; it is your opportunity to start getting words down on paper. Start with whichever chapter you feel you want to write first; you don’t necessarily have to write the introduction first. Depending on your research, you may find it easier to begin with your empirical/data chapters.

Vitae advocates for the “three draft approach” to help with this and to stop you from focusing on finding exactly the right word or transition as part of your first draft.

This resource originally appeared on Researcher Development .

Kelly Louse Preece is head of educator development at the University of Exeter.

If you would like advice and insight from academics and university staff delivered direct to your inbox each week, sign up for the Campus newsletter .

How to develop a researcher mindset as a PhD student

A diy guide to starting your own journal, contextual learning: linking learning to the real world, what does a university faculty senate do, hybrid learning through podcasts: a practical approach, how exactly does research get funded.

Register for free

and unlock a host of features on the THE site

• 0487 2207650
• 0487 2206770
• [email protected]
• Old Website

Notification inviting applications from eligible candidates for PhD Guide ship 2022-23

- Notification

- Click here for registration

• How to Apply for a PhD – Application Process Explained
• Applying to a PhD

This guide explains the PhD application process and outlines the steps you will need to follow, and information you will need to provide when applying to a PhD programme.

How to Apply for a PhD – Application Process

There is no single guide that can cover the entire application process for applying to PhDs, as it differs not only between universities, but also between programmes. In the same sense, what a supervisor might consider a strong application for one of their programmes, they may consider a weak application for another of their programmes.

Furthermore, the process of applying for a PhD in the UK can be slightly challenging to navigate as there is no centralised application system, as is the case with undergraduate degrees, and the process can vary from university to university.

Regardless of this, the below outlines the most common steps you will need to follow when applying for a PhD. Pay particular attention to each stage, as slipping on a single one of them can significantly affect your chances of securing the PhD you want.

1. Find Research Projects you like

Identify research areas that align with your research interest.

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.

Once you have a better understanding of your preferred research area, browse through our PhD listings  or the ‘postgraduate research degree’ and ‘research centre’ sections of a university’s website if you already have a particular one in mind.

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.

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

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.

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 on in the past two years, as well as the research projects of the students they have supervised in the past. 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, such as their level of support and patience, and how successful their former students have been. For further information on this, you can learn how to find a good PhD supervisor here .

If you are applying to a pre-determined research project, which is usually the case with funded programmes, you do not need to find a supervisor, as they already have a supervisor assigned to them.

Before you formally apply to funded PhD projects, most PhD supervisors will prefer you to apply informally by  sending them an email with your CV. This is so they can better understand your motives for applying and where your academic strengths lie before you start the formal application process.

3. Online Application Form

Once you have found a research programme 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.

Academic Qualifications and Transcripts

If you have completed your studies, you will be asked to provide original or certified copies of your academic qualifications.

If you are still studying, you will need to provide an interim transcript of the grades you have received to date and details of any previous qualifications you have acquired.

Academic CV

An academic CV outlines your contact details, academic background and relevant experience. You can read our guide on how to prepare an effective academic CV  here .

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. You can read our guide on how to prepare a strong cover letter  here .

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 programme and explaining why you believe you are suitable for it.

Research Proposal

Most universities will require you to submit a research proposal, especially if you are not applying to a pre-determined research project.

A research proposal is a short document describing your proposed research project. It outlines your research question, which topic it concerns and why you consider it valuable. It is used to show you have the potential for postgraduate-level research by showing that you can communicate complex ideas and evaluate them at their fundamental level. A research proposal also allows the academic department to match you with a suitable PhD supervisor with the expertise to support you if needed.

To support your application, you will be asked for an academic reference, ideally from one or more academic referees.

This is so the university has evidence from another academic source that you are a person who is capable of undertaking PhD study, not only in terms of your credentials and academic abilities but also in terms of your character, as someone who demonstrates commitment, perseverance, independence and the ability to communicate effectively.

To ensure the legitimacy of your references, universities often have strict requirements for how they are to be provided, such as requiring the use of official letterheads and original signatures from the reference provider. Therefore, you must check the specific requirements of each institution and forward them to your referee to minimise the risk of any rejections.

Other Supporting Information

Most online forms also have sections where you can upload any additional supporting information. This can include example evidence, such as previous papers you have published or conferences you have participated in.

Note that e xample evidence, especially of scientific research, is rarely required for STEM subjects

4. Entry Requirements

Academic qualifications.

The entry requirement for most UK universities is a 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours) undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject.

Note that while many universities require a Masters degree, not all do; it’s possible to  enrol in a PhD programme with just a Bachelors degree , as many students have successfully done so in the past.

In both cases, you will be asked to submit a copy of your degree certificate if you have completed your undergraduate study.

English Language Requirement

If you are an international student from a non-native English speaking country, most universities will require you to either meet their English language requirements or complete an English course with them before starting your PhD.

The two most common tests used to examine English language proficiencies for postgraduate study are the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

Although the score requirements will vary depending on the course and institution, the typical requirements are:

• IELTS – Overall score of 6.5, and no less than 6.0 in each test category.
• TOELF – Overall score of 88.

International Applicant

If you’re an international student, you may need a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa to study in the UK. If this is the case, the university will require your passport details or a copy of your first page and photo page.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

5. Other Things to Keep in Mind

In most countries, including the UK, a PhD studentship starts in September or October of each academic year. However, it’s worth noting that most PhD projects are flexible and can therefore start at any time throughout the year.

Application Deadline

The deadline for a PhD position will be indicated in its advert description, however, you should apply to them as early as possible as a PhD position can sometimes be filled before its official closing date.

As well as monitoring the course deadline, also be aware of the closing dates of associated doctoral research funding opportunities. This is because some funded PhD projects require you to apply individually to both the course and the funding opportunity.

Standardised Tests

Depending on the type of doctorate you are applying for, you may need to take examinations as part of the application process.

While this is uncommon in the UK, most graduate schools in the US and Canada integrate standardised tests into their doctoral course admissions process, with minimum test scores set as an entry requirement for their PhD programs.

MPhil Registration First

In the UK, most PhD students first have to register for an MPhil ( Master of Philosophy ) for the first year of their studies, and only if they pass it, which usually requires the production of a report and an informal interview, will their course be upgraded to a PhD.

Making Several Applications

Unfortunately, for various reasons, you may not always get your preferred supervisor or research project, so it is best to apply for several projects on one or more research topics you interest you.

Please note that the application process for a professional doctorate, such as a DBA or EngD, is slightly different from the one mentioned in this guide . Therefore, please consult the guidelines of the university you wish to apply to before applying.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

• Home »
• Advice »
• Studying For A PhD

find your perfect postgrad program Search our Database of 30,000 Courses

Applying for a phd: step-by-step guide.

Studying a PhD is a big decision and submitting your application can feel like a long process. Though with the right guidance, applying for a PhD will be a lot more straightforward than you think. 

There is a lot of PhD application advice out there. To help you make sense of it all, we’ve put together a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to apply for a PhD. We cover the PhD application process, what you need to consider, what to prepare and how to submit your application.

Follow the steps below to understand everything you need to know when applying for a PhD.

PhD application checklist

• Choose your subject area
• Choose your type of PhD
• Check application deadline
• Draft a research proposal
• Contact potential PhD supervisors
• Check PhD entry requirements
• Check PhD fees and funding
• Make your PhD application
• Submit your PhD application 

In this article, we’re going to look at all these different elements in greater detail to help you with the PhD application process.

1. Choose your subject area

You will be  studying your PhD for a long time – between three- and four-years’ full time and up to eight years part time – so it is essential you choose to study a subject you are passionate about.

Most PhD students study a subject area that they have studied previously, but in much greater detail. Most PhD courses require some previous academic experience in the research area, for example if you choose to study your PhD on William Shakespeare, you are likely to have studied the works of Shakespeare as part of an English Literature masters degree. Similarly, if your PhD research is in a science-based topic it is likely to be going more in depth into a science-related field you studied as an undergraduate and then as a masters student.

However, your PhD does not have to be directly related to your masters degree, for example an English Language masters graduate could expect to be successful if applying to do research in an  English literature PhD if they have achieved the necessary grades.

There are many areas that you can consider when choosing the subject area for your PhD. These could come from the  Arts ,  Humanities , STEM , Social Sciences and  Business .

Research the department at your chosen university to find the perfect PhD program to apply for.

2. Choose your type of PhD

Whilst most PhDs follow a traditional route (completing an independent research project under a supervisor), there are alternatives.

The two main types of PhD include: self-proposed PhD projects and predesigned PhD projects.

Self-proposed PhDs are the most common and traditional type of doctoral degree, although universities also offer predesigned PhD courses that integrate aspects of taught study.

Make sure you’ve considered your PhD options fully before applying for a PhD. Here are the main differences between self-proposed and predesigned PhD projects.

Self-proposed PhD projects

Self-proposed PhDs are the most common type of PhD, where students propose and design their own research.

With a self-proposed PhD, the student has a lot of control over their work and can specialise in any area that interests them with the support and approval of their academic supervisor.

Not all self-proposed PhDs receive funding, so applicants will need to make sure they have appropriate funding in place to pursue their self-proposed PhD.

There may also be some additional steps in the application process for self-proposed to ensure success in their PhD application. The student will have to dedicate a lot of time to their PhD application as it will need to include their PhD study proposal.

Predesigned PhD projects (Doctoral Training Centres)

Many universities now have something known as ‘DTC centres’, or ‘ Doctoral Training Centres ’. Many of these are in economic, social or scientific research areas, so if this is your area of interest, PhDs run out of DTC centres are worth exploring, as they can have substantial funding included. 

Predesigned PhD projects are usually slightly longer in course length than most traditional PhDs, as they’re likely to include a year of lectures and a variety of projects in the first year, before choosing to specialise in the second year.

This option is great if you know you want to do a PhD but aren’t entirely certain of what you’d like to do beyond a general area. Best of all, they often offer fully funded  studentships .

3. Check application deadlines

When applying for a PhD it is important to ensure you meet all application deadlines, this includes the deadlines for your PhD application form and PhD proposal as well as any PhD funding deadlines.

Different universities will have different deadlines, and some universities may even have rolling deadlines, this means it is important to check on the website of the university and department you are interested in, to make sure you get your application in on time.

4. Draft a research proposal

It’s important to draft a PhD proposal when you are applying for a PhD. This is a requirement of most self-proposed PhD applications and can also be necessary when applying for other PhDs.

To ensure the success of your PhD research proposal, it’s a good idea to do some research around the subject area before submitting your research proposal. This will give you a better idea of what it is you want to research and will also help you to present your proposal more clearly.

How to write a PhD research proposal

When writing a PhD research proposal, you will need to include the following:

• A TITLE that clearly conveys the theme of your research project.
• The main RESEARCH QUESTION that will be the focus of your research.
• An EXPLANATION of why your research topic is important.
• Brief LITERATURE REVIEW demonstrating your knowledge to answer the question.
• Proposed METHODOLOGY for answering your research questions.
• TIMELINE SCHEDULE of the research project.  

5. Contact potential PhD supervisors

You want to make sure you choose your potential PhD supervisor in plenty of time. Of course, you should always leave plenty of time for any application, but this is especially important for a PhD, as you will often be applying to a particular supervisor who is a specialist in your area of study.

Therefore, you need to ensure you have enough time to research into suitable PhD supervisors and get in contact with them before you apply for the doctorate.

You shouldn’t rush this research, as  getting the most out of your supervisor is the first step to doing well in PhD study – it’s important to make sure you pick the one best for you.

Another important consideration is  where you choose to study . You’ll want to look at the department’s reputation, and to make sure it excels in research in the area you intend to study do you get the support you need.

6. Check PhD entry requirements

To be eligible to study a PhD, you will usually need a  masters qualification in the subject area or in a closely related subject to the subject upon which you wish to base your PhD research.

However, entry requirements will differ depending on the university, so it is important to check the PhD eligibility requirements of the PhD and university that you are interested in studying at.

Applying without a masters

Some PhD courses will allow you to apply without a masters degree although you will need a bachelors degree. These are only usually offered as integrated masters and PhD programs which include a year of masters study before PhD.

Applying for a PhD as an international student  

If you are an international student applying to study a PhD in the UK, check the  visa requirements that you need to meet.

To apply for a PhD in the UK, international students need a Student Route visa.

The Student Route visa is a points-based visa system for all international students – including EU, EEA and Swiss students – who want to study in the UK. This has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

You can apply for a  student visa if you meet the following criteria:

• You have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.
• You have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.
• You can speak, read, write and understand English – you may need to prove this through a recognised English language test.

Student visas can only be issued for certain courses, and if your course is eligible, your education provider (Student sponsor) will give you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) which you use to apply for a student visa.

The earliest you can apply for a student visa is six months before the start date of the course.

7. Check PhD fees and funding

Before committing to PhD study, it is important to check the PhD tuition fees and these will differ depending on the university and the course.

PhD tuition fees in the UK will be more expensive for international students than for home students. Tuition fees in the UK usually range from £3,000-£6,000 per year for home students and up to £18,000 per year for international students.

As a PhD student you will need to cover tuition fees, living expenses and any other unforeseen costs.

PhD scholarships and studentships are available, as is funding from various research councils, so make sure you investigate all your options and find out what financial help is available.

Funding your PhD

There are various funding options available to PhD students – here are the main ones:

University funding – some universities offer alumni funding support for students continuing their studies at their university. Check funding webpages for details.

PhD loans –  PhD loans are available from the  UK government .

PhD scholarships – many universities and companies offer  PhD scholarships , this includes our  Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries .

PhD studentships –  PhD studentships at your university are a great option as they usually include a stipend that covers full PhD tuition fees and some living costs.

Research councils – there are seven research councils in the UK that can provide funding for PhD students, these are:

• Arts and Humanities Research Council
• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
• Economic and Social Research Council
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
• Medical Research Council
• Natural Environment Research Council
• Science and Technology Facilities Council . 

Their funding can come as PhD studentships.

Self -funding – as a postgraduate student, you may have saved up money through work to enable you to  self-fund your PhD.

Don’t just apply to the standard big research funding bodies, but do your research and look into charities too. There are plenty of funds, foundations and other sources of money available to people with the right interests – and you might just be one of them!

8. Making your PhD application

Now you’ve done most of the preparation for your application, what about the actual application for a PhD? What does it involve?

When applying for a PhD, you usually apply directly to the university, rather than via a third party such as  UCAS .

PhD applications will differ from university to university, so check on the admissions page of the course you are interested in to make sure you include everything they ask for. You are likely to have to include:

• Completed application form
• Research proposal
• Personal statement
• Academic CV
• Academic references
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Student visa documentation

Ideally, you should have already contacted your intended supervisor and talked about it with them, via email or perhaps in person. They will give you a run through of everything to include in your application to help ensure you don’t leave anything out by mistake. 

You should ensure that you’re not too modest in applying for a PhD! If you’ve been published in a relevant area, or if you did exceptionally well or presented a particularly successful paper at a conference, mention it. You don’t need to brag, but you shouldn’t hide your achievements either.

PhD interviews

Unlike with bachelors degrees and many masters degrees, you will probably need to have a PhD interview as part of your application. If you’ve not had a university interview before, make sure you prepare well for it.

Ideally, if you’re still in education, see if a tutor you know can give you tips, or potentially a mock interview. If not, many universities’ careers service will remain open to you after graduating,,so contact them and see what advice they can offer you. 

Ensure you read up on anything you mentioned in your application and have good solid reasons for why you wish to do a PhD, and why you’ve chosen to do it at in that particular topic  at that particular university.

You should already know by now  what it takes to study a PhD and be able to answer convincingly when asked about these things during your interview.

9. Submit your PhD application

  Now you’ve reached the final step – it’s time to submit your PhD application!

This is likely to be online, although it’s important to check this with your chosen university in case you need to send any hard copies of original certificates or documentation in the post.

Follow the university guidelines. They will usually indicate how to submit your application, what to include, and when you should hear back about the success of your PhD application.

Related articles

What Is A PhD?

How Long Is A PhD?

How To Get A PhD

Dos & Don'ts Of A PhD Interview

Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries

Exclusive bursaries Open day alerts Funding advice Application tips Latest PG news

Sign up now!

Take 2 minutes to sign up to PGS student services and reap the benefits…

• The chance to apply for one of our 5 PGS Bursaries worth £2,000 each
• Fantastic scholarship updates
• Latest PG news sent directly to you.

• | Intranet
• | Portals
• | ULB Catalogue

Application & Registration - PhD in Medical Sciences

You have found a topic and a working group for your research project and your supervisory team is ready? Your Master's degree was graded 2.0 or better? Time to get started! But: The registration of a PhD project goes hand in hand with an application!

Registration

To be accepted into the PhD programme you need to hand in an application which will be reviewed by the PhD Committee of the Faculty of Medicine.

First download the document "Project Outline and Supervision Agreement", fill it out and have it signed. Then prepare all documents as described in the "Checklist" and "Guide to Registration for PhD in Medical Sciences" and upload the comlete documents as PDF (max. 2 MB per PDF). Please take care of the registration deadline of 3 months within starting your research. You will receive a confirmation when your registration was successful.

After approval from the PhD Committee you will be accepted into the programme and registrered at the Medical Research School. Now you can start your doctoral project. Good luck!

• Submit Online Application

Documents for Registration PhD in Medical Sciences

• Checklist Application Documents PhD (98 KB, pdf, 07.09.2023)
• Guide to Registration for PhD (133 KB, pdf, 07.09.2023)
• PhD - Project Outline and Supervision Agreement (78 KB, docx, 27.08.2021)
• Template Gantt Chart for Time Management (22 KB, docx, 24.03.2021)

Doctoral Regulations PhD

• Doctoral Regulations PhD in Medical Sciences (543 KB, pdf, 03.01.2024)

Ph.D. ADMISSION JUL-2024 SESSION

(Research and Development Cell)

Symbiosis international (deemed university).

Re-accredited by NAAC with A++ Grade | Awarded Grade-I by UGC

• SCRI at a Glance
• Aims and Objectives
• Director's Message
• Statutory Committees
• Research Centres
• Faculty Profiles
• Support Staff
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Management
• Faculty of Computer Studies
• Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences
• Faculty of Media & Communication
• Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
• Faculty of Engineering
• Sub-stream & Current vacancies
• CourseWork Requirements
• Fellowships
• Program Fees
• Sub-stream + Vacancies
• Eligibility
• How to Apply
• Important Dates
• Test Structure
• Application Fees
• Course Work Requirements
• Fellowships + Focus Areas
• Fee Schedule
• Support + FAQs
• Advertisement
• Syllabus and Sample Questions
• Sample Question Papers
• List of Supervisors
• Sub-stream on Offer
• Faculty Wise Proposed Vacancies
• Research Centres at SIU
• Centres for Research Collaboration (CRC)
• Ph.D. Programme (Download Flyer)
• Ph.D. Coursework
• Research Areas
• Bibliometrics of publications
• Policies and guidelines
• Prominent Publications
• About Policies
• Intramural Funding
• Extramural Funding
• IP Portfolio
• Technology Transfer
• IPR Cell Events
• Symbiosis Centre for Advanced Legal Studies and Research (SCALSAR)
• Symbiosis Centre for Waste Resource Management (SCWRM)
• Symbiosis Centre for Stem Cell Research (SCSCR)
• Symbiosis Centre for Behavioural Studies (SCBS)
• Symbiosis Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (SCNN)
• Symbiosis Centre for Medical Image Analysis (SCMIA)
• Symbiosis Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence (SCAAI)
• Symbiosis Centre for Research on International Higher Education (SCRIHE)
• Symbiosis Centre for Research in Vaccines and Biologicals (SCRVB)
• Symbiosis Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability (SCCCS)
• Symbiosis Centre for Urban Studies (SCUS)
• Symbiosis Centre for Ambedkar Studies (SCAS)
• Symbiosis Centre for Research in Media and Creative Industries (SCRMCI)
• Workshops / FDPs
• Lab Equipments & Softwares
• Collaborative Research Centres
• Research Infrastructure
• Conferences

Welcome to Symbiosis Centre for Research and Innovation (SCRI)

Empowering minds, enriching futures.

Established in 2009, Symbiosis Centre for Research and Innovation (SCRI) stands as the dedicated engine of SIU's pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

With a steadfast commitment to fostering a culture of research, SCRI empowers both students and faculty to embark on a journey of intellectual exploration and discovery.

News & Events

Ph d induction (february 27-28, 2024).

The Induction for the Ph.D. Students was organized for a gathering of more than 170 students. Dr. R. Raman, Honorable Vice Chancellor, SIU graced the inaugural ceremony. Eminent Researcher Dr. Dinesh Amalnerkar, Professor Emeritus, SPPU, Pune, Former Brain-Pool Invited Scientist, South Korea and Former Director General, C-MET, India. Dr. Dinesh Katre, Former Senior Director- C-DAC, Pune, Dr. Vasant Bang, Director- DELTA M, R & D Lab, Pune, addressed the gathering. Deans and Heads at SCRI took sessions on various aspects of research over two days.

Prof. (Dr) Abhay Karandikar: Secretary; DST Visited SCRI, (March 8, 2024)

Prof. (Dr) Abhay Karandikar; Secretary; DST; GoI ; along with top leadership of Symbiosis International Deemed University; Pune visited SCRI and discussed probable research projects.

Talk by Dr. Rakesh Pati; Deakin University; Australia, (March 7, 2024) Discussed strategy, Australia-India collaborations, future partnerships, and engaging for dual doctoral degree programme. Interactive workshop with doctoral students of Symbiosis in hybrid mode on the topic" Identifying a Good Research Question"

Discussed strategy, Australia-India collaborations, future partnerships, and engaging for dual doctoral degree programme. Interactive workshop with doctoral students of Symbiosis in hybrid mode on the topic" Identifying a Good Research Question"

Convocation- Ph D 2023, (December 9, 2023 )

The 20th Convocation ceremony was held on Saturday, 9th December 2023. 86 doctoral students were awarded at the hands of Hon'ble Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India, Chief Guest for the ceremony.

FDP on Research Projects, Statististics

Faculty Development Programmes for writing research projects and statistical aspects of research were organized

Transforming the Research Landscape through Research Collaborations, (October 29, 2023)

Dr. Haresh Shah and Dr. Bertil Andersson Former Professors of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore shared their experiences of transforming NTU through research collaborations. Brought CalTech, Noble Committee and Stanford success stories to Symbiosis.

Ph D Induction - (September 26-27, 2023)

The Induction for the Ph.D. Students was organized for a gathering of more than 250 students. Dr. SB Mujumdar, Honorable Chancellor, SIU Dr. Rajani Gupte, Honorable Vice Chancellor, SIU addressed the gathering Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, Eminent Epidemiologist addressed teh gathering. Deans and Heads at SCRI took sessions on various aspects of research over two days.

Session by Dr. Yogesh Dwivedi, (April, 4, 2023)

Dr. Yogesh Dwivedi, Professor, Swansea University, UK and Editor-in -Chief of International Journal of Information Management (Elsevier Science, IF 18.95) addressed doctoral students at Symbiosis, Pune. He is a great researcher with 52,000 citations and h index of 116. He took the faculty colleagues in the state euphoria and answered many queries on publishing in high end journals.

PhD students on roll

Phd awarded since inception, phd supervisors, scopus/ wos publ, citations (scopus), sanctioned research projects, intellectual property filled, patents granted, glimpses at scri.

Session by Dr. Rakesh Pati, Deakin University, Australia

Hosted Dr. Rakesh Pati, Faculty and a strategic partner at Deakin University discussing strategy, Australia-India collaborations, future partnerships, and engaging for dual doctoral degree programme. The day ( 8 March, Friday) ended with a highly interactive workshop with doctoral students of Symbiosis in hybrid mode.

Mentoring by Dr. Haresh Shah and Dr. Bertil Anderson

Memorable Day with Dr. Haresh Shah and Dr. Bertil Andersson Former Professors of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore with top Leadership of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), India. They shared their experiences of transforming NTU through research collaborations. Brought CalTech, Noble Committee and Stanford success stories.

Session by Dr Yogesh Dwivedi, Swansea University

It was a pleasure to host Dr. Yogesh Dwivedi, Professor, Swansea University, UK and Editor-in -Chief of International Journal of Information Management (Elsevier Science, IF 18.95) at Symbiosis, Pune. A great researcher with 52,000 citations and h index of 116 took the faculty colleagues in the state euphoria and answered many queries on publishing in high end journals.

Ph D Clinic during Symresearch

There are clinics for many purposes. We offered Ph D Clinic with a theme of Navigating Ph.D. Journey during SYMRESERACH. Needless to mention that; the Clinic identified syndromes; highlighted symptoms; given a few remedies for a healthy research career!

Dr. Young Ho Kim visit SIU

Dr. Young Ho Kim, Director of the India-Korea Center for Research and Innovation (IKCRI) visited Symbiosis University. The visit is important for collaborative research and projects in the areas of Science, Technology & Innovation, including entrepreneurship and technology transfer. An interactive discussion and idea exchanges with SIU researchers was planned as "Coffee with SCRI".

Symbiosis Centre for Research and Innovation (SCRI),

Research & Developement cell,

Symbiosis International (Deemed University),

6th Floor of Symbiosis Institute of Technology,

Hill-base, Gram. Lavale, District Pune - 412115, India

Useful Links

• SIU Research
• Photo Gallery
• Privacy Policy

How to become a PhD guide

A PhD guide or supervisor is an experienced person and a tutor who helps students to achieve their PhD and guides them during the entire tenure of their doctorate.

If you are in this article, perhaps you are a doctorate, a professor or someone who is looking forward to becoming a guide or wants PhD guideship. However, it isn’t as easy as a PhD because the experiences and expertise of the guide decide the fate of a research scholar. 

So the “should have” qualities in a PhD guide are, experience in their field, expertise in several techniques, decent research background and obviously, affiliation with some institute. 

Nonetheless, such criteria are also not enough. Universities have their own rules and regulations for supervisors and one who is willing to be; must have to fulfill all those. But what are those criteria? How does one become a PhD supervisor? All these questions will be answered in this blog article.  

But before going ahead I have to announce that I am not experienced enough to guide a guide. But I have collected information from various sources to make it available in one place. I hope this article will help some. 

Stay tuned. 

Educational qualifications: 

Academic background: , research background: , previous guide-ships: , other requirements: , responsibilities of a phd guide or supervisor: , criteria to become a phd supervisor or guide in india, usa or uk: , conclusion: , who is a phd guide or supervisor .

A PhD supervisor with other names: doctorate supervisor, PhD advisor, or a doctorate guide is a mentor of research scholars. Supervisors usually are regular faculties of the university. Note that in some cases, external guides are also allowed. To be a PhD supervisor or guide some of the general criteria are here.

• A person should have a PhD degree. 
• A person should have a strong academic and research background.
• A person should have enough experience to guide others. 
• A person should have a decent research background. 
• A person should have enough publications and reputation in the research fraternity. 

Now let’s see each point in detail. 

Criteria to become a PhD supervisor or guide: 

An applicant must have graduation, post-graduation and/or M.Phil and PhD degree in their relevant field which must have been completed from a reputed and well-known university. Note that all the degrees must be achieved from a government-recognized university.  

In addition, the applicant should have done research in the subject or related allied subject in which he or she wants to become a guide. Importantly, the fellow applicant must have a doctorate, research or equivalent degree.  

To be a doctorate advisor, an applicant must have enough academic experience as a lecturer, professor or assistant professor. A strong academic or teaching experience is required with 10 years of undergraduate and 6 to 7 years of postgraduate teaching experience. 

Noteworthy, the experience of only the government-approved universities is counted in the recruitment process. Furthermore, the applicant must be a regular faculty of the university to which he or she wishes to apply. The applicant must be affiliated with the university, anyway.

The applicant should be working as a lecturer, assistant professor and as a professor in the university or affiliated college or school.   

The research background and reputation of an applicant in the research fraternity are also taken into consideration during the evaluation process. During their academic tenure, the applicant should have substantial research contributions in their field. 

He or she should have enough publication in the form of original research, review articles, short-communication and patent in peer-reviewed internationally approved journals. He or she also has guided students at the undergraduate or postgraduate levels. 

Noteworthy, consistency in research work, publications and other research activities are crucial factors for recognition. Such parameters dictate dedication, responsibility and interest in research. In addition to this, patents, copyrighted materials and any IPR product are acknowledged as extra points.   

The applicant must have mastery and expertise in techniques, methods, tools and instruments used in their subject. 

As mentioned somewhere in the article, the applicant must have experience as a mentor. He or she must have guided students during their Master’s or M.Phil with excellent academic rewards. 

The ratio of students guided, students who completed the research and students publication is also counted in the evaluation process. It shows how experienced, consistent and potential the applicant is for guiding the doctorates. 

Besides, the applicant should be involved in other research projects or activities like seminars, gatherings and symposiums. 

Several professional, technical and scientific organizations prefer more in-depth evaluation for supervisor recognition including the quality of their research, publications and reputation. 

A full-time faculty of the university, university-affiliated college or department, state-level scientists or those working in national institutes or laboratories can apply. 

The applicant must have at least 5 research publications in peer-reviewed and renowned journals as a first author or second author as a guide but the whole work belongs to the applicant and their students only. 

Mentions as an advisor, acknowledgment or fourth author aren’t considered as publication, nonetheless, it would be considered as some extra credit.  

All of the applicant’s work must be plagiarism-free and/or their original, in the case of ascertaining the application would be rejected and the applicant can be banned. 

The supervisor doesn’t have guideship from other universities, however, he or she may become a co-guide, joint guide and can collaborate with other universities or organizations.

Moreover, the applicant shouldn’t be involved in criminal activities, shouldn’t have any criminal record, and should be devoid of student controversies and allegations. 

I think, as per my knowledge, these qualifications are enough to show your interest in becoming a PhD guide. However, rules and regulations vary among universities. Now let us go through the roles and responsibilities of the applicant or supervisor.   

Read more: Are PhD studies in India waste of time?- Students’ Voice (unfortunately- unfortunate does exist- an individual’s perspective!!!)

As aforementioned, the doctorate supervisor will be a responsible and experienced person with a balanced attitude. He or she would have a positive attitude and balanced behavior towards their research students.  

Their major responsibilities during the tenure of guideship are enlisted here. 

• They have to guide or supervise PhD candidates in completing their research.
• They should have troubleshooting and problem-solving behavior. 
• They have active involvement in students’ research work and encourage them continuously. 
• They also have to teach other post-graduate students too. 
• They have to actively participate in other university activities and academic works. 
• They can stand alongside their PhD student in every situation and support them during their emotional, economical and academic setbacks. 
• They have to always motivate their students. 

As a PhD supervisor, a teacher can guide a maximum of 8 to 10 PhD students and 5 M.Phil students at a time.

• A PhD degree from a reputed university 
• 5 to 7 years of postgraduate teaching experience or at least 10 years of undergraduate teaching experience.  
• Broad research experience 
• Enough publications in internationally reputed journals. 
• Enough experience in teaching and guiding students. 
• Note that in some cases, a person with broad industrial research experience or well known national personality or a retired professor can also be a PhD supervisor or guide if they have enough research background. 

How to become a PhD guide in India, USA, UK: Download the PDF .

This article shows that the PhD mentorship recognition process is as difficult as getting admission into PhD, still is not accurate enough. Sometimes PhD advisors also leave their position midway due to lack of experience and frustration, in such cases, students have to face bad consequences.

Some of my friends left their PhD midway because of the bad behavior, incompetence and negative mindset of their supervisor. Some of my female colleagues also left their research midway because of other reasons. The thing is, universities don’t follow their own recruitment process, strictly and appoint the wrong person intentionally or unintentionally. 

Such mal-research practices must be stopped, central authorities along with the university have to closely monitor the entire process of supervisor recognition and ensure that the process strictly follows international standards or not.  

In conclusion, an applicant for the recognition of PhD supervisor should be an experienced person. But their potential and endurance must be assessed prior to the evaluation process.

Dr. Tushar Chauhan is a Scientist, Blogger and Scientific-writer. He has completed PhD in Genetics. Dr. Chauhan is a PhD coach and tutor.

Share this:

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on Linkedin
• Share via Email

About The Author

Dr Tushar Chauhan

Related posts.

What is PhD?- History, Definition, Origin, Requirement, Fees, Duration and Process

How to write a PhD thesis?

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• Skip to Content
• Skip to Sidebar
• Skip to Navigation

University of Pune

• Examination Fees
• e-Application Procedure
• About Online Examination
• Apply Online
• Important Links
• Revised Rules for Ph.D.
• Syllabus for Ph.D. Entrance Exam
• Important Dates
• Important Instructions
• Eligibility Criteria & details
• Documents Required
• Online Exam Instructions (Hall Ticket)
• Applicants Exempted for Online Entrance Exam

Welcome to Savitribai Phule Pune University's Online Ph. D. Registration System.

Savitribai phule pune university (formerly university of pune) offers research programmes in different subjects listed in statute no. 160 and in inter-disciplinary areas leading to the degree of doctor of philosophy. an applicant shall ordinarily work in a recognized place of research including the university departments, research institutes and affiliated colleges recognized by the university. please note : passing the ph.d. online entrance examination is no guarantee for admission. admission depends only on availability of seats and guides.  .

For availability of seats and guides Click here..

Students who have failed to register at the departments/ colleges/institutes after passing the previous year online entrance examination, have to re-apply as fresh students.

Sign In If you are already registered with online Ph. D. Entrance Examination, then click on following button. Sign In  

© 2018 All Rights Reserved Savitribai Phule Pune University

Designed by Vertexinfo.in

Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur

(established under a.p. govt. act no.30 of 2008), application for applying for ph.d guideship.

Eligible supervisors application

• Vision and Mission
• University Song
• University Campus
• Extension Activities
• Former Vice Chancellors
• University Achievements
• University at Glance
• Authorities & Committees
• Our Collaborations
• Acts and Statutes
• Annual Reports
• Policies and Manuals
• Lab to Land
• Blood Donation
• School of Arts and Humanities
• School of Chemical Sciences
• School of Computer Sciences
• School of Environmental and Earth Sciences
• School of Inter-disciplinary Studies
• School of Languages Studies and Research Center
• School of Life Sciences
• School of Management Studies
• School of Mathematical Sciences
• School of Media Studies
• School of Physical Sciences
• School of Social Sciences
• School of Thoughts
• University Institute of Chemical Technology
• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Competitive Examination Coaching Centre
• Eklavya Training Centre, Nandurbar
• Khandesh Archives and Museum Centre
• Mahatma Gandhi Philosophy Centre, Dhule
• Pratap P. G. Research Centre of Philosophy, Amalner
• Pratap Shashvat Adhunik Sheti Tatvadnyan Center
• Yoga Guidance Center
• Department of Life Long Learning & Extension
• Visharad, The Skill Development Centre

Post Graduate Degree

P. G. Diploma

Graduate Degree

Certificate

• Vice Chancellor Office
• Pro Vice Chancellor Office
• Registrar Office
• Online Affiliation
• Approval Section
• Construction Section
• Development Section
• Eligibility Section
• Examination and Evaluation Section
• Finance Section
• General Administration
• Law-RTI Section
• AVHAN Objectives
• AVHAN Pledge
• Advisory Committee
• Disaster Preparedness Training Programme
• Post Training Activities
• Participants
• Committee Contact Details
• Accomodation Plan
• Public Relation Office
• Research Section
• Sports Section
• Department of Student Development
• University Officers
• Student Accomodation
• Health Care
• Scholarships
• Knowledge Resource Center
• RUSA Resources
• Office of International affairs
• Student Helpline
• BSR Scheme / Programmes
• National Academic Depository
• Spoken Tutorial
• Academic Calendar
• Exam Time Table
• Online Results (Colleges)
• Online Result (Student)
• Application for Photocopy/Verification/Challenge
• Verification Redressal Result
• Exam Reports
• Online Degree Verification
• Question Bank
• Previous Exam Question Paper
• Paper Code List
• Copy Case Student Entry Form
• How Do I Get a Certificate?
• Convocation
• Gold Medals
• Library Resources
• Web of Science
• Examinations Forms
• Forms For Students
• Central Training & Placement Cell
• UGC Grievance Redressal Portal
• Anti-Ragging-Cell
• Research Project
• Research Publication
• Books Published
• Consultancy Services
• Central Instrumentation Center
• Teachers Award
• KBCNMU Faculty Research Profile
• Online Examination Center
• RUSA Inclusive Education Center
• Student Accommodation
• Health Center
• National Service Scheme
• Computer Center (Examination)
• Guest House
• Shikshak Bhavan
• Post Office
• Karmachari Bhavan
• Central School
• University Openings
• Affiliated Colleges/Institutes Openings
• Right to Information
• Publications
• News and Announcements
• Citizen Charter
• PBAS Proforma and API Details
• Formats For Colleges
• Formats For Employee

Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon

Revised Rules for Ph.D. w.e.f. 26/07/2023

Revised Rules for Ph.D. w.e.f. 11/07/2009

Rules for Ph.D. w.e.f. 23/06/2012 to 26/05/2014

Revised Rules for Ph.D. w.e.f. 27/05/2014

Revised Rules for Ph.D. w.e.f. 01/04/2017

Revised Rules for Ph.D. w.e.f. April 2017 Dtd. 24/11/2018

Revised Rules for Ph.D. w.e.f. April 2017 Dtd. 07/02/2019

Syllabi for Ph.D. Entrance Test

Pre-Ph.D. Course Work Syllabi

Paper-I (Research Methodology)

Syllabi for Pre-Ph.D. Course Work Paper-II

Arts and Fine Arts

Mental Moral and Social Sciences

Political Science

Defence and Stategic Studies

Social Work

Library & Information Science

Mass Communication & Journalism

Ambedkar Thought

Electronics

Computer Science and Information Technology

Life Sciences (Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry)

Environmental Science

Mathematics

Revised Engineering and Technology Syllabi

Chemical Engineering

Civil Engineering

Computer Engineering & Information Technology

Electronics Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Commerce and Management

Six Monthly Progress Report Format

Application form for Certificate of Eligibility for Ph.D

Guidelines for Interdisciplinary Board

Naming Conventions used for Shodhganga CD DVD Submission

Student Approval Form for Ph.D Thesis/M.Phil Dissertation to the Director,B.C.U.D.

Anti-Plagiarism Software Notice

PET-2021 (RRC/PVC) Exemption Recommended/Not Recommended) List of Students

Notification regarding PET-2021

Notice regarding publishing of final List for PET-2021

Revised Schedule for PET -2021

Regarding publishing of provisional List for PET-2021

Revised Schedule for PET-2021

Click here to apply online for PET-2021

Notification for Ph.D. Entrance Test November, 2021 (PET 2021)

Subject wise Timetable For R.R.C. (Revised)

Notice regarding Online R.R.C.

Letter regarding extension of date for submission of research outline for student & submission of mark of Paper-III for guides

Circular regarding extension of date for submission of research outline for student & submission of mark of Paper-III for guides

Notification regarding submission of research title

Notification regarding online Pre-Ph.D. Theory Course Work Examination (May 2021)

Mental, Moral and Social Sciences

Engineering and Technology

List of Ph.D. Scholars for PET 2010/2011

List of Ph.D. Scholars for PET 2012

List of Ph.D. Scholars for PET 2014

Quick Links

Since October 2003 Your Partner In Scholarships Search

Registration For Ph.D Research Guide

REGISTRATION FOR Ph.D RESEARCH GUIDE Under Ph.D Part time external Registration Programme

Application can also be received from the following address : Office of Dean Research, AMET UNIVERSITY No. 135, East Coast Road. Kanathur. Chennai 603112, Tamilnadu, India Ph; 044 - 2747 2155 / 157 / 904 / 905 Fax: 91-44-2747 2804

INDIA'S FIRST UNIVERSITY IN MARITIME EDUCATION

Eligible Research Guides anywhere in India and Abroad are permitted to register under this programme

AMET UNIVERSITY requires EXTERNAL RESEARCH 6UIDES for Guiding Ph.D Scholars in the areas of Nautical Science. Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering, Harbour and Ocean Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Information Technology, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Management Studies, English. Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Micro Biology, Biotechnology. Library Science. Physical Education, Social Sciences and Humanities, Resource persons with Ph.D Qualification in the areas of Science, Engineering and Technology, Social Sciences and Humanities having experience in guiding research Scholars may apply for the post of External Guides. Suitable honorarium is applicable. Guides with inter-disciplinary research experience can also apply.

For further details about the programme and to download the application, Visit: http://www.ametuniv.ac.in For Further Enquiries: [email protected]

For all other details, please visit : http://www.ametuniv.ac.in