phd student advice

What is a PhD? Advice for PhD students

How long does it take to get a doctorate degree how do you get into grad school are you qualified to do a phd answers to these questions and more.

What is a PhD?

A PhD, which stands for “doctor of philosophy”, is the most advanced academic degree. It’s earned through extensive research on a specific topic, demonstrating expertise and contributing new knowledge to the field.

What does “PhD” mean?

The term “PhD” is often used as a synonym for any doctoral-level qualification. Doctorate degrees can often be split into two categories: MPhil and PhD.

An MPhil is similar to a PhD as it includes a research element (which is usually shorter and less in-depth than a PhD thesis, and often more akin to a dissertation undertaken at undergraduate or master’s level). 

MPhil students focus more on interpreting existing knowledge and theory and critically evaluating other people’s work rather than producing their own research. The precise nature and definition of an MPhil can vary among institutions and countries. 

A PhD, meanwhile, follows a more widely known and traditional route and requires students, often referred to as “candidates”, to produce their own work and research on a new area or topic to a high academic standard.

PhD requirements vary significantly among countries and institutions. The PhD, once completed, grants the successful candidate the title of “doctor of philosophy”, also called PhD or DPhil.

What is a professional doctorate?

A professional doctorate is a kind of degree that helps people become experts in their fields. Instead of focusing mainly on theory and research like a regular PhD, a professional doctorate is all about practical skills and knowledge.

This kind of doctorate is great for students who want to get better at their jobs in areas like teaching, healthcare, business, law or psychology. The courses and projects in these programmes are designed to tackle real problems you might face at work.

For example, you might have heard of the doctor of education (EdD), doctor of business administration (DBA), doctor of psychology (PsyD) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP). These programmes combine learning, hands-on projects and sometimes a thesis paper or essay to show you’re skilled at solving on-the-job challenges.

How long does it take to study a PhD?

The time required to complete a PhD can vary significantly based on several factors. Generally, a full-time PhD programme takes around three to six years to finish. However, it’s important to take into account individual circumstances and the nature of the research involved.

1. Full-time vs. part-time: If you’re studying full-time, dedicating most of your time to your studies, it usually takes about three to four years to complete a PhD. However, studying part-time while managing other commitments might extend the duration. Part-time PhDs can take around six to eight years, and sometimes even longer.

2. Nature of research: The complexity of your research proposal can influence the time required. Certain research questions may involve intricate experiments, extensive data collection or in-depth analysis, potentially leading to a longer completion timeline.

3. Field of study: The subject area you’re researching can also affect the necessary time. Some fields, such as sciences or engineering, might involve more hands-on work, while theoretical subjects might require more time for literature review and analysis.

4. Supervision and support: The guidance and availability of your academic supervisor can affect the pace of your research progress. Regular meetings and effective communication can help keep your studies on track.

5. Thesis writing: While the research phase is crucial, the stage of writing your thesis is equally significant. Organising and presenting your research findings in a clear and cohesive manner can take several months.

6. External commitments: Personal commitments, such as work, family or health-related factors, can influence your study time. Some students need to balance these alongside their PhD studies, potentially extending the duration.

7. External Funding: The availability of funding can also affect your study duration. Some funding might be linked to specific project timelines or research objectives.

So, although a PhD usually takes between three and six years of full-time study, with potential variations based on research complexity, enrolment as part-time or full-time, field of study and personal circumstances. It’s vital to have a realistic understanding of these factors when planning your PhD journey.

How long is a PhD in the UK?

In the UK, the length of a PhD programme typically ranges from three to four years of full-time study. As explained above, there are many factors to consider.

How long is a PhD in the US?

Similarly to the UK, in the United States, the duration of a PhD programme can vary widely depending on the field of study, research topic and individual circumstances. On average, a full-time PhD programme in the US typically takes between five and six years to complete.

Why does it take longer to study a PhD in the US?

PhD programmes generally take longer to complete in the US than in the UK due to various factors in the education systems and programme structures of each country:

1. Programme structure: UK PhD programmes often emphasise early, focused research from the first year, leading to shorter completion times. In contrast, US programmes commonly include more initial coursework in your first and second year and broader foundational training, which can extend the overall duration.

2. Course work requirements: Many US PhD programmes require a lot of course work, which can lengthen the time needed to finish. UK programmes tend to have fewer or no course work demands, allowing students to concentrate primarily on research skills.

3. Research funding: In the UK, PhD funding is often awarded with specific timeframes in mind, motivating completion of the research degree in the agreed duration. In the US, funding approaches can vary, requiring students to secure funding from multiple sources, potentially affecting their progress and completion time.

4. Teaching responsibilities: Some US PhD students take on teaching roles as part of their funding, dividing their time and potentially prolonging their studies.

5. Research approach: Differences in research methodologies and project scopes can affect the time needed for data collection, experimentation and analysis.

6. Academic culture: The US education system values a well-rounded education, including coursework and comprehensive exams. This can extend the time before full-time research begins. UK PhD programmes often prioritise independent research early on.

7. Part-time and work commitments: US PhD candidates might have more flexibility for part-time work or other commitments, which can affect research progress.

8. Dissertation requirements: US PhD programmes generally include a longer and more comprehensive dissertation, involving more chapters and a broader exploration of the research topic.

These variations in programme structures, funding models and academic cultures contribute to the differing completion times between the two countries.

What qualifications do you need for a PhD?

To be eligible for a PhD programme, certain educational qualifications are generally expected by universities. These qualifications serve as indicators of your readiness to engage in advanced research and contribute to the academic community.

First, an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is typically the most common requirement. This degree provides you with a foundational understanding of the subject and introduces you to basic research methodologies. It serves as a starting point for your academic journey.

Do you need a master’s degree to get into a PhD programme?

In addition to an undergraduate degree, many PhD programmes also require candidates to hold postgraduate or master’s degrees, often in fields related to the intended PhD research. A master’s degree offers a deeper exploration of the subject matter and enhances your research skills. Possessing a master’s degree signifies a higher level of expertise and specialisation.

The combination of both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees demonstrates a solid academic background. This background is crucial before you engage in doctoral study because pursuing a PhD involves more than just knowledge; it requires advanced research abilities, critical thinking and the capacity to provide an original contribution and new insights into the chosen field of study.

While these qualifications are usually requested, there are exceptions. Some institutions offer direct-entry programmes that encompass bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees in a streamlined structure. This approach is often seen in scientific and engineering disciplines rather than humanities.

In exceptional cases, outstanding performance during undergraduate studies, coupled with a well-defined research proposal, might lead to direct entry into a PhD programme without requiring a master’s degree.

Admission requirements can vary between universities and programmes. Some institutions might have more flexible prerequisites, while others could have more stringent criteria. Make sure that you thoroughly research all admission requirements of the PhD programmes you’re interested in to ensure you provide the right information.

Are PhD entry requirements similar in other countries?

PhD entry requirements in Canada and Australia can be somewhat similar to those in the UK and the US, but there are also some differences. Just like in the UK and the US, having a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree is a common way to qualify for a PhD in Canada and Australia. However, the exact rules can vary, such as how much research experience you need or the grades you should have.

In Canada and Australia, as in the UK and the US, international students usually need to show their English language skills through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. And, like in other places, you might need to give a research proposal to explain what you want to study for your PhD.

But remember, even though there are some similarities, each country has its own rules.

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How much does it cost to study a PhD?

The cost of pursuing a PhD can vary significantly between international and home (domestic) students, and it depends on the country, university and programme you choose.

United Kingdom (UK)

Home students in the UK often pay lower tuition fees compared with international students. Home students might also have access to government funding or subsidised tuition rates.

International students typically pay higher tuition fees, which can vary widely depending on the university and programme. Fees can range from around £10,000 to £25,000 or more per year.

United States (US)

PhD programme costs in the US can be quite high, especially for international students. Public universities often have lower tuition rates for in-state residents compared with out-of-state residents and international students.

Private universities in the US generally have higher tuition fees, and international students might be charged higher rates than domestic students.

Canadian universities often charge higher tuition fees for international students compared with domestic students.

Some universities offer funding packages that include tuition waivers and stipends for both domestic and international doctoral students.

In Australia, domestic students (Australian citizens and permanent residents) usually pay lower tuition fees than international students.

International students in Australia might have higher tuition fees, and costs can vary based on the university and programme.

Apart from tuition fees, other aspects play a role in the overall financial consideration:

PhD studentship: Many universities offer PhD studentships that provide financial support to research students, covering both tuition fees and a stipend for living expenses.

Stipend and housing: Stipends are designed to cover living expenses. Stipend amounts can vary depending on the university and location. If you’re studying in London in the UK, stipends might be higher to account for the higher living costs in the city. Some universities also offer subsidised or affordable housing options for doctoral students.

Tuition and stipend packages: Some PhD programmes provide funding packages that include both tuition waivers and stipends. These packages are to help relieve the financial burden on students during their doctoral studies.

Research the financial support options provided by the universities you’re interested in to make an informed decision about the cost of your PhD journey.

What funding options are available for PhD candidates?

PhD candidates have various funding options available to support their studies and research journeys. Some of these options include:

PhD scholarships: Scholarships are a common form of financial aid for PhD candidates. They are awarded based on academic merit, research potential or other specific criteria. Scholarships can cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses.

Bursaries: Bursaries are another form of financial assistance offered to students, including PhD candidates, based on financial need. They can help cover tuition fees or provide additional financial support.

In the UK, specific funding options are available:

Regional consortium: Some regions have research consortiums that offer funding opportunities for doctoral candidates. These collaborations can provide financial support for research projects aligned with specific regional needs.

UK research institute: Research councils in the UK often offer stipends to PhD candidates. These stipends cover living expenses and support research work.

University-based studentship: Many UK universities offer studentships. You can read more about these above.

In the USA, there are also funding options available:

Research assistantships (RAs): Many universities offer research assistantships where PhD candidates work on research projects under the guidance of faculty members. In exchange, they receive stipends and often have their tuition waived.

Teaching assistantships (TA): Teaching assistantships involve assisting professors in teaching undergraduate courses. In return, PhD candidates receive stipends and sometimes tuition remission.

Fellowships: Fellowships are competitive awards that provide financial support for PhD candidates. They can come from universities, government agencies, private foundations and other institutions. Fellowships can cover tuition, provide stipends and offer research or travel funds.

Graduate assistantships: Graduate assistantships include a range of roles, from research and teaching to administrative support. These positions often come with stipends and sometimes include tuition benefits.

External grants and fellowships: PhD candidates can apply for grants and fellowships from external organisations and foundations that support research careers in specific fields. Examples include the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Fulbright Programme.

Employer sponsorship: In some cases, employers might sponsor employees to pursue PhDs, especially if the research aligns with the company’s interests.

You can read about the current available scholarships for international students of all education levels on our website .

What does a PhD Involve?

How does a PhD work?

A PhD includes thorough academic research and significant contributions to your chosen field of study. The timeline for completing a PhD can significantly vary based on the country, college or university you attend and the specific subject you study.

The duration of a PhD programme can vary based on factors such as the institution’s requirements and the academic discipline you’re pursuing. For instance, the timeline for a PhD in a science-related field might differ from that of a humanities discipline.

UK PhD timeline example

Looking at a typical PhD degree in a London higher education institution, we can consider this example timeline.

In the initial year of your PhD, you’ll collaborate closely with your designated academic supervisor. This collaboration involves refining and solidifying your research proposal, which lays the foundation for your entire doctoral journey.

This is also the time to establish a comprehensive plan, complete with well-defined milestones and deadlines. A crucial aspect of this year is conducting an extensive literature review, immersing yourself in existing academic works to understand the landscape of your chosen research area. It’s important to make sure that your research idea is original and distinct from prior studies.

As you begin the second year, you’ll actively collect data and gather information related to your research topic. Simultaneously, you’ll initiate the process of crafting your thesis. This involves combining your research findings and analysis into sections of your thesis document.

This is also the phase where you might have opportunities to share your research insights at academic meetings, conferences or workshops. Depending on the programme, you might even engage in teaching activities. Some PhD candidates also begin contributing to academic journals or books, showcasing their findings to a broader audience.

The third year of a PhD programme often marks the final stage of your research efforts. This is when you dedicate substantial time to writing and finalising your complete thesis. Once your thesis is completed to the highest standard, you’ll submit it for thorough evaluation.

A significant milestone in the third year is the viva voce, an oral examination where you’ll defend your thesis before a panel of experts in your field. The viva voce is an opportunity to showcase your deep understanding of your research and defend your findings.

Why should you do a PhD?

For many people, acquiring a doctorate degree is the pinnacle of academic achievement, the culmination of years of commitment to higher education.

However, the act of pursuing a PhD can be a complex, frustrating, expensive and time-consuming exercise. But with the right preparation, some sound advice and a thorough understanding of the task at hand, your years as a doctoral student can be some of the most rewarding of your life. 

People choose to work towards a doctorate for many reasons. If you are looking to pursue an academic position, such as university lecturer or researcher, then a PhD is usually required.

Many people obtain a PhD as part of a partnership with an employer, particularly in scientific fields such as engineering, where their research can prove useful for companies.

In some cases, however, PhDs are simply down to an individual’s love of a subject and their desire to learn more about their field.

What are some benefits of studying a PhD?

Pursuing a PhD can have many benefits that extend beyond academic achievement, encompassing personal growth, professional advancement and meaningful contributions to knowledge.

One of the most notable benefits of a PhD is the potential for tenure in academia. Attaining tenure provides a level of job security that allows you to delve into long-term research projects and make enduring contributions to your field. It signifies a stage where you can explore innovative ideas and pursue in-depth research, fostering your academic legacy.

While not obligatory, the opportunity to collaborate on research projects with your supervisor is another valuable aspect of a PhD pursuit. These collaborations might even come with financial compensation, offering real-world experience, skill development and practical applications of your research. Engaging in such collaborations can enrich your research portfolio and refine your research methodologies.

A pivotal aspect of a PhD journey is the chance to publish your original research findings. By disseminating your work in academic journals or presenting it at conferences, you contribute to the expansion of knowledge within your field. These publications establish your expertise and reputation among peers and researchers worldwide, leaving a lasting impact.

The pursuit of a PhD can provide a unique platform to build a diverse network of colleagues, mentors and collaborators. Engaging with fellow researchers, attending conferences and participating in academic events offer opportunities to make valuable connections. This network can lead to collaborations, expose you to a spectrum of perspectives and pave the way for future research endeavours.

What is a PhD thesis? And what is a PhD viva?

A PhD thesis will be produced with help from an academic supervisor, usually one with expertise in your particular field of study. This thesis is the backbone of a PhD, and is the candidate’s opportunity to communicate their original research to others in their field (and a wider audience).  PhD students also have to explain their research project and defend their thesis in front of a panel of academics. This part of the process is often the most challenging, since writing a thesis is a major part of many undergraduate or master’s degrees, but having to defend it from criticism in real time is arguably more daunting.  This questioning is known as a “viva”, and examiners will pay particular attention to a PhD’s weaknesses either in terms of methodology or findings. Candidates will be expected to have a strong understanding of their subject areas and be able to justify specific elements of their research quickly and succinctly.

In rare cases, students going for a PhD may instead be awarded an MPhil if the academic standard of their work is not considered fully up to par but still strong enough to be deserving of a qualification.

Can you do a PhD part time? 

Many PhD and MPhil candidates choose to pursue their qualification part time, in order to allow time to work and earn while studying. This is especially true of older students, who might be returning to academia after working for a few years. 

When applying, you should always speak to the admissions team at your university to ensure this is possible and then continue to work with your supervisor to balance all your commitments. 

Can I do a PhD through distance learning?

This is something else that you will need to check with your university. Some institutions offer this option, depending on the nature of your research. 

You will need to be clear how many times you will need to travel to your university to meet with your supervisor throughout your PhD. 

Your PhD supervisor

Choosing the right PhD supervisor is essential if you want to get the most out of your PhD. Do your research into the faculty at the institution and ensure that you meet with your proposed supervisor (either virtually or in person) before fully committing. 

You need to know that not only do they have the right expertise and understanding of your research but also that your personalities won’t clash throughout your PhD. 

Remember, to complete your PhD, you will need a strong support network in place, and your supervisor is a key part of that network. 

Coping with PhD stress

If you do decide to embark on a doctorate, you may well encounter stress and anxiety. The work involved is often carried out alone, the hours can be long and many students can suffer from the pressure they feel is on their shoulders.

Ensuring that you check in regularly with your emotions and your workload is crucial to avoid burnout. If you have other commitments, such as a job or a family, then learning to balance these can feel overwhelming at times. 

Give yourself regular breaks, speak to your supervisor and ensure that you know what university resources and support systems are available to you in case you need to access them. 

Post-doctorate: what happens after you finish your PhD?

Many PhD graduates pursue a career in academia, while others will work in industry. Some might take time out, if they can afford to, to recover from the efforts of PhD study.

Whatever you choose to do, undertaking a PhD is a huge task that can open up a range of doors professionally. Just remember to take some time out to celebrate your achievement. 

How does a PhD affect salary and earning potential?

How much does a professor with a PhD make a year?

Professors with PhDs can earn different amounts depending on where they work and their experience. In the UK, a professor might make around £50,000 to £100,000 or more each year. In the US, it's between about $60,000 and $200,000 or even higher. The exact salary depends on things like the place they work, if they have tenure, and what they teach.

How much does a PhD add to salary?

Having a PhD can make your salary higher than if you had a lower degree. But exactly how much more you earn can change. On average, people with PhDs earn more than those with bachelor’s or master’s degrees. The increase in salary is influenced by many things, such as the job you do, where you work and what field you’re in.

In fields such as research, healthcare, technology and finance, your knowledge and skills from your PhD can potentially help you secure a higher salary position.

In the end, having a PhD can boost your earning potential and open doors to well-paying jobs, including professorships and special roles in different areas. But the exact effect on your salary is influenced by many things, so ensure you weigh the cost against the benefit.

How to choose a PhD programme?

Choosing a PhD programme involves defining your research interest, researching supervisors and programme reputation, evaluating funding options, reviewing programme structure, considering available resources, assessing networking opportunities, factoring in location and career outcomes, visiting the campus if possible and trusting your instincts.

How can I find available PhD programmes?

You can find available PhD programmes by visiting university websites, using online directories such as “FindAPhD”, checking professional associations, networking with professors and students, following universities on social media, attending career fairs and conferences, contacting universities directly and exploring research institutes’ websites.

How to apply for a PhD programme?

To apply for a PhD programme:

Research and select universities aligned with your interests.

Contact potential supervisors, sharing your proposal, CV and references.

Prepare application materials: research proposal, CV, recommendation letters and a writing sample.

Ensure you meet academic and language-proficiency requirements.

Complete an online application through the university’s portal.

Pay any required application fees.

Write a statement of purpose explaining your motivations.

Provide official transcripts of your academic records.

Submit standardised test scores if needed.

Some programmes may require an interview.

The admissions committee reviews applications and decides.

Apply for scholarships or assistantships.

Upon acceptance, review and respond to the offer letter.

Plan travel, accommodation and logistics accordingly.

Remember to research and follow each university’s specific application guidelines and deadlines.

How to apply for a PhD as an international student?

Many stages of the PhD application process are the same for international students as domestic students. However, there are sometimes some additional steps:

International students should apply for a student visa.

Take language proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS if required.

Provide certificates if needed to validate your previous degrees.

Show evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses.

Check if you need health insurance for your chosen destination.

Translate and authenticate academic transcripts if necessary.

Attend orientation sessions for cultural adaptation.

Apply for university housing or explore off-campus options.

Familiarise yourself with international student support services.

Ben Osborne, the postgraduate student recruitment manager at the University of Sussex explains in detail how to apply for a PhD in the UK .

Giulia Evolvi, a lecturer in media and communication at Erasmus University, Rotterdam explains how to apply for a PhD in the US .

Finally, Samiul Hossain explores the question Is it possible to do a three-year PhD as an international student?

Q. What is a PhD? A. A PhD is the highest level of academic degree awarded by universities, involving in-depth research and a substantial thesis.

Q. What does “PhD” mean? A. “PhD” stands for doctor of philosophy, recognising expertise in a field.

Q. What is a professional doctorate? A. A professional doctorate emphasises practical application in fields such as education or healthcare.

Q. How long does it take to study a PhD? A. It takes between three and six years to study a full-time PhD programme.

Q. How long is a PhD in the UK? A. It takes around three to four years to study a full-time UK PhD.

Q. How long is a PhD in the US? A. It takes approximately five to six years to complete a full-time US PhD.

Q. Why does it take longer to study a PhD in the US? A. US programmes often include more course work and broader training.

Q. What qualifications do you need for a PhD? A. You usually need an undergraduate degree as a minimum requirement, although a master’s might be preferred.

Q. Do you need a master’s degree to get into a PhD programme? A. Master’s degrees are preferred but not always required.

Q. Are PhD entry requirements similar in other countries? A. Entry requirements are similar in many countries, but there may be additional requirements. Make sure to check the university website for specific details.

Q. How much does it cost to study a PhD? A. The cost of PhD programmes vary by country and university.

Q. What funding options are available for PhD candidates? A. Scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, grants, stipends are all funding options for PhD candidates.

Q. What does a PhD involve? A. PhDs involve research, seminars, thesis, literature review, data analysis and a PhD viva.

Q. Why should you do a PhD? A. There are many reasons to study a PhD including personal growth, research skills, contributions to academia and professional development.

Q. What are some benefits of studying a PhD? A. Benefits of graduating with a PhD include achieving tenure, collaborations with colleagues, publication of your work, and networking opportunities.

Q. What is a PhD thesis? A. A PhD thesis is a comprehensive document that showcases the original research conducted by a PhD candidate.

Q. What is a PhD viva? A. A PhD viva, also known as a viva voce or oral examination, is the final evaluation of a PhD candidate’s research and thesis where the panel asks questions, engages in discussions and assesses the depth of the candidate’s understanding and expertise.

Q. Can you do a PhD part-time? A. Yes, part-time options are available for PhDs.

Q. Can I do a PhD through distance learning? A. Some universities offer online PhDs; you can find out more on their websites.

Q. How to choose a PhD programme? A. You can find PhD programmes through research, by contacting faculty, checking resources and considering location.

Q. How can I find available PhD programme? A. You can find available PhD programmes on university sites, through directories and by networking.

Q. How to apply for a PhD programme A. To apply for a PhD programme, research suitable universities and programmes, get in touch with potential supervisors, gather required documents like transcripts and reference letters, complete the online application, pay any necessary fees and submit a statement of purpose and research proposal. If needed, meet language-proficiency criteria and attend interviews. After acceptance, explore funding choices, confirm your spot and get ready for the programme’s start.

Q. How to apply for a PhD as an international student A. To apply for a PhD as an international student, follow similar steps to domestic students, but you need to include securing a student visa and passing language requirements.

Q. What is a PhD dropout rate? A. The dropout rate from PhDs varies but is approximately 30-40 per cent.

Q. How does a PhD affect salary and earning potential? A. A PhD can boost earning potential, especially in research, technology, healthcare and academia. Impact varies by job, industry and location. Experience, skills and demand also influence salary.

Q. How to address a person with a PhD? A. When addressing someone with a PhD, it’s respectful to use “Dr”, followed by their last name, whether they have a PhD in an academic field or a professional doctorate. For instance, “Dr. Smith”.

Q. Is there a difference between a PhD and a doctorate? A. The terms “PhD” and “doctorate” are often used interchangeably, though a PhD is a specific type of doctorate focused on original research. A doctorate can refer more broadly to any doctoral-level degree, including professional doctorates with practical applications.

Q. What is the difference between a PhD and an MD? A. A PhD is a doctor of philosophy, awarded for academic research, while an MD is a doctor of medicine, focusing on medical practice. They lead to different career paths and involve distinct areas of study.

Q. What is the difference between a PhD and a professional doctorate? A. A PhD is an academic research-focused degree, while a professional doctorate emphasises applying research to practical fields such as education or business. PhDs often involve original research, while professional doctorates focus on real-world application.

Q. What is the difference between UK and US PhDs? A. The difference between UK and US PhDs lies mainly in structure and duration. UK PhDs often have shorter durations and a stronger emphasis on independent research from an early stage. US PhDs typically include more initial coursework and broader foundational training before full-time research begins.

Q. What is the difference between a PhD student and a candidate? A. A PhD student is actively studying and researching in a doctoral programme, while a PhD candidate has completed programme requirements except for the dissertation and is close to completion.

Q. What’s the difference between a PhD and an EdD? A. A PhD and an EdD (doctor of education) differ in focus. A PhD emphasises research and academic contributions, while an EdD focuses on applying research to practical educational issues.

Q. What’s the difference between a PhD and a DBA? A. A PhD and a DBA (doctor of business administration) differ in purpose. A PhD emphasises theoretical research and academia, while a DBA is practice-oriented, aimed at solving real business problems.

Q. What’s the difference between a PhD and a PsyD? A. A PhD and a PsyD (doctor of psychology) differ in emphasis. A PhD focuses on research and academia, while a PsyD emphasises clinical practice and applying psychological knowledge.

Q. What’s the difference between a PhD and an LLD? A. A PhD and an LLD (doctor of laws or Legum doctor) are distinct. A PhD is awarded in various disciplines, while an LLD is usually an honorary degree for significant contributions to law.

Q. What’s the difference between a PhD and an MD-PhD? A. A PhD and an MD-PhD differ. An MD-PhD is a dual degree combining medical training (MD) with research training (PhD).

Q. What is the Cambridge PhD? A. A Cambridge PhD involves original research guided by a supervisor, resulting in a thesis. It’s offered at the University of Cambridge .

Q. What is the Oxford DPhil? A. An Oxford DPhil is equivalent to a PhD and involves independent research leading to a thesis. The term “DPhil” is unique to the University of Oxford .

Q. What is the PhD programme acceptance rate? A. PhD acceptance rates vary by university, field and competition. Prestigious universities and competitive fields often have lower acceptance rates.

Q. What is a PhD supervisor? A. A PhD supervisor guides and supports a student’s research journey, providing expertise and feedback.

Q. What is a PhD panel? A. A PhD panel evaluates a candidate’s research, thesis and oral defence. It consists of experts in the field.

Q. What is a PhD stipend? A. A PhD stipend is a regular payment supporting living expenses during research, often tied to teaching or research assistant roles.

Q. What is a PhD progression assessment? A. A PhD progression assessment evaluates a student’s progress, often confirming their continuation in the programme.

Q. What is a PhD defence? A. A PhD defence, or viva, is the final oral examination where a candidate presents and defends their research findings and thesis before experts.

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My Advice and Tips for New PhD Students

I started my own PhD exactly six years ago this week and looking back there are LOADS of things I wish I’d known when I started! Previously I’ve written a whole post about my PhD regrets . In this post I want to focus on actionable advice and tips which I hope will help out any new first year PhD students.

Even if you’re already midway through your PhD I hope that you find some of the advice useful. Do you have a piece of PhD advice yourself? Feel free to share it with us in the comments section below.

1. Set Up Regular Meetings with Your Supervisor

One of the main things which really helped during my PhD was having regular one on one meetings. Not only do you get an opportunity to check things with your supervisor, they’re also a useful way to stay focussed and disciplined.

Rather than set up ad-hoc one on one meetings when you need them, I’d really push for a regular slot. I had a recurring weekly meeting, mostly just with my primary supervisor but sometimes my secondary supervisor came along too. Some people may find this is too frequent but in any case regular meetings are crucial.

Supervisors will be familiar with many challenges you’re likely to face. They can offer invaluable advice  to not only solve the problem quickly but also offer perspective to put your mind at ease. It is almost impossible that you won’t have anything at all to discuss. In fact you are likely to end up receiving lots of other advice which you may not have been actively seeking near the start of your PhD, such as career guidance.

Some supervisors by default only have group meetings with their PhD students. Whilst they can be great for getting to know what everyone in the group does and for getting feedback, these really aren’t the place to raise a lot of issues to do with your PhD. For starters it isn’t an effective use of other students’ time to sit through you doing a deep dive into technical details. In addition, some topics are far better suited to a private meeting: mental health, a review of your progress etc.

For any prospective PhD students reading this, it’s a good idea to gauge how much support you can expect to receive from a supervisor ahead of time. If you’ve already recently started your project, now can be a great time to set yourself up with regular meetings.

2. Don’t Work Too Hard

When you’re new in the research group it is natural to not want to come across as a slacker to your colleagues and supervisor. However please don’t become that person who feels the need to hang around in the office just to be seen to be committed to the project.

A perk of a PhD is that they’re flexible: you should be able to control your own time and work when you want and take breaks when you want. Some people see this flexibility as merely theoretical and instead end up working really long hours. Please don’t!

Instead I suggest treating the PhD like a job (in a good way!). For me personally I found that working roughly 9-5 Monday to Friday was more than enough time to complete a PhD at a top tier university in less time than average. For more details, including my own calendar just over one year into the PhD, check out the separate post:

How much work is a PhD?

3. Work Smart and Learn to Take Breaks

Working in unison with the previous point about the number of hours you put in per week, a top tip for new PhD students is to learn to work smart and take breaks where necessary.

Repeat after me: don’t waste time being unproductive.

An effective PhD student shouldn’t need to chuck their entire life at the PhD. Instead, learn how you work best and use this knowledge to find a work pattern which boosts your productivity. Along with figuring out whether you prefer to start work earlier or later in the day, I personally found it useful to figure out how long I could sit at my desk before my productivity starting dropping. On the topic of working hours and productivity: no, PhDs don’t need caffeine .

Taking frequent breaks are great, not just for your productivity but also your sanity. By breaks I mean everything from a five minute walk through to a proper holiday away from work.

If you realise you’ve started procrastinating, take a break: reading a few pages of a fiction book or taking a short walk can do wonders for PhD motivation and your mental health. Breaks are particularly important for anyone starting to feel the potential effects of burnout. In fact it may be worth reading my whole post about PhD burnout .

PhD Burnout: Managing Energy, Stress, Anxiety & Your Mental Health

Beyond daily walks, take days off when you feel like you need them. While you no longer enjoy months off in a row like undergraduates, do be sure to take holidays too: yes PhDs should definitely take holiday. Here is how much annual leave I used up for holidays throughout my whole PhD .

4. Start Thinking About Publishing

Clearly you’re not going to be in a position to publish original research for quite some time (as first author at least), but your first year is often filled with a lot of reading. In addition to using this reading to help with your project direction, you could turn this into a writing exercise which can be useful for three key reasons:

• Boost your understanding of the topic. Writing things down in your own words will strengthen your comprehension.
• It can form the basis for the literature review in your thesis. Always useful! Also handy for any early stage milestones that your university has. Mine had a checkpoint at nine months where it can be pretty handy to demonstrate that you have some idea about your research field!
• A relatively easy and early publication: a review article. It’ll really help give you confidence in the publishing process.

One of the best research groups I collaborated with during my PhD had an initiative where all first year PhD students should try to publish a review article. I think this is a great idea and wish I’d considered it myself so consider publishing a review article a top tip for new PhD students!

Before I tried submitting my own first original research article , which wasn’t until over two years into the PhD, I found the whole publishing process quite overwhelming and intimidating. Had I dipped my toes in early with a review article I’d have realised it wasn’t as complicated as I suspected (as with most unknowns) and instead probably tried to submit my own research much sooner. I’ve since written an entire series of guides about publishing your own paper, check it out here:

Writing an academic journal paper

5. Get Some Good Habits Started

There’s no better time to get some good habits established than when you’re just getting started with your PhD.

Have a think about what kind of habits you’d like to have by the end of your first year as a PhD student and start putting plans in place to work towards them.

Good habits may include:

• Using a calendar so as to not be late to meetings or lab bookings
• Reflecting on times that you procrastinate and instead pushing yourself to take proper breaks
• Healthy and low-cost eating habits . Nothing is more important than your health, and what you eat is a key part of keeping yourself healthy. At least in the UK it can get really expensive really quickly if you buy prepared food (cafes, restaurants, takeaways) for all of your meals. Instead, I strongly suggest starting to cook for yourself. It is much cheaper and usually more healthy. I wrote a series of posts about cooking during a PhD, check them all out here:

Save money as a student: cook delicious & nutritious meals on a budget!

• Getting a good amount of sleep. I won’t prescribe how much sleep to get or when your bed time should be (I’m not your parent!) but just know that getting into a regular sleeping pattern to stay fully rested will do wonders during your PhD. I already mentioned how caffeine consumption is not a prerequisite for those of working in research and sleeping enough so that you don’t feel tired is a good starting point.
• Doing regular exercise . Try to make it something that you enjoy so that you stick with it. Want to be uber efficient? Combine it with your commute: I cycled to work during my PhD . Bonus points for any exercise which is sociable.

6. Get Involved

As interesting as your research may be, your PhD shouldn’t all be about working on your own in the lab. Take the opportunities presented to you. Such as:

• Collaborations. Working with other people can be much more fun than working on your own and could lead to some interesting developments for your own project.
• Presenting at meetings and conferences. It is a great experience. Scared of presenting? Even more reason to get started.
• Side projects. Got another idea you want to try? Give it a go!
• Make connections. I don’t want to bore you with networking spiel, instead I’ll just say that making connections (or hopefully friends!) with lots of people around your department, university or elsewhere can really enrich your PhD experience.
• Learn new skills. Not just “boring” lab stuff like analytical techniques, think about anything else in life you’ve always wanted to try. For instance you can join student sports clubs and societies like any other students at university. I tried scuba diving and gliding during my PhD and I’m so pleased that I got involved. Read my whole post here about opportunities during your PhD:

How to make the most of opportunities

7. Enjoy It!

There is no doubting that a PhD can be tough at times but do try to enjoy it and remind yourself how lucky you are!

As a PhD student you’re in an enormously privileged position. You’re getting paid to be a student, which in itself is pretty great but on top of that you get to become an expert in a topic you find interesting. It is pretty amazing really. My final tip for new PhD students is to savour the PhD experience. The years will fly by before you know it, so make sure to take a breath once in a while to appreciate where you’ve got to and where you’re going.

A Quick Summary of Tips for New PhD Students

• Set up regular meetings with your supervisor(s)
• Don’t work too hard
• Work smart and take breaks
• Start thinking about publishing
• Get some good habits going
• Get involved
• Most importantly: enjoy it!

Good luck to all you PhD students, new and old. Hopefully these tips for new PhD students help give you some ideas to make your PhD a more pleasant experience. Do you have any other ideas for tips to help out PhD students? Let me know.

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A guide for first year PhD students: Expectations, responsibilities, advice

The first year of a PhD can feel like a rollercoaster ride. First-year PhD students are ambitious and want to fulfil expectations. At the same time, they may be unsure of what these expectations and their responsibilities are. This guide aims to provide first-year PhD students with some directions and advice.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using the links below at  no additional cost to you.  I only recommend products or services that I truly believe can benefit my audience. As always, my opinions are my own.

The first year as a PhD student: Excitement, ambition, overwhelm

What to expect as a first-year phd student, responsibilities of a first-year phd student, a supervisor’s expectations of a first-year phd student, thesis/dissertation, academic skills, relationships and networking, health and well-being.

Starting a PhD is exciting. Securing a PhD position is a major life event, and often something that first-year year PhD students have been working towards for a long time.

Many PhD students cannot wait to start. They already want to prepare in the weeks and months leading up to their new positions. And once they do start, they are full of energy, ambitions and plans.

First-year PhD students want to do well, make progress with their projects and meet their supervisors’ expectations. However, it is not always clear what that means.

“Am I doing enough? Do I make enough progress? Am I smart enough? Did I bite off more than I can chew?”

Questions like these, and insecurities, often develop early on in a PhD journey.

Furthermore, starting in a new environment can also be draining. There are new colleagues, new processes, and many unwritten rules in academia. Coupled with open questions about the direction of one’s PhD research, the first year can feel overwhelming.

To avoid overwhelm, it helps to know that the first year of a PhD involves much more than just figuring out one’s research. And absolutely normal to feel lost from time to time.

Succeeding in academia has many facets, including your thesis or dissertation, but also learning new skills, and developing relationships with supervisors, colleagues and scholars in your field. All of that takes energy.

Set realistic expectations for yourself in the first year of your PhD. Not everything will work out as planned. Research takes time, and setbacks are inevitable.

Doing a PhD is often experienced as very stressful : many PhD students are perfectionists, and a PhD requires a lot of self-responsibility. Consequently, PhD work tends to feel very personal, and criticism can sting.

First-year PhD students can deal with ‘failures’ more constructively by realizing that failures are an inevitable part of academic work, and by adopting a more welcoming attitude to criticism and feedback.

First-year PhD students can also expect to read and explore a lot. At times, this involves going down the rabbit hole of academic literature: processing new information, frameworks and perspectives before discarding them again.

Thinking, researching, experimenting, writing and editing are not straightforward processes, and a lot of learning takes place along the way.

Specific requirements and responsibilities of a first-year PhD student differ from programme to programme.

However, frequently a key responsibility of a PhD student is to develop a firm research proposal in the first year, which is often coupled with an extensive literature review.

This requires first-year PhD students to immerse themselves in the relevant literature. However, it is also recommended to read a bit outside of your field or discipline to gain new perspectives.

If a PhD programme involves course work, as is for instance the case in North America much more than in Europe, then planning and starting coursework is also often a responsibility during the first year.

All in all, a first-year PhD student is responsible to get organised and create a feasible plan for the coming years. The first year is meant to set the foundation for the PhD trajectory .

Unless the PhD programme is followed online, and unless there is a pandemic raging, first-year PhD students are additionally often expected to actively participate in the research group, lab or department in which they are based.

Active participation can range from simply showing up regularly, to attending lunches with colleagues, attending research events or presenting preliminary findings.

The internet is full of horror stories of PhD supervisors having extremely unrealistic expectations of first-year PhD students. For instance, several publications in the first year.

While this can certainly happen, I dare to say that this is not the norm.

Again, specific expectations or requirements in terms of performance and output of first-year PhD students can differ from university to university, and from supervisor to supervisor.

Beyond that, however, there are several expectations that many PhD supervisors have of first-year PhD students.

For instance, PhD supervisors tend to appreciate some levels of regularity and consistency. While it is absolutely normal to have periods where you make more progress (for instance in writing) than in others, it is not good to contact your supervisor every day for a month, and then fall off the earth for half a year.

Consistency goes hand in hand with good communication. Communication, respect and openness are fundamental elements in a good supervisor-supervisee relationship.

Many supervisors prefer first-year PhD students to ask for help and support if they experience roadblocks of any kind, instead of finding out that after a year no progress was made.

Lastly, supervisors often expect PhD students to take matters into their own hands. Instead of simply waiting for instruction, this means that first-year PhD students should be in the driver’s seat of their journey. Therefore, it is no surprise that proactiveness is one of the 10 qualities of successful PhD students.

25 things every first year PhD student should do

To turn the more abstract discussion on expectations and responsibilities into more concrete advice, the following list includes 25 things (divided into five categories) that every first-year PhD student should do.

• Read as much as you can. Write down your thoughts and observations.
• Develop a system to keep track of the literature you are reading (for instance through an excel file, notebooks, or a reference manager like Zotero ).
• Develop a literature review on your research topic.
• Familiarise yourself with your university’s PhD requirements (such as length, number of publications, required coursework, etc.).
• Read a few PhD theses from your field and university to understand what is ultimately expected from you.
• Get into the habit of writing . It does not have to be purely academic text. Write down your observations, write blog posts, and write a research diary. The more you write, the easier it gets.
• Develop a good system of communication and effective supervision meetings with your PhD supervisor/s.
• Get into the habit of talking about your research. Speak to your friends about your work, and discuss some readings with your colleagues. Try to formulate your thoughts in an accessible way. The more you do this, the easier it gets.
• Present something in a friendly environment (such as your research group) to practice public speaking .
• Learn how to prioritise tasks . Sometimes, prioritising one task means ruthlessly dropping others. Get comfortable with it. No one can do it all.
• Get to know your supervisor/s . Learn about their research and activities, their preferences and things like their preferred way of communicating. Don’t just expect your supervisor/s to adjust to your preferences, also adjust to theirs.
• Be present in your department, lab or research group. Chat with colleagues, exchange information, support each other and socialise. Collaboration is always better than competition.
• Develop a good support network outside of work. Even the nicest PhD trajectory can be stressful and frustrating from time to time. Know who has your back and can provide support and/or distraction when needed.
• Get to know the administrators and secretaries of your university. They hold a lot of power and you want them on your side!
• Start your online presence by filling out your university profile page, and setting up a professional Twitter account or a LinkedIn profile. You want people to be able to find information about you and your research online.
• Observe your energy levels and find your rhythm. Some people concentrate better in the morning, others late at night. Figure out when to tackle difficult tasks, when to schedule meetings, and when to take breaks. A PhD is not a regular 9 to 5 job. If you have flexibility in your time planning, optimise your routine so that it fits you .
• Be kind to yourself. When having negative thoughts, speak them out loud. Would you talk to your friends or colleagues the same way you talk to yourself? Probably not. Be forgiving and compassionate if you have a bad day.
• Foster an identity outside of your PhD by taking time for instance for hobbies, family and friends. It will help you to separate your self-worth from your PhD work.
• Prioritise your health and well-being . This involves for example getting proper sleep , exercising and eating healthily. Not only will you feel better, but your work will also benefit.
• Take proper breaks. Getting burnout is not a badge of honour or testimony to your dedication. Work smarter, not harder.

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•       Resources       15 Tips on Surviving Your PhD Program

15 Tips on Surviving Your PhD Program

15 tips and advice on making it through a phd.

It can be extremely challenging to complete a PhD program while maintaining physical and emotional health. The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that 50 percent of all doctoral students drop out of graduate school without completing their degree. Some schools report a 90 percent attrition rate. Common reasons for dropping out include academic shortcomings, students who change their career path, or those who lose interest in their pursuit. Some students have the ability to complete their degree but opt not to. One cause is the discovery of a poor job market for professors or private organizations in their fields. The Chronicle reports that math and science students leave in their third year. Some 25 percent of dropouts in Arts and Humanities occur after three years, potentially leaving candidates with high student debt and despair. This guide offers examples of concrete, accessible, and practical actions that can alleviate many problems that overwhelm doctoral students.

15 Tips on Surviving Your PhD

There is a legion of experts that offer advice on making it through the years of your PhD program. Many agree on the necessities of maintaining a balance of academic pursuits against routine personal outside activities that foster physical and emotional health. Here are 15 suggestions:

1. Establish a routine you can follow.

It’s crucial to stay on track. Your best option to do so and keep peace of mind is to create a schedule that you can follow – and commit to following it. Get up and do your work on schedule, just as you’d report for a job. Devote segments of your routine for research and reading pertinent literature in your field. Add time in your schedule to include sound sleep, good nutrition, exercise, socializing and recreation. Remember you’ll have other obligations such as attending lectures, symposia, commuting, parking, cleaning your living space, shopping for supplies, meeting with study groups and peer collaborators. At the same time, build a realistic schedule so you won’t work yourself into fear frenzy.

2. Start writing from day one.

Your writing practice and research methodology can put you ahead of schedule on your dissertation. That’s because learning to write comfortably in a scholarly fashion should become a second nature. To eliminate last-minute furies, organize your research times, round up and cite sources properly, and create a number of drafts. Writing at least 30 minutes daily can allow you to consolidate your notes and findings, and note discovery of areas that require additional research. Plus, much of what you write goes directly toward your understanding of your subject matter. Because of your other commitments to teaching, collaboration, and outside activities, keep a writing routine and stick to it. At the same time, read smarter, understanding how the literature fits to your purposes. In reading and writing, look for key points, not bulk.

3. Create a positive community.

Decide from the begging that you can’t afford to collaborate or socialize with friends or peers that exude negativity. Braggards or chronic complainers can sap your energy or even cause you to adopt negative thinking or comparisons with the progress of other PhD candidates. Lead your own research, but seek advisement from people that you can trust, who have your best interests at heart. Join groups involved in your major field of study with which you can share academic as well as social issues. A positive community can bring you out of isolation, and isolation can foster fear or despair.

4. Build effective networks.

Along with creating a positive community, get on with networking from the very beginning of your program. You’re going to spend four or five years at the university, giving you ample time to forge and grow partnerships with working professionals, educators, junior faculty, and peers that contribute to your evolving knowledge base. They can offer suggestions to explorer literature, research trends, and potential opportunities for publications, conferences, and workshops. Remember to investigate online tools and communities as part of your networking as a way to make yourself known as a colleague. Create your professional/research profile at places like LinkedIn or join a LinkedIn Discussion Group. Speak with presenters at seminars. Connect with authors you discover in your literature research and participate in career groups outside your usual sphere at the university. Finally, consider taking informational interviews as a means of understanding the workplace, getting your name out there, and connecting with potential employers.

5. Put money woes to rest.

Having ample money to get you through your program can be difficult, even excruciating. But just knowing solid funding resources can give you some comfort and save precious time. Have a financial plan and do the legwork vital to your economic survival. Don’t let finances overwhelm your primary purpose of discovering your interests, focusing on your expertise, and making progress. Financial aid options for doctoral students are available at the U.S. Department of Education . You may need to combine several opportunities to cover your total expenses, including grants, scholarships, loans, fellowships, housing costs, and securing teaching and research assistantships. Some grad students make money tutoring but you’ll have to consider the time against your routine and academic schedule. GoGrad provides detailed PhD cost estimates broken down by professional field, along with scholarship/grant/fellowship search tools.

6. Make sound nutrition your ally.

Rutgers University advises students to find other ways to palliate stress than by overeating – even healthy foods. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables and all your meals at the right portion sizes. Cut out junk food and sugary treats that create the craving to keep eating them. That goes for alcohol, too, which can contribute to a decline in your health and create another source of worry. Student and faculty events often include drinking, so proceed wisely, even if peers call you a wimp. Vary your meals and include a free day for eating what you want without guilt. WebMd suggests that students include berries, oats, milk or yogurt, salmon, dark green veggies, walnuts, beans, and dark chocolate. Coffee is okay in small doses (8 oz) and without lots of sugar. Latte and mocha drinks are satisfying but often contain large amounts of sugar. Green tea can wake you up, if you don’t want to overdo coffee, but eschew energy drinks or other stimulants that make you jittery.

7. Add exercise to your routine.

Exercise, even moderate, can do wonders for both your physical and emotional wellbeing. Among its benefits, regular exercise fights stress, improves memory retention, and boosts your mood (particularly in winter). Researchers at Colorado Tech report that exercise increases “the number of brain cells in the hippocampus, which controls the formation, retention and recall of memories – all essential for student success. In most adults, the hippocampus starts to shrink in the late twenties, leading to memory loss over time.” Exercise can also add to your social bandwidth if you have regular workout partners or participate in intramural team activities. Remember to stretch. Consider taking a yoga class or Pilates workout. Do some running, weight lifting, swimming, or join a rowing group. Hike with friends or colleagues. Get out the mountain bike. For best results, get in a 30-minute workout at least three times a week. Time Magazine reports that cardiovascular exercise can positively affect depression, anxiety and mood disorders. And you’ll sleep better, too.

8. Learn how to deal with rejection.

Rejection in an PhD program is a routine, unwanted emotional downer. But how you react to it is crucial. Unsolicited advice can feel abusive. Competition for internships, fellowships and publications can stress you out to the point of collapse. Coping tools include not taking rejection or undue criticism personally and chalking it up to experience. It can soften the blows as they come. Comparing yourself to other candidates can be toxic. As with athletics, there will always be someone better than you. But you’re not pursuing your colleagues’ goals, dissertations, or even the identical degree – you’re pursuing personalized knowledge and skills for your life after the doctorate. Barbara Robson, an Associate Editor for two academic journals, writes in Quora that most papers (80 percent or more) are rejected and that there’s an element of luck in getting published. If your paper is rejected by a journal, find another suitable place to submit it. If you’re passed over for a conference, don’t sent a hate letter or academic rebuttal. Move on.

9. Choose a qualified graduate advisor and mentor.

Finding the right mentor and dissertation advisor is pivotal to your academic success and survival. The Gradhacker Blog at Inside Higher Ed suggests that you choose an advisor that shares your research interests and career path. Ask about their success rate in graduating students that they mentor. Check out whether they walk the walk by viewing their list of publications, conference presentations, and other research accomplishments. Find out if they’re available for ongoing advising. Explore their aptitude as a mentor and the personal chemistry toward working together. Are they hard to communicate with, abusive or condescending? Are they unable to otherwise maintain a productive and respectful relationship during the time you’ll be in the program? Not all accomplished professors make for good advisors. Some may be too wrapped up in publishing or attending conferences to meet with you. You should leave advising sessions feeling more focused, energetic about your research and dissertation, and armed with strategies for accomplishment.

10. Build in time for family and friends.

There’s an old joke where a friend asks if you can hang out and you say, “I’m in a PhD program so ask me again in five years.” It’s vital to maintain relationships with family and friends. They can sustain you and keep you from deadly isolation. At the same time, they can be distracting. It’s useful to maintain balance by scheduling time with family and friends while sticking to the need to bear down on research and writing. The PhDStudent Forum says when possible to combine family or friend events around studying. For example, take study time for yourself during a longer visit to family to keep your academic momentum. Visit a coffeehouse where you can study along with family and friends that also like reading in public. Be sure to communicate clearly about your schedule and find ways to book in indispensable phone calls and visits. Join friends for exercise or recreation.

11. Set aside time to pursue non-academic interests.

Yeah right, when is that supposed to happen? It happens when you make it happen. To maintain a sane equilibrium, devote some time to routinely indulge in things you like doing. For example, work in the garden, take a massage class, learn photography, play live music, go kayaking, join a cooking class, volunteer in civic or advocacy activities or learn a foreign language. Build something with your hands. Play scrabble. Paint to indulge your playful or creative side. Take a dance class. Learn meditation or improve your ping pong game. Because it can be near impossible to turn off your PhD brain, relegate it to background noise. That way you might have breakthroughs or discoveries that emerge when you return to work.

12. Arrange and maintain a peaceful learning environment.

Living alone may create a peaceful learning atmosphere, but not if you have noisy neighbors above, next door, or below you. Yet you can develop a horrible sense of cabin fever if you isolate at home. Wherever you reside should be comfortable and workable. Clutter can be a source of stress. According to Inside Higher Ed , living with roommates can save on expenses, but comes along with its own set of challenges. Roommates can have other routines and schedules that introduce unwanted noise, emotional drama, unwanted guests, or social habits that can send you off the edge. Research potential housemates carefully, allowing a back-up plan for dealing with inevitable problems. Developing a friendly but direct communication strategy can help. Or, you can create a work zone in your bedroom that lends for privacy. If necessary, you can find a quiet study environment in a library carrel or small café. The same suggestions apply if you’re living with family.

13. Address your emotional health.

According to Inside Higher Ed , there is a mental health crisis in graduate education. Grad students are six times more susceptible to anxiety and depression than in the general population. The study found that “transgender and gender-nonconforming graduate students, along with women, were significantly more likely to experience anxiety and depression” than their straight or male counterparts. A poor work-life balance can be a powerful contributor to burnout and depression. The worst thing you can do when you experience mental health issues is to keep them to yourself or feel like a failure for having them. Seek out the campus counseling center (student health center) or a trusted outside mental health organization for personal counselling. Join their emotional support groups. The National Grad Crisis Line (877 472-3457) provides free intervention services, confidential telephone counseling, suicide prevention assistance, and referral services. Look into NAMI on Campus Clubs which are student-run mental health support organizations.

14. Deal with expectations

Who you are, ultimately, is not a PhD student. Your grad program is what you’re currently pursuing. The Indiana University guide to thriving in graduate school suggests that you shrink overwhelming expectations into bite-size challenges. It’s normal for doctoral students to think that they’re an imposter among experts. Johns Hopkins University found that striving to meet your expectations can cause low self-esteem, procrastination, guilt and depression. You may find yourself unable to meet your expectations for perfectionism, so modify your plans to hit deadlines with your best effort. The guide further advises to straighten out the expectations that others may have for you. This can be especially true with families and people who provide financial or emotional support.

15. Make conferences a part of life.

Opportunities to attend conferences and presentations are richly rewarding. First, you become part of the greater community in your research niche and you can build a lifetime network of colleagues. You can also gain a greater understanding of the professional options available to you. Even attending conferences out of your niche area can stimulate ideas and send you home refreshed. Participating in panels is a great way to network and demonstrate your expertise. Attending job fairs is another way to network while exploring the professional environment. By networking at conferences, you can set up additional meetings with experts by phone, virtually, or before the next conference. It doesn’t hurt to cite conferences and your own presentations on your CV.

From the Expert

What are PhD students afraid to talk about?

The number one thing that PhD students are afraid to talk about is the lack of progress that they are making on their PhD dissertation. This was certainly true in my case and also in the case of many of my classmates whom I spoke with. The dissertation is such a big project with different stages in it and requires such self-discipline over a sustained period of time. When I got past my embarrassment about it and started speaking to others about it helped a lot and I found a way forward.

Another thing that PhD students are afraid to discuss is their ambivalence about being in a doctoral program and whether they've done the right thing and whether they should continue. These are all important questions that such students need to be aware of and speak to others (counsellor, friends, etc.) about.

What was your greatest challenge and how did you succeed?

As mentioned, my greatest challenge in relation to completing my PhD was getting through the dissertation process. Two things really helped me get over the line (and came from speaking to friends and classmates). (1) Since my dissertation was quantitative, I hired a statistics advisor that I met with on a regular (weekly or fortnightly) basis and this helped me make good progress in that it served to provide much needed structure (and assistance with statistical analysis). (2) I fired my dissertation chair and found a new one that I had a much better working relationship with. My new chair was more knowledgeable about my dissertation subject area and also he was much more supportive. I made significant progress with him and thereafter completed my dissertation in a relatively short time frame.

What are good ways to alleviate stress and anxiety?

There are a number of ways that I think will help with stress while working on one's phd. The usual suspects are approaches such as regular exercise, good diet, fun activities (e.g. movies), counselling and/or talking to friends and/or family.

However, I think the best approach that one can take is to get steadily work through each aspect one-by-one of the PhD program towards completing it. A useful way to think about it (with both the dissertation and the PhD program itself), is to not get overwhelmed by the size of this enormous project but instead cut it up into separate pieces and focus on each piece at a time, complete it, and then move on to the next piece.

How did you handle the challenges of extreme competition?

My tip for students who are experiencing high levels of competition is to try put it all into perspective: Do your best to get the finest resources (internships, grades, etc) that you can but know that once you're out in the profession, some of those things might really matter that much in the bigger picture. So, one can be just a 'pass' in your doctoral program but then get out into their profession and make a big splash.

What can you recommend to keep interest or inertia up so you’ll finish the PhD/Dissertation?

‘Cut up the sausage' and focus on/work on it a piece at a time; Locate assistance or supportive individuals and meet with them regularly and ongoing throughout; Create 'deadlines' and milestones for yourself to work towards and have these other (helpful) individuals assist in keeping you accountable.

Find ways that work for you that help to bring structure into this enormous unstructured (or scantily structured) project called a PhD -- and especially its dissertation. At the end of the day, it's really about just getting through it and into the next (and bigger) stage of your profession. Just do your best while you're in it and don't get too caught up in the moment.

Additional Resources & Help for PhD Students

You should realize that you can’t do everything on your own. To do so is a recipe for financial despair, insurmountable academic challenges and poor overall wellbeing. At the same time, you may need to sift through the wealth of outside resources to find the one that addresses your concerns. The following links will connect you with financial options, bulletin boards in your field, and academic resources. Find tips for time management, exam preparation, and help with emotional issues that can and will arise:

• GoGrad Guide to Paying for Your PhD : Students are currently paying upwards of $80,00 in tuition to complete their PhD. Use our guide to research your financial aid options.
• PhinisheD : This free, comprehensive bulletin board is devoted to PhD students struggling with completing their degree. Find links for reference guides, financial aid, health and well-being tips, and writing guides.
• National Grad Crisis Line : It’s for when the going gets rough. The National Grad Crisis Line at (877) 472-3457 was founded in 1988 to provide free mentoring, confidential counseling, and referral services.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention : The CDC offers a pithy, wide-ranging college resource for maintaining wellness through sound nutrition and exercise. It offers diet plans, activity guidelines, and stress-prevention tips.
• U.S. Department of Education : Learn about financial aid for graduate or professional students including grants, loans and scholarships. The page links to government sites for applications and additional financial resources.
• ThoughtCo : This site is packed with articles on graduate school written by experts. Topics include prepping for comprehensive exams, time-management skills, and dealing with procrastination.
• Meetup : Student Meetups provide free, online listings for students to connect PhD candidates seeking peer support. Join an existing group or start one at your university.
• GoGrad : Discover tips for PhD students who want to complete their degrees online. Featured affordable online doctoral fields include business, computer science, criminal justice, education, nursing and psychology.
• The Grad Café : As host of graduate-school forums, the Grad Café operates a peer-run group that discusses the advantages and negative aspects of living alone or sharing housing.
• PhDJobs : Register for free and post your VC. Search among 1,600 current listings for PhDs and sign up for job alerts or information about post-doc programs.

101 Health and Wellness Tips for College Students Rutgers University

12 Tips for Surviving and Thriving in Grad School PsychCentral

CAPS Grad School Survival Guide Indiana University

Mental Health Crisis for Grad Students Inside Higher Ed

Modest Advice for New Graduate Students Medium.com

Surviving PhD and Postdoctoral Programs: Tips to Guarantee Success! Enago Academy

The Crucial Issue of Doctoral Non-completion The Chronical of Higher Education

Top 10 Smart Foods for College Students WebMD

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• Published: 10 May 2006

What makes a good PhD student?

• Georgia Chenevix-Trench 1  

Nature volume  441 ,  page 252 ( 2006 ) Cite this article

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Some tips for PhD students.

Doing a PhD should be fun and rewarding, because you can spend all your working time discovering things and pursuing ideas — and getting paid for it, without any administrative responsibilities. Those who stick with a career in science do so because, despite the relatively poor pay, long hours and lack of security, it is all we want to do.

Unfortunately most new PhD students are ill-prepared, and as a consequence very few will fulfil their aspirations to be independent scientists. The main reasons for this are the 'grade creep' inherent at most universities, making it difficult to identify the really talented first-class graduates from the rest, and the pressure on universities to graduate as many PhD students as possible. The consequence is that we enrol far too many of them without telling them clearly what doing a doctorate should entail. We therefore set ourselves, and the students, on a path of frustration and disappointment.

So what should we be telling prospective PhD students?

Choose a supervisor whose work you admire and who is well supported by grants and departmental infrastructure.

Take responsibility for your project.

Work hard — long days all week and part of most weekends. If research is your passion this should be easy, and if it isn't, you are probably in the wrong field. Note who goes home with a full briefcase to work on at the end of the day. This is a cause of success, not a consequence.

Take some weekends off, and decent holidays, so you don't burn out.

Read the literature in your immediate area, both current and past, and around it. You can't possibly make an original contribution to the literature unless you know what is already there.

Plan your days and weeks carefully to dovetail experiments so that you have a minimum amount of downtime.

Keep a good lab book and write it up every day.

Be creative. Think about what you are doing and why, and look for better ways to go. Don't see your PhD as just a road map laid out by your supervisor.

Develop good writing skills: they will make your scientific career immeasurably easier.

To be successful you must be at least four of the following: smart, motivated, creative, hard-working, skilful and lucky. You can't depend on luck, so you had better focus on the others!

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11 Pieces of Advice for PhD Students (2023)

• Posted by: Chris

Updated March 8, 2023

I was thinking today about good advice for PhD students, especially those just starting out. And I imagined what I’d tell myself all those years ago.

I stepped into a PhD with very little knowledge of how to do anything. I didn’t get the language used in academia, and I barely understood the program requirements.

I was just excited. Excited by the future. The possibilities. The life-changing experience I was about to go through.

And, although I was disappointed by the lack of a tenure-track job which–let’s be honest–was the reason I got into academia in the first place, I wasn’t actually disappointed by the experiences I’d had.

I learned a lot, grew a lot, and had a lot of fun. But still, I wouldn’t do everything the same.

Here’s what I’d tell myself if I were to start again, which is–surprise–also my advice for PhD students.

1. Achieving won’t make you feel worthy

2. you’re not going to be a professor, 3. define the type of relationship with your supervisor you want, and ask for it.

• Join us in our Career Advance Program and Community!

4. Apply for all the funding, then find more

5. you’re not going to know it all, 6. start building your non-academic exit ramp way before you need it, 7. grow your network right away, 8. treat academia like a job, 9. don’t wait for people to tell you what to do, 10. don’t forget your roots, 11. find your voice.

I published peer-reviewed articles. I won awards, big ones. I had international fellowships and traveled.

I still didn’t feel like I was good enough.

I told myself that the next publication would make me happy, the next grant would mean I was enough.

It never did. I kept running, kept chasing. I never rested, imagining that if I beat myself into a superhuman I’d get a tenure-track job. And then, I thought, I’ll have made it. I’ll feel worthy of being here.

I never got the tenure-track job, but I know for a fact it wouldn’t have made me feel good enough. It wouldn’t have conquered the imposter syndrome.

Because the gift of self-worth comes from me. It happens internally, not externally. And I could have given it to myself on day one.

You’re good enough to be here. You deserve it. You won’t be perfect, but you’ll learn.

And no matter what happens, you are enough.

No, you’re not. Some of you are reading this right now, and you’re thinking, Well he wasn’t. But I will be.

You’re wrong.

No, I’ll be the exception.

No you won’t.

I’ll work harder. I’ll publish more.

Even if that were true, it really doesn’t make a difference. You won’t get a tenure-track academic job.

Of course, I don’t know 100%. If tenure-track jobs exist ten years from now, not a guarantee, by the way, someone will be doing them. Perhaps it will even be you.

But starting a PhD with your vision set on being a professor is, frankly, dumb.

If you can’t look at the other possibilities for your PhD and get excited about them, then you’re chasing the wrong thing.

This is one of the most valuable pieces of advice for new PhD students.

One of the weirdest, new things about the PhD was the realities of working with a supervisor. Nobody ever really told me what this meant, and I’m still not sure I totally get it.

Most PhD students I see look at a supervisor as something between a parent and Gandalf. They look for affirmation, acceptance, approval, and applause from them.

And while it’s perfectly okay to want a good relationship with your supervisor, too many students just expect to fall into this type of close mentor relationship, and some get upset when they can’t have it.

The thing I wished I’d done when starting out was to sit down with my supervisor and ask:

• What does the supervisor/student relationship look like?
• How often should we plan to meet?
• What would you say your supervision style is?

These types of questions are totally fair game. Some supervisors will initiate this conversation. This is ideal. But if they don’t, you can. Get a clear sense of what to expect from working together.

And if you need something specific, say regular check-ins, don’t be afraid to ask for that.

Funding sets you free on this journey. Spend as much time as you possibly can applying for it. Find more. Find better ways to get funding.

When I was holding a major grant that couldn’t be held simultaneously to other grants, I realized that this didn’t include travel funding. So I applied for as much travel funding as I could, won a bunch, and then went and got paid to live overseas on top of my grant.

I straight-up made over $70k in funding that year.

This sounds sort of braggy, sorry. But I have two points:

• This is a game. Learn to play it well.
• You need time to work and get the thesis done. I’ve seen way too many people cram their funded years with teaching, TA work, RA work, etc. and then not have their thesis done when the funding runs out. Get the money and get it done.

I remember stepping into my first seminar. I didn’t know what was happening, and I said some dumb things that I kicked myself for later.

And holy crap, those other students were friggen smart! What the heck was I doing here? I didn’t deserve to be among them.

As we became friends, I realized how many of them shared the same feelings, even though I still think they were all ridiculously smart-er than me.

I spent way too much time in my first years trying to show that I was good enough. Trying to prove that I deserved to be there. Trying to tamp down the feeling of inadequacy.

I wish I’d just recognized that there’s a ton of stuff I don’t know, that’s okay, and that learning is half the fun. I wish I’d asked more questions instead of waiting for chances to spout off answers.

Don’t wait until the week before you graduate.

Like I said above, you’re not going to be a professor. Many students ignore this fact, pretend the end isn’t coming, stick their head in the sand, and finally–after the last academic job application falls through–ask themselves, “So what else can I do with this?”

If you’re going to have to face the reality of a non-academic job , and most of us are, you might as well get started early. It will make your exit a heck of a lot easier.

I made some suggestions in this article for how to get non-academic experience on your resume. Start exploring and figuring out where else you might go. Get involved in a non-academic project. See if there’s a policy report you can input on. Go start exploring your options. Being a PhD Candidate will open a lot of doors.

And that leads me to…

I wish I’d started growing a non-academic network right away. I mean, seriously, this doesn’t have to be hard stuff.

I’d tell myself to aim for one informational interview every month or two, but to make sure it happens consistently.

If I’d made the effort to start doing these informal networking chats right away , transitioning out of academia would have been a cinch. In fact, if I’d had one conversation every month with someone outside of academia, I’d have 60 people by the time I finished my fifth year.

In actuality, I had none.

I don’t know about you, but by the time I got to the PhD I’d been studying a long time. I’d also worked non-academic jobs.

So one of my pieces of advice for first-year PhD students is to treat it like a job. Stop thinking like a student, and start thinking like an employee.

What’s required of you to get a paycheck? How can you get more money? How can you be better at the work you do? What are the metrics of success in your new “workplace” and how can you reach them?

You can figure all this out, and take the steps you need to take to succeed at your new “job.”

This probably also means treating a supervisor like a boss and not like a parent. (Of course, this depends on the supervisor. Have that conversation about expectations.)

Speaking of treating academia like a job , the worst employees are those who sit around waiting for instructions. The best ones either know what to do and do it, or if they don’t, they ask what else they could be doing.

This is something like academia.

Don’t sit waiting for someone to tell you to apply for grants, to research, or to publish. You know this is part of your academic output, so get moving! If you need to get the all-clear from a supervisor, fine. But for the love of God, don’t wait to be asked!

I grew up working class in a small mining village in northern Canada. I’m sorry if I reference it a lot, it’s who I am.

When jet-setting around the world, hobnobbing with famous academics, and getting published in prestigious journals, it’s easy to forget who you are. To ignore where you came from, or to be embarrassed by it.

It’s easy to get mad at your family or the people in your town for being so backward and ignorant–if they are.

But you’ve had the privilege of education. It doesn’t make you better than those people you’ve left behind, it just means that you’ve had opportunities they never did.

And don’t be ashamed of where you came from. It made you who you are.

I was about to hit publish on this article with 10 pieces of advice, and then I saw that my friend Stefanie Ginster at Career Conversations asked this exact question on Twitter–as I write this!

If you could go back and give one piece if advice to your 1st year grad student self, what would it be? Mine would be: "You are not expected to know everything. Ask more questions instead of being ashamed of your knowledge gaps" #phdchat — Career Conversations, PhD (@careerconversa1) December 16, 2020

It made me think of one more thing, especially as I reflect on the interview that I did with Stefanie.

I’d tell my first-year self to find his voice. I never did. To be honest, my imposter syndrome extended beyond the walls of my own academy and made me feel insecure about sharing ideas from my field online. So I never did.

Don’t be afraid to talk about what you’re learning. Do it on Twitter or LinkedIn if you want, or find community groups to share with! Find your voice. It will empower you to speak about your thing, even if you don’t have all the answers.

If you’re starting a PhD, I hope these pieces of advice to PhD students help! And if you’re already along the road, I’d love to hear on Twitter or LinkedIn what advice you would have. Just hit the share buttons and tell me!

Now Read: 10 Meaningful Alternatives to Academia (2023)

Show Up First. Push Yourself Later

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Graduate Student Advice

Advice from Graduate Students

Recently in your shoes...

We know preparing for graduate school often comes with many questions. Therefore, we asked our current graduate students to share their expertise and answer many common questions about preparing and applying for graduate school as they were recently in your shoes. See the menu of questions below to learn more!

Should I gain research experience?

If you are considering applying to a PhD program in psychology, it's important to keep in mind that *research experience is the most important part of your application.* Ideally, you would apply with at least one year of research experience, either from your undergraduate studies or postbac research experience. The more, the better! The research experience you have doesn't have to be exactly what you want to do in graduate school, but it should be at least tangentially related. You can get research experience through working/volunteering in a lab as an undergraduate, either during the school year or over the summer, or after you graduate and before applying to graduate school. If you are able to present a poster at a conference or if you have publications, this will also help your application. - Ellen C. Social Psychology PhD Student .

Research experience is a necessity for Social Psych grad programs. 2+ semesters of experience as a research assistant during undergrad would be nice. To get that, reach out to professors whose research interests you and ask if you can help out, but before doing that it's good to familiarize yourself with the research that professor and their grad students are doing. - Alex S. Social Psychology PhD Student .

So important! Research experiences throughout undergrad are not only important to show you have experiences that graduate programs are looking for, but also because research is such a major (if not the biggest) component of the work you will do in psychology graduate program. It's important to get opportunities that allow you to determine whether you enjoy it! Don't feel as though you need to wait until you are a junior or senior student to be eligible for research experiences. Most research opportunities for undergraduates involve specific training for projects, so you will get the skills you need once you join the lab! So, would start pursuing research experiences as soon as you realize you may consider applying to graduate programs. Commitment level in research experiences varies widely, but in general I would aim for research experiences that involve at least 3 or 4 months of commitment on a project/in a lab. I would also aim for getting research experiences in multiple labs, as this will give you more skills/knowledge and a better understanding of different topics you might enjoy. It seems like UA has a helpful structure of directed research experiences, and students often reach out to lab's that interest them to get research experiences. If there is a lab you are interested in, you don't need to wait until you see them post a listing requesting research assistants. I recommend writing a brief email introducing yourself, your interest in a faculty member's work/lab/projects, and indicating you are interesting in learning if they have any kind of need for undergraduate research assistants. Be open to multiple kinds of opportunities, because you never know what they can turn into. You also are not limited to research experience at UA. For example, if you are living somewhere other than Tucson during the summer, you could see whether there are any nearby universities and whether they have faculty doing research of interest to you. And you could email those faculty with the same type of brief introduction! - Riley O. Clinical Psychology PhD Student .

I would say that research experience is one of the most important things when applying to grad school. Not only is it a huge selection criterion for grad programs, but it is also crucial for you to decide if you really want to pursue a research-based program. If you are considering grad school, talk to professors or go on their lab websites and see if they are looking for undergrad assistants. They are usually very open to that. I would recommend to stay in a lab for at least a year, but you can switch if you do not adapt or stay longer if you’d like. - Laura B. CNS Psychology PhD Student.

Research experience in the area that you would like to study for a PhD is really important to make sure that you actually like what you're going to be doing. If you're not sure which area you want to study, getting research in multiple labs can help you figure that out. You should probably have at least a year of research experience but the more experience you can get, the better. - Alana M. CNS Psychology PhD Student.

My advice on research is to start early if you are interested in attending graduate school in psychology. Look for a faculty member in your department who is carrying out research related to your interests, while also taking into consideration that there are major fields of psychology research (neuropsychology, health psychology). know that it is never to late to participate in research, there are even summer research programs that are meant to refine your skills as a researcher. Lastly if your writing skills are lacking, practice practice practice because writing is a major part in publishing your research and graduate school. - Daniel H. Clinical Psychology PhD Student.

If you are not sure what your exact interests are, then explore different labs and try to find your area of interest. I suggest aiming for two years of solid research experience and one project where you do independent research and/or take lead in doing research. Be clear about what skills you aim to learn and what you want to get out of the research (learn certain programs, data analysis, hoping to get on poster or article). Talk to grad students and professors, ask how their journey was into their career. - Kimberly L. CNS Psychology PhD Student.

What advice do you have about preparing for the GRE?

Check with the schools you are applying to make sure they still require the GRE, many do not because of COVID-19 - Jackie L. Clinical Psychology PhD Student .

Create a study schedule. It's difficult to stay motivated about studying for the GRE, so setting aside a certain number of hours per day can help you stay on track. Additionally, I created a sort of "syllabus" to help guide the topics that I needed to study. Remember that GRE scores do not always reflect your value as a graduate school applicant -- unfortunately, standardized exams such as the GRE are steeped in bias and restricted understandings of intelligence. If you are unhappy with your GRE scores, that's okay! I didn't have great quantitative scores but I still received offers of admission. A good program will place greater emphasis on your research experiences, interests, and passion - Ellen C. Social Psychology PhD Student .

If you have specific graduate programs in mind, I would first make sure they are still requiring the GRE. It seems like a lot of schools are beginning to waive that requirement. If you do plan to take the GRE, I would give yourself enough time to at least take it twice before the time when you will be submitting your applications. I would prepare/study before each time you take the GRE (versus not studying at all the first time, and then studying after that) - Riley O. Clinical Psychology PhD Student .

Should I seek out internships and/or volunteer experiences?

Getting involved and engaged with things that interest you is the reason why internships/volunteer experience are so useful to pursue! There is no "correct" internship/volunteer experience to pursue. I think length of commitment to the internship/volunteer experience and how engaged you were with it matter more for applications than type of internship/volunteer experience. - Riley O. Clinical Psychology PhD Student .

Volunteer and internship experience is not very important if you are applying for a PhD program. Typically, research experience is much more important. - Jackie L. Clinical Psychology PhD Student .

Volunteer experience and internships are a critical component when being evaluated or assessed holistically as an individual. This are the types of experiences that will set you apart from others and make you a much stronger graduate candidate. - Deva R. Clinical Psychology PhD Student .

Find experiences to complement your ultimate goal and that are also worthwhile. Volunteering is a great way to start building your resume/CV if you do not have much experience. - Kimberly L. CNS Psychology PhD Student .

What tips do you have regarding letters of recommendation?

Ask early and let your recommenders know what experiences you would like them to highlight in their letters. You only have so much room in the personal statement, so you can supplement your statement by asking recommenders to note experiences that you might not have room to include in your statement - Ellen C. Social Psychology PhD Student .

Get to know a few professors/faculty enough that they know who you are. A letter of rec from a professor who knows a bit about you and your life circumstance is much better than a letter from a professor whose class you just got an "A" in but barely knows you beyond that. Go to office hours and chat them up about their research (within reason...be respectful of their time too) - Alex S. Social Psychology PhD Student .

These take more planning ahead than people may realize! To have a supportive letter of recommendation from someone, it is ideal that you have had many experiences in relation to the recommender that show your skills, dedication, responsibility. You should plan to have 3 people who you can ask that can speak about your experiences in this way - Riley O. Clinical Psychology PhD Student .

Do not be afraid to remind your recommender if a deadline is approaching. - Laura B. CNS Psychology PhD Student.

If you have done well in a psychology course you can ask the professor of that class if they can write you a letter of recommendation especially if you have taken courses with them before. You can also ask the principle investigator of the lab you may be volunteering in for a letter of recommendation after time contributed to research. - Daniel H. Clinical Psychology PhD Student.

Always seek at least three letter writers who are familiar with your academic success, community service, and research experience. Always ask if they would be willing to write a "strong letter of recommendation". If your letter writer is not familiar with your accomplishments, tenacity, and perseverance you may be doing yourself a disservice as the letter may come across as vague and undistinguished. - Deva R. Clinical Psychology PhD Student.

The best letters come from people who have worked with you directly. It is important that the letter writer can write about your skills and how you have shown that you'll succeed in graduate school. You can ask professors of classes you have taken especially if you had more interaction with the professor and did well in the class. If you didn't interact with the professor much or did not do well in the class, they may not be the best letter writer for you. Usually, graduate schools value letters from professors (with PhDs) more than letters from masters students, PhD students, or post doctoral fellows. However, you can also have your boss or supervisor write a letter of recommendation if that is the type of work that you will do in graduate school. - Alana M. CNS Psychology PhD Student.

Do NOT just pick a professor you had once for a class a year ago (for example). Letters of recommendation should come from professionals that can speak to a wide range of your academic abilities - not just your ability to complete course work. This is also why it's so important to foster good working relationships with faculty early on in your undergraduate career. - Veronica K. CNS Psychology PhD Student .

Think early about who you want to write letters for you and what abilities are they speaking to (clinical, teaching, academic, research). Make sure you ask early. - Kimberly L. CNS Psychology PhD Student.

What insight can you provide about writing a personal statement?

"Know thyself", as inscribed in the temple of Apollo, is invaluable in life. When you know who you are, what's important to you, where you want to go in life, what sort of impact you want to have, and how you're going to make that happen...then writing a personal statement becomes easier and can even become fun. You are the author of your life and a personal statement is an opportunity to put a narrative story to who you are and what you plan to accomplish. Let your experiences in life shape who you are and talk about those. A story is more memorable and more compelling than a dry list of character traits or volunteer experience or awards - Alex S. Social Psychology PhD Student .

Start early! Many people seem to underestimate how difficult it will be to write a personal statement. And the personal statement is your best shot at showing an application reviewer who you are and what experiences/knowledge you bring. I would start drafting this at least 4 months before you plan to submit your application, because you want to have a lot of time for getting feedback and help from other people - Riley O. Clinical Psychology PhD Student .

Start early and revise often. Ask other people to revise it for you as well. - Laura B. CNS Psychology PhD Student .

A personal statement should reflect your very own personal and unique experiences that will distinguish you from amongst others. Rather that stating what things like "I did this or I did that" it would be far more impressive to communicate your accomplishments by your actions and engagements which will demonstrate you qualities without listing them directly. Others will see your merit and credibility though your outreach, research, and community engagement. In addition, be honest and personable. Allow your character, personality, and perseverance shine through. - Deva R. Clinical Psychology PhD Student .

Start early and have several people read it and give you feedback. It is usually hard to write about your own accomplishments and to do that without sounding pretentious or like you're bragging can be even harder. Having multiple sources of feedback can help you make sure the tone of your statement is humble but does show your accomplishments. - Alana M. CNS Psychology PhD Student.

Give yourself time. This is an iterative process. Develop a roster of editors - people you trust. Spend a weekend without your phone and write about anything. Return to this page - comb through your ideas. Also: https://prepexpert.com/personal-statement-dos-donts/ - Jacob D. Clinical Psychology PhD Student.

What are your thoughts about taking time off before graduate school?

Definitely do it! Taking a gap year (or gap years) before applying to graduate school can be a valuable time to gain additional experience and explore your research/career interests. You might also find yourself in a completely new location for graduate school, so taking time off can give you time to connect with your friends and family before starting your graduate school adventure. I suggest reaching out to your current research labs to ask if you can continue working with them during your gap. Advisors will oftentimes be happy to continue working with graduated students. - Ellen C. Social Psychology PhD Student .

I was a non-traditional student, starting undergrad at 27 years old, and I couldn't recommend it enough to live a little, get out in the world, and get to know yourself better before spending so many years in school. That said, taking a gap year in between undergrad and grad school has pros/cons. The main cons, I think, are losing touch with skills/knowledge and potentially losing touch with the professors who could write you recommendation letters and/or them forgetting details about you that are nice to have in the recommendation letters they write. - Alex S. Social Psychology PhD Student .

Highly recommend! I think a lot of people worry that it is uncommon or they may not be able to get back into the momentum of academia if they take time off. But, time off before graduate school can provide you with time for a lot of incredibly useful things that will help you in graduate school: gaining additional research and/or internship experiences; saving money; refining your own research and graduate interests more. - Riley O. Clinical Psychology Student .

I took two years off from undergraduate to work as a Post-Bac research fellow. This helped my application to graduate school immensely as well as helped me decide what type of graduate program I wanted to pursue. - Jackie L. Clinical Psychology Student .

Time off prior to graduate school may be need based contingent on the needs of individual. However, in my experience, time off can detrimental as others in your cohort may have the advantage of additional training and critical skills needed to thrive in the program. The first year in a graduate program is extremely challenging. Reliance on members in your cohort will be a necessity that can met most effectively if one begins the program during the normal course of the academic year. - Deva R. Clinical Psychology PhD Student.

It is absolutely fine to take some time off of school before applying to graduate school and you can make really good use of that time to prepare. This time is especially good to figure out what field you want to study if you're unsure. It is much better to take a year off and explore your options than to commit to a PhD program and later find out you don't enjoy what you're studying. Getting more research experience or working as a lab manager can be really helpful for both figuring if you like the research topic and getting more research experience. - Alana M. CNS Psychology PhD Student.

I am extremely thankful that I took a year off before going into graduate school. I was able to focus more on my application. It also gave me more time to make extremely important choices - choices that would ultimately change my life forever. I worked in industry during my gap year, which allowed me to learn new skills, practice existing skills, and experience new things. If I could go back, I'd do the same. If you are not ready or are unsure of what you want to do, take some time before going into graduate school - it's worth it! - Veronica K. CNS Psychology PhD Student.

If you decide to take some time off make sure you are still doing something that is preparing you for grad school. whether its learning statistics, writing, or volunteering for non profit organizations that serve diverse populations that you hope to work with in graduate school. - Daniel H. Clinical Psychology PhD Student.

This is a personal choice on what is best for you. Decide what feels right for you. Consider both pros and cons. Talk to people who have done both. Kimberly L. CNS Psychology PhD Student.

What are your thoughts regarding pursuing an undergraduate honors thesis?

I did an undergrad honors thesis. I think it's definitely a helpful experience both for oneself to learn about the research process to see how you actually enjoy it and it definitely looks good on grad school apps. - Alex S. Social Psychology PhD Student .

Do you recommend students take a graduate school preparations course like PSY 396C?

I do recommend this! My undergraduate institution had something similar but it was nothing compared to the one in the psychology department at UArizona. I WISH we would have had this resource! - Veronica K. CNS Psychology PhD Student .

YES! I did not have a class like this in undergrad but it's an incredible opportunity. Grad school is very different from undergrad and there is a lot you can do to prep for it before you get there - Alex S. Social Psychology PhD Student .

Yes, very much recommend it! It can be a confusing process and a course like this would be so helpful. I had a similar one at my undergraduate institution, and it helped me learn a lot of the pieces of the process that helped me get into graduate school - Riley O. Clinical Psychology PhD Student .

Yes, I would recommend taking Graduate School Preparation courses which at some institutions are a part of the NIH MARC and IMSD Scholars Program. Yes, I was an SDSU NIH MARC Scholar two years prior to acceptance into a graduate program. - Deva R. Clinical Psychology PhD Student.

I do recommend taking a class dedicated to graduate school preparation. I took one at my undergraduate institution and it did help me prepare a great deal. I haven't taken PSY 396C but in the course I took, the assignments included identifying programs I would actually like to apply to, writing a personal statement, identifying professors that could give me letters of recommendation, having a mock interview, and making a timeline of when to start each major part of the application. The best part of classes like these is having working drafts of the written portions like the personal statement that you can adapt to the different schools you have already identified. - Alana M. CNS Psychology PhD Student.

Do you have any other tips or advice about preparing or applying to graduate school?

Be thinking about what you want to do with your future as early as possible. Think ahead to what you want to do AFTER you graduate. Wanting to go to grad school simply for the sake of going to grad school or earning that title is not the best reason to attend grad school, in my opinion. This is why my resounding piece of advice is to get to know yourself - identify what you enjoy doing, what you're good at, what sort of problem(s) do you want to solve during your life, how might your specific talents and interests be suited to effect change on that problem, THEN ask what sort of knowledge/skills you can seek out that can help you effect that change, if a graduate degree can help you toward that end then do it, but if not then you might just end up wasting your time. That said, if you're not clear on that, don't sweat it. Another guiding principle that has always served me well is to follow my curiosities. If there's something you're just endlessly fascinated by and you feel a strong pull to continue learning about it, then that can be a good reason for grad school too. - Alex S. Social Psychology PhD Student.

Time management is a critical component that will be the key to navigating and traversing through a competitive graduate program. - Deva R. Clinical Psychology PhD Student.

While each part of the application needs to be to a certain level of competency, keep in mind that one single part of the application isn't going to destroy your chances. I was convinced that I was not going to get into graduate school because of my GRE scores. While they weren't terrible scores, they weren't where I thought they needed to be to get into UArizona. Well, they were good enough, but also, the rest of my application made up for them! My research experience, course grades and knowledge, and personal statement made up for what I thought was an arrow in the knee (Skyrim reference) to my graduate school adventure. - Veronica K. CNS Psychology PhD Student.

Look for resources and don't be afraid to ask questions. Kim L. CNS Psychology PhD Student.

PhD Experience Interviews

Wondering what it’s like to do a PhD? And how you can develop your career after you gain your PhD? We’ve interviewed a variety of PhD students at different stages of their degree and PhD holders that have developed their careers and businesses in different directions, to help answer this for you.

View the profiles below to gain an insight into the life of PhD student – from their typical day to their biggest challenges and personal advice. Click here to read our interviews with PhD holders.

Current PhD Students

Clara Inés Alcolado Olivares

Clara is in the first year of her PhD at the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain. Her research is based around understanding the reactivity of peroxynitrite with organic compounds such as commonly used drugs, food preservatives, or components of atmospheric aerosols.

Akshay Deoras

Akshay is in the final year of his PhD researching how well models can predict Indian monsoon low-pressure systems. The results of his research will help improve disaster preparedness and long-term planning.

Frances Boreham

Frances recently completed her PhD at the University of Bristol. Her research investigated the causes and consequences of hazardous lava-water interactions.

Nidhi Menon

Nidhi is a PhD student at Virginia Tech, focused on developing an engineered platform to study the breast tumor microenvironment, for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.

Priya Pollard

Priya’s a 1st year PhD student University College Dublin. Her project involves investigating a novel seaweed-ensiling process as an alternative to drying to preserve seaweeds nutritional and monetary value.

Nina Higson-Sweeney

Nina’s in the first year of her PhD in the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath. Her project is focused on furthering our understanding of fatigue within adolescent depression.

Freya I. Addison

Freya’s in the final year of her PhD at the University of Leeds. Her project is about improving the precision of observations between collocated ground-based weather radar and airborne platforms.

Helena Hartmann

Helena is pursuing a PhD at the University of Vienna. Her research is centred around how we perceive, understand and share the suffering of other people around us, aka empathy for pain.

Calvin Swords

Calvin is coming to the end of the second year of his PhD at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. His research is focussed on how recovery as a concept is socially constructed in mental health services.

Henry Powell-Davies

Henry is in the first year of his PhD in the Cronin Group at the University of Glasgow. His research is based on the automation, optimisation, discovery and design of ontologies for robotic chemistry.

Abdullah-Al-Zubaer Imran

Abdullah recently finished his PhD at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His computer science research developed deep learning-based algorithms for medical image analysis.

Nathan Mistry

Nathan is about to enter the 2nd year of his PhD at the University of Hertfordshire. His research looks at how lifestyle stresses can impact skin barrier biophysics and skin barrier and oral cavity biochemistry and microbiology.

Jay is in the third year of his PhD at Savitribai Phule Pune University, researching the applications of mesenchymal stem cells and nanocarrier for bone tissue engineering.

Islam is in the final year of his Physics PhD program at Washington State University in the field of particle cosmology. His research is on the Possible Connections Between Inflaton and Dark Energy Within An Oscillating Reheating Framework.

Guy Cameron

Guy is in the 3rd and final year of his PhD in Immunology and Microbiology at The University of Newcastle, Australia. His research primarily focuses on investigating roles of our immune system outside of the typical pathogen surveillance.

De-Shaine Murray

De-Shaine is 2nd Year Neurotechnology PhD Student at Imperial College London. His research looks at monitoring the brain when it’s severely injured after a traumatic brain injury or stroke and patients are in neurocritical care.

Elpida Vounzoulaki

Elpida is about to start her third year of PhD research at the University of Leicester. Her research focuses on preventing type 2 diabetes in women who had gestational diabetes, and she an active STEM Ambassador.

Emmanuel Junior Zuza

Emmanuel is a year and half into his PhD at The Open University School of Ecosystems, Earth and Environmental Studies. His research is on understand the influence of environmental and social factors on smallholder macadamia production.

Christine Streeter

Christine is entering the 4th year of her PhD Carleton University, researching worker’s experiences of the changing conditions in the Non Profit and Social Service sector, pre and during COVID-19.

Jad Mahmoud Halabi

Jad is a 4th year PhD student at New York University Abu Dhabi/ New York. His project is title Smart Molecular Crystals: From Synthesis to Applications and has a particular interest in science communication.

Rakhi Vishwakarma

Rakhi is a PhD student at the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India. Her research is on the production of Borneol and Menthol and development of separation process from the reaction mixture.

Sara is currently in the 4th year of the Physics Doctoral Program at The Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Her research investigates quantum transport properties of 2D electron systems.

Kamalpreet Singh

Kamal is a second year PhD student University of Toronto in the department of Chemistry. His research is focused on making hydrogen gas more affordable and easier to generate from water to use as a clean energy source.

Noelia Dominguez Falcon

Noelia is just two months away from submitting her PhD thesis at the University of East Anglia. Her research focuses on the application and the study of novel tissue engineering strategies for tendon repair, aiming to overcome some limitations from current therapies.

Harneet Sangha

Harneet’s heading into the fourth year of her PhD at the University of Leicester. Her research looks at the electrical currents in the Earth’s magnetosphere: how they change with time, and under different conditions.

Adam Netzer Zimmer

Adam’s about to start his fifth year of PhD research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he’s earning a doctorate in anthropology as an affiliated researcher with the University of Iceland’s medical school.

Charlene N. Rivera Bonet

Charlene is a 5th year PhD candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She studies depression and neuroticism in people with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) using MR Imaging and behavioural tests.

Fabian van den Berg

Fabian’s in the final year of his PhD research at Maastricht University. His project is about how humans learn numbers and how hands might help that process; this is especially useful for children developing their maths skills.

Gabrielle Huizinga

Gabrielle’s a 2nd year Immunology PhD student at the University of Michigan. Her research focus on the complications of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the clearance of respiratory bacterial infections.

Lewis Bridgeman

Lewis is a third-year PhD student at CVSSP at the University of Surrey. His research involves using multi-camera broadcast footage of sports, and using this data to create new viewpoints in virtual and augmented reality.

Pei Qin (Sabrina) Ng

Sabrina’s in the third year of her PhD at The University of Adelaide. Her esearch combines molecular techniques, data analysis, and next generation sequencing to investigate modifications on RNAs in plants.

Kat is in the second year of her PhD at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) in Perth, Western Australia (WA). Her research involves studying supermassive black holes at the centres of distant galaxies.

Pavan Bagri

Pavan’s nearing completion of her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree at the University of Toronto, whilst also working 4 days/week as a Clinical Pharmacist across 3 hospital sites in the Greater Toronto Area.

Elmira Vagapova

Elmira is in the third year of her PhD program at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology; Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, researching the mechanisms of acute myeloid leukemia cells resistance to targeted therapy.

Kyle Morgenstein

Kyle’s in the first year of his PhD at the University of Texas in Austin. His research interests are in the development of algorithms for advanced mobility for legged robotics and computer vision for exploration of extreme environments.

Julia is entering the third year of a combined master’s and PhD program at Stanford University. Her research explores how to give robots the sense of touch to make them more useful for tasks such as dexterous manipulation.

Michele Ponzelli

Michele is a first-year PhD candidate in a double degree program between the University of Girona (Spain) & Technical University Munich (Germany). His research has the aim of innovating water treatment technologies.

Rose is a final year PhD student at the University of St Andrews. Her research is focussed on modelling stars similar to the sun in its youth and understanding better the magnetic fields of these stars.

Emma Strand

Emma is a third year PhD student at the University of Rhode Island. Her research focuses on the physiological and genomic response to climate change stressors.

Bijou is a second year MD-PhD candidate, starting her second year of medical school. At the end of this academic year she’ll transition into doing a genetics PhD full time at Case Western Reserve University.

Annabel Farnood

Annabel is a third-year PhD student at the University of Glasgow, looking at the effects of online self-diagnosis and health information seeking on the patient-healthcare professional relationship.

Aaron Jones

Aaron’s now writing up his PhD thesis at the University of Birmingham. His research has investigated the Impact and Mitigation of Wavefront Distortions in Precision Interferometry.

Chris Sampson

Chris is making minor corrections to his PhD thesis post-viva at the University of Nottingham. His research was on optimising the cost-effectiveness of risk-based screening for diabetic retinopathy.

Freija Mendrik

Freija is half way through her PhD at the Energy and Environment Institute, University of Hull, researching the transport of microplastics through the Mekong River and to the South China Sea.

Ellen Brewster

Ellen is in the third year of her PhD at the University of Oxford. Her project looks at eighteenth-century reading manuals, using them to find out how eighteenth-century people theorised reading aloud.

Daisy Shearer

Daisy’s a year and half into her PhD at the University of Surrey. Her research project is based around the control of electron spin state in InSb quantum wells using quantum point contacts.

Julia Ravey

Julia’s in her final year of her PhD at University College London. Her research is helping to better understand how Alzheimer’s disease arises, which could lead to new successful therapeutics.

Bethany Cliffe

Bethany is a 1st year PhD student at the University of Bath, researching the adaptation of a self-help smartphone app (BlueIce) to prevent self-harm and improve the mood of University students.

Chloe Casey

Chloe is a 2nd year PhD student at Bournemouth University, researching the mental health of postgraduate researchers and is designing interventions that may improve their wellbeing.

Maria Sharif

Maria is a 1st year PhD student at the University of Birmingham, researching how to employ and exploit the biology of human gamma delta T cells for development of cancer immunotherapy.

Gareth Raynes

Gareth is getting ready for his PhD viva at Aberystwyth University and has been researching bacteria living inside coastal plants that can help other plants grow in salt contaminated soils.

Hannah Lewis

Hannah is a 1st year PhD student at Cardiff Metropolitan University. The aim of her research is to clarify what strategies are the most effective in supporting young people with dyslexia.

Chris Proctor

Chris is a third (and final) year PhD student at Ulster University. His project aims to develop a novel method of delivering antibiofilm compounds directly to an infected wound bed in patients.

Carlos Gonzalez Diaz

Carlos is a third year PhD student at the Centre for Doctoral Training in Intelligent Games and Games Intelligence (IGGI), as part of the University of York and Goldsmiths, University of London.

Danny is a third year PhD student at the John Innes Centre and the University of East Anglia, working with Pseudomonas bacteria to understand how they infect their hosts.

Helena Bates

Helena is a final year PhD student at the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Oxford. Her research is on understanding the evolution of asteroids through analysis of meteorites.

Rebecca Hall

Rebecca recently finished her PhD at the University of York. Her research investigated the adaptations that occur in the symbiosis between the tsetse fly and its bacterial microbiome.

Raluca Gaina

Raluca is a final year PhD student at Queen Mary University of London. Her research is on exploring the algorithms of rolling horizon evolutionary algorithms for general video game playing.

Daniel Hernandez

Daniel is a third year PhD student at the University of York. His research is based around self-play training in multiagent systems; training AIs on a game such that they improve overtime.

Ellie Hurer

Ellie is a final year PhD student at the University of Hertfordshire, investigating a protein which is implicated in pancreatic cancer; this work can improve the efficacy of cancer drug treatments.

Nick Ballou

Nick is a first year PhD student at Queen Mary University of London. The long-term goal of his research is to help game designers make games that support healthy engagement and well-being.

Ryan Javanshir

Ryan is in the final write up stages of his PhD at the University of Southampton. His research is on understanding narrative structure, media specificity and genre in transmedia storytelling.

Amy recently entered her third and final year of her PhD at the University of Strathclyde. Her research has focussed on young people’s understanding of mental health stigma in Scotland.

Sammy Chapman

Sammy is a second year PhD student at Cardiff Metropolitan University researching how secondary school teachers can meet the demands of the Digital Competence Framework.

Eleni Routoula

Eleni is nearing the end of her PhD at the University of Sheffield on understanding Peroxidase immobilisation on Bioinspired Silicas and application of the biocatalyst for dye removal.

Alex Fitzpatrick

Alex is a PhD student at the University of Bradford researching ritual and funerary rites in later prehistoric Scotland: an analysis of faunal assemblages from the Covesea Caves.

Kai Arulkumaran

Kai is a PhD student at Imperial College London. His research centres around sample efficiency, transfer learning and interpretability for deep reinforcement learning.​

Christian Nathan

Christian is a PhD student at the University of Leeds. His research project investigatores the role of the molecular clock in sympathetic preganglionic neurons.

Carina Nicu

Carina is a PhD student at The University of Manchester who has just defended her viva. Her research focuses on dermal white adipose tissue regulates human hair follicle growth and cycling.

Sam is a new PhD student at Teesside University. Her research is focussed on better understanding how writing poetry can help cancer survivors to work through mental and emotional issues.

PhD Holders

View the profiles below to gain an insight into different ways that you can develop your work life after gaining your PhD. This could involve continuing a career in academic research, working in a commercial environment, starting your own business or doing something completely unrelated to your PhD. 

Dr Malika Grayson

Dr Grayson gained her PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University in 2016. She now works in industry as an Applications Portfolio Manager and is a STEM Speaker and Advocate.

Dr Kirell Benzi

Dr Benzi gained his PhD in Data Science from the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in 2016. He is now a professional data artist and head of research at a tech company in Paris, as well as a trained public speaker.

Dr Sunni Patel

Dr Patel gained his PhD in 2011 from Aston University, researching risk factors & systemic biomarkers for Type II diabetes & cardiovascular disease. He is currently a business director at a large global pharmaceutical.

Dr Chris Pattison

Dr Pattison gained his PhD in Cosmology from the University of Portsmouth. He is now finishing a short term post-doc within the same research group and developing a career in science communication and science education.

Dr Nafisa M. Jadavji

Dr Jadavji completed her PhD in Medical Genetics & Neuroscience from McGill University, Montreal, Canada in 2012. She is now an assistant professor involved in a mix of research, teaching and service projects.

Dr John Young

Dr Young gained his PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Cambridge. He is now a a Senior Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth, Deputy Director for the Institute of Biological and Biomedical Sciences and more!

Dr Asher Williams

Dr Williams gained her PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York in 2020. She is now a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at Cornell University, researching simplifying vaccine manufacturing in low-income countries.

Dr Sherran Clarence

Dr Clarence gained her PhD in Higher Education Studies from Rhodes University, South Africa in 2013. She is now an honorary research associate at the University and also runs her own blog about working as a researcher/parent in academia.

Dr Gita Pathak

Dr Pathak gained her PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in 2019. She is now a Postdoctoral Associate training in psychiatric genetics at the Yale School of Medicine.

Dr Khalil Thirlaway

Dr Thirlaway gained his PhD in immunology from the University of Nottingham in 2018. He is now a Science Communicator at the Natural History Museum, London.

Dr Michael Norman

Dr Norman gained his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of East Anglia in 2018. He is now the Public Engagement Officer at the Babraham Institute.

Dr Tahira Anwar

Dr Anwar gained her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Helsinki in 2019. She is now pursuing a career within industry and becoming more active in science outreach.

Dr Adani Pujada

Dr Pujada obtained her PhD in Molecular Cell Biology at Georgia State University in 2019. She is now a biomedical faculty member, mentor, and science communicator with a particular interest in promoting STEM education.

Dr Jerelle A Joseph

Dr Joseph gained her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge in 2018 and is now a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physics at the University. Her research is on better understanding how cells organises its contents via the process of liquid-liquid phase separation.

Dr Omotayo Ilesanmi

Dr Ilesanmi has a PhD in Applied Biochemistry from the Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. He is now a lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry at the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Dr Amy Easey

Dr Easey has a PhD from the University of East Anglia where she genetically modified viral ligase enzymes for industry. She is now a biomedical scientist working in the Haematopathology and Oncology Diagnostic Service at Addenbrookes hospital.

Dr Vanessa Cesário

Dr Cesário has a PhD in Digital Media from the University of Porto. She’s now pursuing an academic career as a Postdoc in HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) as part of an EU project. She’s also aiming to teach in subjects including User-Centered Design and Interactive Media Design.

Dr Jonathan D. Morrow

Dr Morrow gained his MD-PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan. He now splits his time between providing clinical care to patients through the University of Michigan and research relevant to addiction and several other psychiatric disorders.

Dr Zoë Ayres

Dr Ayres completed her PhD at the University of Warwick in 2017, researching the use of diamond to make electrochemical sensors. She is now a research scientists in the water industry, developing different analytical techniques and sensors to help keep our water systems safe.

Dr Theanne Griffith

Dr Griffith gained her PhD in Neuroscience from Northwestern University in 2015. She is now a neuroscientist and children’s book author and will be opening her own lab in the Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology at the University of California Davis later this year (2020).

Dr Laura Tuohilampi

Dr Tuohilampi gained her PhD in Mathematics Education from the University of Helsinki in 2016. She is now a lecturer at the University of Helsinki, a Research Fellow at the University of New South Wales, Sydney and has also founded the company Math Hunger.

Prof Ramesh Raghupathi

Prof Raghupathi gained his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1991. He is now a professor in the Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy at Drexel University College of Medicine.

Dr Ipsa Jain

Dr Jain gained her PhD in Molecular Oncology from the Indian Institute of Science. She is now a science illustrator and communicator, and works with TheLifeofScience.com to initiate conversations around sci-art and women in science.

Dr Harry Hothi

Dr Hothi gained his PhD in Orthopaedic Engineering from Queen Mary University of London in 2012. He is now the Implant Science Fellow at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, researching how to improve knee, hip and spine implants.

Dr Bishnu Karki

Dr Karki gained his PhD in the field of Nuclear and Particle Physics from Ohio University in March 2020. He is currently working as a postdoctoral associate in Prof. Haiyan Gao’s research group in Duke University.

Dr Day gained her PhD Physical Chemistry at the University of Nottingham in 2000. She is now a Science & Fiction writer, an Associate Editor at PseudoPod.org and runs the blog ‘The Chronicle Flask’ about all things chemistry.

Dr Amit Kumar Singh

Dr Singh earned his PhD in Nanotechnology from Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati), India in 2018. He is now a Senior Research Fellow developing low cost and biocompatible micro/nanomotors for anti-cancer therapy.

Dr Sam Rowe

Dr Rowe gained his PhD in the fields of Chemistry and Biological Sciences from the University of East Anglia in 2018. He is now a project coordinator for Norwich Science Festival and also for Pint of Science in Norwich.

Dr Joe Manning

Dr Manning gained his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Sheffield in 2019. He is now a postdoc researcher studying molecular simulations on nanomaterials at the University of Bath.

Dr Amina Aitsi-Selmi

Dr Aitsi-Selmi gained her social epidemiology PhD from UCL in 2013. She now runs a private practice in Transformational Coaching and Consulting focused on careers, leadership and wellbeing.

Dr Jennifer Dillon (Bryant)

Dr Dillon gained her PhD in Molecular Cancer Studies at the University of Manchester in 2015. She now works at a biotech company called HairClone, optimising treatments for androgenic alopecia.

Dr Becky Smethurst

Dr Smethurst gained her DPhil in astrophysics from the University of Oxford in 2017. She is now an independent researcher at Oxford, runs a YouTube channel with over 100k subscribers and has published her own book.

Prof Carolyn Mair

Prof Mair gained her PhD in cognitive neuroscience from Bournemouth University in 2004. She is now a consultant working with the fashion industry and published her book in 2018.

Dr Rowan Hooper

Dr Hooper gained his PhD in evolutionary biology from the the University of Sheffield. He is now a journalist and writer (last book called Superhuman) and podcast editor at New Scientist.

Dr Ben Britton

Dr Britton gained his DPhil in material science research at Oxford University in 2010. He is now a Senior Lecturer in Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London.

Prof Debby Cotton

Prof Cotton gained her DPhil in the school of education at Oxford University. She is now the Director of Academic Practice and Professor of Higher Education at Plymouth Marjon University.

Dr Nikolay Nikolov

Dr Nikolov gained his PhD in the area of Anthropology of Architecture from UCL in 2020. He is a video journalist working with Mashable and advises PhDs consider options outside of academia.

Dr Emily Roberts

Dr Roberts gained her PhD from Duke University in 2014 in the field of biomedical engineering. She now runs her own business named Personal Finance for PhDs.

Gain valuable insight from our collection of exclusive interviews with both current and past PhD students. Learn from their best advice, personal challenges and career path after completing their doctorate.

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Graduate Student Edition - May 6, 2024

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4 tips for celebrating graduation and the end of the year

There’s still time to enroll in Summer Session 2024

Unique program gives student athletes a ‘WHOLE-istic’ approach to success

5 CU Boulder students, alumni receive 2024–25 Fulbright awards

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Precipitation may brighten Colorado River’s future

Venus has almost no water. A new study may reveal why

Finals resources.

Find your study spot

Finals guide to the Libraries: Care kits, study spaces, research help and more

Take a study break: Ways to recharge, refocus and reconnect

CU NightRide, your stress-free ride for finals

Best outdoor spaces on campus for studying

10 ways to manage and overcome test anxiety

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Advice to spring 2024 grads: 'Spend your time creating new things'

Nearly 20,700 asu students honored in graduate, undergraduate ceremonies.

W. P. Carey School of Business executive MBA Chinese graduates toss their caps following ASU’s Graduate Commencement on Monday, May 6, at the Desert Financial Arena. Nearly 20,700 undergraduate and graduate students are earning their degrees this May — the largest graduating class in ASU history. Photo by Charlie Leight/ASU News

The largest graduating class in the history of Arizona State University celebrated their new degrees with “Pomp and Circumstance” during spring 2024 commencement ceremonies on Monday.

Of the nearly 20,700 ASU students graduating this semester, about 13,800 are undergraduates and 6,900 are graduate students.

Video by EJ Hernandez/ASU News

ASU President Michael Crow addressed the crowd during Undergraduate Commencement Monday night at Mountain America Stadium. He said that ASU’s charter sets it apart from other universities.

A spotlight on outstanding May grads

We take a look some of the remarkable achievements of this spring's cohort 

“We don’t decide what you can learn. You decide, and we offer as many pathways to that as possible,” he said.

“We’re not an abstract institution that lives in an ivory tower barely connected to reality. We take responsibility.”

Crow told the graduates that as an eighth grader, he was forever impacted by the words of the Greek philosopher Cicero.

“He said two things that stuck with me. The first impacted me forever: ‘To live is to think.’

“The second, ‘I criticize by what I create.’

“Spend your time creating new things and spend less time criticizing.”

Walter F. Parkes received an honorary degree at the undergraduate ceremony. Parkes is a screenwriter, producer and former studio head. Parkes saw the value of storytelling in education and co-founded Dreamscape Learn, an education technology company that has partnered with ASU for extended-reality biology labs.

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ASU Online graduate is proud to be first in family to earn a degree

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2024 graduates. When Justin Brengel graduated from high school, he faced an impossible choice: He could take out loans and…

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Pack Reflections: Laura Tomkins ’24

Laura Tomkins graduated from the NC State Center for Geospatial Analytics in May 2024 with a doctoral degree in geospatial analytics. The center is housed in the College of Natural Resources.

For her dissertation, Tomkins used more than 10 years of meteorological observations to understand the relationships between weather radar-observed structures within winter storms and surface snow rates.

Tomkins was recently hired as a senior atmospheric scientist by Karen Clark and Company in Boston, Massachusetts. The company develops software that provides innovative tools for catastrophe risk management.

“The insurance industry uses catastrophe models to analyze risks associated with natural disasters. I am excited about this opportunity since it will involve applying my technical skills and learning new techniques to analyze and apply atmospheric science datasets,” Tomkins said.

We recently spoke with Tomkins to learn more about her NC State experience and how it’s contributed to her success. Check out the Q&A below.

What motivated you to pursue a doctoral degree in geospatial analytics? 

I initially didn’t consider pursuing a doctoral degree. But since I was still undecided about what I wanted to do after earning my master’s degree, my undergraduate advisor, Sandra Yuter, encouraged me to look into the geospatial analytics program as an option for continuing my graduate education. The program was perfect for me since it’s a multidisciplinary program that caters to students with a wide range of post-graduate career goals.

Why did you choose to pursue this degree at NC State? 

My decision to pursue this degree at NC State was partially due to the fact that the geospatial analytics program is very unique and isn’t found at many schools. But it was mostly because I had a great relationship with Sandra Yuter, who encouraged me to come back and had funding from NASA to work on a winter storm field campaign. Also, North Carolina is home and NC State is where I earned my undergraduate degree.

What were some of your most memorable NC State experiences?

Some of my most memorable experiences at NC State were during a few snow days during my freshman and sophomore years. There was one storm during my sophomore year when it started snowing early one morning more heavily than expected and classes hadn’t been canceled yet. I remember making snow angels in the small dusting of snow that had accumulated already in the recreation center parking lot before going to my 8:30 a.m. class. I spent most of the class watching the snow accumulate outside before classes were officially canceled for the rest of the day. I have fond memories of these snow days walking around campus and watching everyone enjoy the snow —   and the extra free time. 

How has the Center for Geospatial Analytics prepared you for your future? 

The Center for Geospatial Analytics helped me hone in my technical skills through the coursework. The center also encouraged professional development through conference presentations and workshops offered through several organizations at the university.

What advice would you give students entering your major or field?

Graduate school is a great time to take advantage of opportunities beyond courses and thesis work. Whether that be an internship, a workshop, or an intramural sport, there are so many great experiences offered both on and off campus. There are many workshops and other professional development opportunities offered by the graduate school and the libraries. I also highly recommend taking courses outside of the required coursework as it is a great opportunity to learn something new that you can apply to your research or just for general curiosity’s sake. There are also many great amenities on campus, including the gym, the student union and the libraries.

Tell us about something you are passionate about outside of your academic studies.

Outside of my academic studies, I enjoy baking and cooking. I love trying out new recipes and collecting cookbooks. 

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6 ways to qualify for student loan forgiveness under biden programs.

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UNITED STATES - MAY 3: President Joe Biden in the East Room of the White House on Friday, May 3, ... [+] 2024. The Biden administration has approved upwards of $160 billion in student loan forgiveness, with another plan in the works. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

President Joe Biden has approved billions of dollars in student loan forgiveness for more than 4.5 million borrowers since taking office, mostly through a patchwork of interrelated reforms and executive actions. The administration also just unveiled a new plan last month that, if enacted, will provide even more relief.

But navigating these programs can be challenging for borrowers. Each federal student loan forgiveness program has its own set of rules and eligibility criteria, many of which overlap with other opportunities. Some forms of loan forgiveness may be automatic, while others require taking certain steps like submitting an application, consolidating loans, changing repayment plans, or even going to court.

Certain characteristics of the borrower or their student debt could be a basis for student loan forgiveness, possibly under a few different programs. Here are some of the big ones.

Time Spent In Repayment Can Qualify For Student Loan Forgiveness

Borrowers who have been in repayment for a very long time can potentially qualify for student loan forgiveness under several initiatives.

President Biden’s one-time IDR Account Adjustment program can credit borrowers retroactively with time toward their 20-year or 25-year loan forgiveness term under income-driven repayment plans. Borrowers who receive enough credit to reach the milestone for forgiveness would get an automatic discharge, while other borrowers would need to switch to an IDR plan to make continuing progress. Those who have Direct federal student loans and government-held FFEL loans can receive the benefits of the account adjustment automatically. But borrowers with commercially-owned FFEL loans had to apply to consolidate those loans via the federal Direct consolidation program by the April 30, 2024 deadline.

Borrowers who first entered repayment a long time ago may have another shot at loan forgiveness through Biden’s new mass debt cancellation plan that is currently in the works. The Education Department released draft regulations for this proposed new program last month. This new plan would discharge the federal student debt for undergraduate borrowers who first entered repayment at least 20 years ago, and for graduate school borrowers who entered repayment at least 25 years ago. The new plan is not available yet, but could launch by the fall.

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In some cases, borrowers can receive student loan forgiveness sooner than 20 or 25 years. Under Biden’s new SAVE plan, borrowers can qualify for a discharge in as little as 10 years if they originally borrowed $12,000 or less in federal student loans. That timeline increases by one year for every additional $1,000 borrowed. To qualify, borrowers must switch to the SAVE plan if they aren’t already enrolled.

Employment Can Qualify For Student Loan Forgiveness

A borrower’s job can also be a basis for student loan forgiveness, although this typically is in conjunction with time spent in repayment, as well.

Employees of nonprofit or government organizations can potentially qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. The PSLF program can lead to loan forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments, the equivalent of 10 years. The Biden administration implemented two significant “waivers” — the Limited PSLF Waiver, and the IDR Account Adjustment — which temporarily relaxed PSLF rules and expanded access to debt relief. Going forward, PSLF is reverting to stricter rules, although new flexibilities for religious workers, adjunct faculty, and certain contractors are providing new pathways to loan forgiveness under the program.

Separately, the Teacher Loan Forgiveness program can provide up to $17,500 in debt relief after five years of meeting the program’s strict requirements while teaching at an eligible Title I institution. Federal Perkins loans can be eligible for profession-specific cancellation as well. However, for most borrowers with high federal student debt burdens, PSLF will often be the more valuable program to pursue.

Interest Accrual Could Be Basis For Student Loan Forgiveness Under New Biden Plan

Excessive interest accrual or capitalization is not currently a basis for student loan forgiveness under existing programs. However, Biden hopes to change this with his new debt relief initiative.

Biden’s new plan would eliminate up to $20,000 in interest for all borrowers who have experienced interest accrual or capitalization since entering repayment. Borrowers could receive even higher amounts of loan forgiveness if they are enrolled in the SAVE plan or other IDR programs and make $120,000 or less per year individually or if they file taxes as married filing separately, or $240,000 or less per year if they are married and file joint tax returns.

The new student loan forgiveness plan is not available yet. “We will publish a series of proposed rules around these plans in the coming months,” says the Education Department. “Once we have final rules, we will work to implement them as quickly as possible.” Officials have indicated that implementation is expected in the fall.

Hardship As Basis For Student Loan Forgiveness

Currently, there is no administrative discharge or loan forgiveness option for borrowers experiencing hardship. However, borrowers pursuing a bankruptcy discharge of their government-owned federal student debt do have a pathway to relief. New joint policy guidance between the Education Department and the Justice Department allows borrowers to demonstrate that they have an “undue hardship” within the meaning of the bankruptcy code by completing a detailed financial attestation form. This can streamline the process for requesting bankruptcy relief for federal student loan debt, which has historically been an exceptionally challenging process with dismal success rates. Borrowers should consult with a bankruptcy attorney for further guidance.

In addition, Biden’s new student loan forgiveness plan will also provide a path to relief based on hardship. The plan would “cancel student debt for borrowers experiencing hardship in their lives that prevent them from paying back their loans now or in the future,” says the Education Department. Officials have not published updated proposed regulations for this prong of relief. But the department is expected to unveil several factors that could suggest hardship such as age, low income, high expenses or debts, and eligibility for other means-tested government relief.

“Borrowers predicted to fall into default on their student loans would be eligible for automatic relief under the Biden Administration’s proposal,” says the department. “Borrowers experiencing other cost burdens could also receive relief through an application process.” Again, the application likely will not be available until this fall.

Disability As Basis For Student Loan Forgiveness

Having a significant medical impairment is already a basis for student loan forgiveness under the Total and Permanent Disability discharge program. The Biden administration recently updated the TPD discharge application to reflect new regulations that went into effect last summer. These new rules expand eligibility for the program, making it easier for borrowers to qualify. They also remove administrative barriers and automate relief in certain cases.

Separately, a borrower’s medical condition and disability status is also expected to be a possible basis for hardship student loan forgiveness under Biden’s new mass debt relief plan.

Attendance At Certain Schools Can Be Grounds For Student Loan Forgiveness

Borrowers who attended certain schools could also receive student loan forgiveness. And there are multiple pathways for this:

• Borrowers may qualify for automatic group relief — without having to request or apply for it — if they attended certain national for-profit college chains. These include Corinthian Colleges, ITT Technical Institutes, and, most recently, the Art Institutes .
• Those who submitted Borrower Defense to Repayment applications by June 2022 and attended one of several dozen approved institutions could get relief under the Sweet v. Cardona settlement.
• Borrowers not covered by automatic group discharges or the Sweet v. Cardona settlement can apply for loan forgiveness through the Borrower Defense to Repayment or Closed School Discharge programs.
• Biden’s new loan forgiveness plan will also provide for automatic discharges for borrowers who attended institutions that lost eligibility to participate in the federal student aid program due to poor student outcomes.

You can learn more about federal student loan forgiveness and discharge programs at StudentAid.gov.

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Departmental newsletter: april - may 2024, may 8, 2024.

On May 3rd and 4th, the Duke Philosophy Department hosted "Brandonfest: A Conference in Honor of Robert Brandon's Career." We brought back students from Robert's nearly 50-year career at Duke University to honor him, his work, and wish him a happy retirement. The speakers -- all of whom are either collaborators, students, or grand-students of Robert's -- included Caleb Hazelwood (Duke), Alex Rosenberg (Duke), Dan McShea (Duke), Brent Mishler (UC Berkeley), Sarah Sculco (Michigan), Fred Bouchard (Montreal), Chris Haufe (Case Western Reserve), Grant Ramsey (KU Leuven), Charles Pence (UC Louvain), Carlos Mariscal (Nevada, Reno), Philippe Huneman (Paris 1), and Rachell Powell (Boston University). Here are some highlights from the wonderful gathering:

Adrienne Duke was invited to speak to the Health & Wellness Hub at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) in Nacogdoches, TX (her hometown!). She gave a talk on the appropriateness of propranolol use for PTSD in soldiers to an audience of mental health clinicians, medical providers, and veterans resource staff.

Younghyun Hwang, a second-year Philosophy major at Duke, just published his paper " Nietzsche and the Birth of Joker " in 'Stance: An International Undergraduate Philosophy Journal.' Younghyun's interests are in German Idealism, Existentialism, and Yam Phenomenology. He is currently working on an essay titled “What Is It Like to Be a Yam?” ( Editor's note: Younghyun clearly has a talent for writing awesome paper titles. )

This summer, Nina Van Rooy will be presenting at the Society for Philosophy and Psychology in Purdue, and the European Society for Philosophy of Psychology in Grenoble, France, on her paper, 'Do Large Language Models have Theory of Mind?'. She will also present a poster at the Cognitive Science Society meeting in Rotterdam on joint empirical work on causal reasoning with Kevin and Kaylee from the IMC lab!

Yuan Dong gave an online presentation at the "Developing new skills in VR" conference at University of Bucharest, Romania. Her presentation was titled "Virtue Epistemology in Virtual Reality (VR)."

Michael Veldman received a Public Engagement Award from the British Society for the History of Philosophy for a workshop series with Project Vox next year.

Laura Soter's paper, " A defense of back-end doxastic voluntarism ," was published in Nous. Congratulations, Laura!

Caleb Hazelwood's paper, "Beanbag Holobionts," was accepted for presentation at "Philosophy of Biology at the Mountains" in Salt Lake City, Utah (July 2024). He'll give another version of the same paper at "Philosophy and Biology Shop Talks" (yes, that's right, "PaBST") in June of 2024. 

Duke Philosophy recently hosted its annual End of the Year Party. Pictured below are some of the festivities. We said goodbye to several important members of our community -- all of whom we will miss very much. We wish them all the best in their next adventures!

Ask Tayfun, Or Don’t: The (Unsolicited™) Advice Column

As thanks for your continued patronage, we’re ending term with a two-for-one special. Wa, Botian’s wife, wants to know whether selling sunglasses to birds is a good business idea. I’d say it’s a brilliant idea idea, but as far as business goes, you might have a hard time getting money out of those stingy birds. It’s not that they don’t have the cash, but good luck getting those magpies to part with their shiny shiny coins. There might also be some technical kinks to iron out (e.g. straps for the ones for ostriches, so they don’t get lost in the sand). Tzvetan asks: "How do I know I'm not Tayfun? And how does Tayfun know that he is not me?" This one’s a real brain teaser, and often gets me worked up when I look in the mirror (or is it Tzvetan’s mirror?). Leibniz’s Law will not help, and not because of some silly spheres in a symmetrical universe—our names sound the same, we both have long hair, came here via the UK, and were basically born in the same country (i.e. the Ottoman Empire). As Wittgenstein said in the  Blue Book  (p. 29): “A treatise on pomology may be called incomplete if there exist kinds of apples which it doesn’t mention.” A treatise on our similarities, in contrast, is incompletable because it would get longer the more you think about it. (In short: we can’t know.)

If you have a question for Tayfun for the next newsletter, please send it to  [email protected] ... though you may get some advice even if you don't.

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