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Choosing your PhD supervisor

After deciding on a topic for your Doctoral research project, it's now time to find a PhD supervisor - as they'll become crucial to your academic future

Most PhD students' choice of university is heavily influenced by the opportunity to work alongside a particular academic, as they're the person who'll have the biggest impact on your studies.

While it's possible to apply to an institution without contacting a potential supervisor beforehand, this approach can greatly diminish your chances of Doctoral success.

PhD candidates in many social sciences and arts and humanities subjects are encouraged to actively seek expert academics in their field prior to applying. However, some research projects - particularly those in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects that are tied to a PhD studentship - already have a supervisor allocated.

How do I find a PhD supervisor?

You should identify academics actively researching in your field by:

• approaching lecturers working within your current or potential department, as these individuals may be able to recommend supervisors
• browsing articles, publications and blogs relevant to your project, identifying the most commonly cited researchers
• reading recently submitted PhD dissertations within your research area, noting the supervisor used.

Once you've compiled a shortlist of individuals, visit their online academic profiles - for example, their page on the university website or their own website/blog. You can also follow their social media activity on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

This will signpost you to the articles, blogs, books and reports they've contributed to, plus any exhibitions, public engagement work or PhD research they've participated in - allowing you to decide whether they're a suitable fit, academically speaking.

How do I approach a potential supervisor?

You can then approach your selected potential supervisor (or several, if you're still deciding) with a tailored, well-written and passionate email. Make a positive first impression by:

• attaching your academic CV
• avoiding overstatements or vague generalisations, while keeping your message clear and concise
• conveying your skills and knowledge by introducing your academic background and the field you intend to research
• referring to the academic by their correct title
• showing your familiarity with and interest in the academic's work
• letting them know about any funding you're applying for.

Conclude your message by asking whether you could visit them in person, or at the very least speak over the phone or via Skype/Zoom/Teams. If you receive no response within two weeks, send a follow-up email.

Don't take any rejection personally. The academic may simply be too busy, already supervising several PhD students, or unsure whether your project is suitable.

How do I make a good impression?

If an academic agrees to meet you, they'll be aiming to discover whether you have the passion, tenacity and academic potential to complete a PhD. This means that conveying your determination to complete such an arduous research project is an absolute necessity.

You can also display your enthusiasm by asking your supervisor relevant questions, such as:

• How far do you see your responsibilities towards me extending?
• How much time would you have for me, and how often would we meet?
• What arrangements, if any, would be in place for a second supervisor?
• What characteristics do you feel successful PhD students have?
• What do you expect from the students you supervise?
• What funding and additional support is available at this institution?
• What is your opinion of my research topic and proposed methodology?
• What things should I do to supplement my PhD?

What qualities does a good supervisor possess?

Before deciding whether a PhD supervisor is right for you and applying to your chosen institution, you should be certain that the individual is:

• not intending to leave the institution permanently or go on sabbatical during your PhD
• of a similar personality and working style to you
• reliable and approachable, with a strong track record of supervising PhD students
• someone you're inspired by and proud to associate with
• sufficiently interested in and enthusiastic about your project to commit three to four years of their guidance, support and encouragement
• up to date in their knowledge of the latest findings and publications within your field and has strong connections within the world of academia.

How do I develop a good relationship with my supervisor?

Your PhD supervisor will become your primary referee once you've graduated. Forging a strong relationship with them can greatly improve your chances of securing a postdoctoral job .

You can make a positive impression simply by performing many of the extra tasks expected of you - for example, teaching undergraduates, mentoring other postgraduates and representing the university at research conferences.

The University of Leicester recommends that you should also:

• be open and honest
• display independence and an ability to manage problems
• maintain regular contact
• meet agreed deadlines
• show a positive and professional attitude
• understand your mutual responsibilities and expectations
• use your supervisor's advice and feedback.

What can my supervisor help me with?

Unlike at Bachelors and Masters degree level, your supervisor isn't necessarily an expert in your specific field of study. You'll quickly know more about your research topic than they do - so you must appreciate that they may not have the answer to all your problems.

Indeed, your relationship with your supervisor will evolve as you become less dependent on their support. They will initially focus on helping you to produce quality research, but quickly shift their attention to reviewing your findings and assisting your professional development.

Can I change my PhD supervisor?

Some supervisors dedicate far more time to students than they're required to, while some prefer not to become too involved in their students' research. However, you shouldn't stay silent if you feel like things aren't working out - especially if you're studying a STEM subject, where your supervisor is often effectively your research collaborator.

It's for this reason you should spend plenty of time finding the right academic before enrolling, as changing your supervisor should be the last resort, unless your topic has significantly shifted in the initial months of study.

Find out more

• Explore funding postgraduate study .
• Discover 5 challenges faced by PhD students .
• Consider getting an academic job .

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Approaching PhD Supervisors

How to approach potential supervisors for the phd application process.

Identifying and approaching potential supervisors might be a condition of the PhD application procedure. Even if that is not the case, it is a valuable way to explore whether you have shared interests and compatible working styles, and to gain insights that can enhance your application.

Many academics receive many approaches from prospective PhD students. Craft a personalised email following the guidelines below to maximise your chances of a positive response while being respectful of their limited capacity.

• Research and identify potential supervisors: To identify who to approach, begin by researching academics whose research interests align with your own. Consult departmental and research group websites and academic staff for leads, and review the authors of academic publications and speakers at conferences to identify suitable supervisors.
• Tailor your email to each supervisor: Use their correct title (Professor/ Dr) and name, and avoid sending out generic approaches – read on for more on this!
• State your intention clearly: State your current degree subject and stage, that you are hoping to pursue a PhD and would like to approach them as a potential PhD supervisor. Make sure to mention the subject area and/or specific PhD programme you have identified.
• Demonstrate your interests and enthusiasm: Clearly state your research interests and how they align with the supervisor's expertise. Familiarise yourself with the supervisor's research and publications so you can highlight specific aspects of their work that resonate with your interests.
• Showcase your suitability: You may wish to briefly highlight evidence of your relevant interests e.g. through academic achievements, research experiences, and relevant skills. Consider attaching your CV for more detail.
• Highlight specific opportunities: Be clear if there are specific PhD programmes or funding options you have identified. Some PhD programmes may require a confirmed supervisor, whilst others may only require initial contact, so make it clear to them what you require and are seeking.
• Make your request clear: Politely ask if they would be interested in exploring PhD supervision with you further, offer to send additional information they may need, and propose a meeting to discuss your research interests in more detail if they are willing. Remember to be mindful of their time rather than demanding a follow up meeting.
• Be patient and persistent: Understand that supervisors may be busy, so email well in advance of any deadlines, and allow ample time for a response. If you don't hear back, consider following up politely after a reasonable period. Adhere to any university guidelines on approaching potential supervisors. Respect their time and avoid excessive emails or calls.
• Show appreciation: Thank them for their time and potential feedback and insights.
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How to find a research supervisor

Check that the University can provide a suitable supervisor to support you while you undertake your research.

We recommend that you get in touch informally with your prospective supervisor or, more generally, the relevant school, before you submit a formal application.

Some schools may ask that you submit a research proposal before you formally apply, but others prefer you to submit a formal application at first – you should check the information provided by the school or research institute offering the programme you are interested to find out how they would prefer you to contact them in the first instance.

Research supervisors are either staff members of the University, or based in one of the research units or institutions associated with the University.

Supervisors are in high demand and may not be able to respond to your enquiry immediately, so please be patient. Some may already be supervising the maximum number of PhD students they can, and won’t be able to take on any new students.

To find a potential supervisor:

Find the school or research institute that is most relevant to your area of interest. If your proposed research is interdisciplinary, you may need to look at more than one school  -  List of our schools and departments  

• Browse through the staff profiles on the school or institute website     
• Check the procedure for contacting the potential supervisor with your initial enquiry or research proposal    
• Check the availability of facilities and resources necessary for your research    
• If you can’t find this information, or if you have further questions, you should contact the school's administrator

Multidisciplinary research

We welcome applications from students with interdisciplinary research interests.

You should contact supervisors in the areas you would like to research. You can discuss the possibility of being supervised collaboratively by people in different academic units.

The University of Edinburgh hosts a number of Global Academies, which facilitate interdisciplinary research across the world.

Global Academies

Research proposals

You will almost certainly need to write a research proposal in order to apply for your PhD.

Talk to your supervisor about whether you need to do this. You should also check the degree finder to see if you are expected to include anything specific in your proposal.

Our guide to writing a research proposal will take you through the process step-by-step:

How to write a research proposal

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Finding a supervisor

Finding a supervisor depends on which PhD route you're taking:

• you’re applying for a funded research project (studentship); or
• you're putting forward your own research proposal.

If you’re applying for a studentship, your supervisor will usually be the academic who made the funding application for the research project.

If you’re proposing your own PhD project, you will need to do some research to identify potential Imperial supervisors whose research interests align with your own. 

To do this, we recommend first researching on the websites of appropriate Imperial departments, centres and institutes to see which areas of research they cover. See an A–Z of our research groups .

Once you've identified an appropriate research group, you'll need to explore which academic staff are open to supervising students. This is often noted on the website.

This is an important step as you will need to find out whether they have an appropriate supervisor. You will also need to discuss your research idea before you apply.

When applying, you will need to provide details of your proposed supervisor and a proposal of your intended research.

If the department indicates that you don’t need to identify a supervisor before applying, you can submit your research proposal as part of your online application.

Contacting a supervisor

Once you have identified a potential supervisor,  the best way to move forward is to contact them by email. 

This should be a formal email, which shows that you have done your research into their particular research expertise and past research work. 

Expectations and supervisory style

Once you have discussed the research project with your supervisor, you may wish to discuss other aspects of Imperial and supervision which will contribute to your overall experience.

For example, you may wish to ask:

• how many other research students they are supervising?
• how often you can expect to meet with them?
• what role postdocs and other members of the research group play?
• does the research group interact with other labs/groups in Imperial and other external research groups?

Discussing these topics with your prospective supervisor will give you a sense of what it will be like to work in the lab and/or research group and whether this will suit you.

For more information, see Imperial's Success Guide, which has guidance on working with your supervisor.

Find a PhD supervisor

Once you've identified the subject area you wish to research, you will need to find a supervisor for your project. All Doctoral Researchers are provided with a lead supervisor, who will act as the main source of academic supervisory support and research mentoring during your time as a Doctoral Researcher at the University.

Start your search

Search for supervisors below to see who you think may be a great fit for your research area. Once you have identified they are able to offer appropriate supervisory support, you can start to reach out to staff using the contact details provided on their profile. 

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Find a PhD supervisor

Enlisting the support of a PhD supervisor is an important part of your research journey. Discover how to choose the right mentor for your work and how to make initial contact.

Choosing a supervisor

A PhD supervisor plays a vital part in your research. They will be your mentor and help to guide your research, providing feedback and advice. They will also help to ensure your project progresses on time and complies with University policies.

If you’re proposing your own PhD project, you’ll need to find a supervisor with expertise in your area, which you can identify by:

• searching publications and articles relevant to your field for the most cited researchers
• looking for published researchers in your field with a similar methodology to your own
• reading recently submitted PhD dissertations in your area and noting the supervisors
• approaching lecturers in relevant departments and asking for recommendations.

When to contact potential supervisors

When you’ve decided on your research topic, you’ll need to find a PhD supervisor to support and guide your research. Our advertised projects will list the supervisors, but if you are submitting your own proposal, you'll need to identify a suitable supervisor too.

In either case, we recommend discussing your ideas with the supervisory team before submitting your application. Find out on this page what your PhD supervisor will do and how to make initial contact.

How to contact potential supervisors

The best way to make initial contact with a potential supervisor is by email. Academics are often very busy, so it is important that your message is tailored, clear and concise. You should:

• include a clear subject line summarising your intent
• explain your interest in the project under the academic’s supervision
• show your familiarity with the academic’s work
• outline details of funding / location and study mode if relevant.

Research your options

At NTU, you can apply for an advertised PhD project, where the supervisory team has already been identified. We also accept proposals for your own PhD project. For the best chance of success, your proposal should align with our research centres.

Browse our centres and the research staff listed within them to identify a potential supervisor, or search our staff directory below.

Director of Doctoral Programmes

Each of our Academic Schools have a Director of Doctoral Programmes (DDP), responsible for the leadership, development and management of research degrees within that subject area. Please contact the relevant DDP with any general research queries, or for information about At-distance PhD opportunities.

Richard Yarnell

Associate professor, school of animal rural & environmental sciences, senior lecturer, school of architecture design and the built environment, nottingham school of art & design, gill allwood, school of arts & humanities, dr. ishan jalan, director of doctoral programmes, nottingham business school, helen o'nions, nottingham law school, cleveland barnett, school of science & technology, verity aiken, school of social sciences, decide on your topic and apply, phd opportunities.

Discover our PhD opportunities that drive innovation and delivers real-world impact. Browse our PhD projects, or submit your own proposal.

How to write a research proposal

Your research proposal is the most important part of your doctoral application. Get our advice on how to write yours.

How to apply for a PhD

Everything you need to know about applying to study at the NTU Doctoral School.

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As a new PhD student, you will be assigned a supervisor, who is responsible for guiding your studies. You are, however, expected to have the capacity and enthusiasm to organise your own research and to work on your own initiative. You are expected to submit written work at regular intervals for discussion with your supervisor.

We very much hope you will not have any problems with supervision, but if a problem does arise – because, for example, your supervisor is on leave for an extended period or your research takes a new direction, or for personal reasons – you should contact, in the first instance, any of the following: the Director of Graduate Studies, your advisor, the Head of Department or your College tutor. With any of these, you may wish to discuss whether you want to continue along the more formal lines of complaint proposed by the Student Registry.

By the middle of the first term of your PhD the Degree Committee will appoint an advisor for you. You should be actively engaged in selecting your advisor. You are encouraged to submit written work to your advisor at any time, but the submission should not be so extensive that it would prevent the advisor acting as an internal examiner of your thesis. You should meet your advisor at least once a year.

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Choosing a supervisor

A postgraduate supervisory team will ensure that your requirements and issues are addressed by providing support, advice and guidance throughout your research degree.

Find your ideal supervisor

Visit Research Explorer to discover our academics and their research interests.

Approaching prospective supervisors

• Read through their online profile and familiarise yourself with a couple of their publications.
• Compose a brief email highlighting your awareness of their research and how it aligns with your research interests.
• Indicate your intention to apply for doctoral study and interest in working with them.
• Summarise your research background and who you've previously worked with on research projects.

If you need to write a research proposal , you should run this past your prospective supervisor for discussion before you submit your final application.

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Find your PhD supervisor

Choosing a supervisor is one of the most important steps towards completing a successful PhD. Our academic experts specialise in a range of different areas, including global law, financial and commercial law and EU and human rights law.

Find a supervisor who you feel has the expertise to support you and whose specialisms are most closely aligned with your own chosen area of interest.

Areas of supervision

Take the next step.

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Find a PhD Supervisor

If you've got your own research idea, or want to discuss your options, you can start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match your own using the search tool below. Once you've found someone suitable, contact them directly to have a discussion about whether they would be interested in supervising your research degree, or if you have any queries about the type of research proposal they would welcome.

Explore research degrees  

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Use the search option if you already know the name of a potential supervisor, or you can or use the filter options to the left to search by research area.

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Search results update instantly to match the search query and any filters applied.

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Whether you’re applying for an advertised research-led PhD project or submitting your own research proposal in your area of interest, here are 5 key points to consider as you search for the right research degree supervisor.

Postgraduate Research degrees are a highly competitive landscape, and you’ll need to be ready to take on the challenge. 

To pursue your passion and make a truly original contribution to knowledge in a particular area of study, you’ll need a supervisor to match your ambition. But how do you find the perfect supervisor for your research? We’ve covered some of the key considerations here:

1. Get started early

You'll need to look for funding opportunities before, or at the same time as, you apply for your research degree. Begin as early as possible and know when the key dates are – application deadlines can often be up to a year before study starts. Check out  UEA’s deadlines for postgraduate research study  to help you with your planning.

2. How much funding do you need?

Consider your finances and whether you are seeking to gain full or partial funding for your PhD research. Maybe you will want to look for ‘ fully funded’ PhD Studentships first, that will include your tuition fees and an annual stipend for living expenses. Check out all of your options. Your circumstances may change across the potential three-year full-time or six-year part-time period of study, so be realistic when assessing your income and expenditure needs. Think about your course costs, accommodation and bills, alongside your lifestyle and what changes you are prepared to make.

3. Develop your research proposal

It doesn’t need to be the fully completed version, but you will need to have developed your research proposal so that you can use this as a clear and compelling proposition to interest potential funders. Check out our advice on how to succeed at writing a great research proposal , so you can feel confident that you have covered all the points you need to consider.

4. Find potential supervisors

Academics within your chosen discipline are likely to be in a knowledgeable position to be able to advise you on where you can apply for funding. Do your research and find out who the relevant potential supervisors are within your chosen area of interest, who clearly share a passion for your topic. Then make contact to discuss your research proposal, and gauge insight into who specific funders may be in your field. Check out our advice on How to Find A PhD Supervisor to help get you started.

5. Build your potential funding portfolio

Explore funding opportunities with government, business, industry, or charitable organisations. You may have gained direct contacts based on your supervisory conversations, or you may need to undertake some desk research to identify potential sponsors. Look for potential research funding opportunities on established industry sponsors’ websites, as well as those for smaller charities and trusts. It may not be possible to source sufficient funding from a single sponsor, and you may have to apply to a variety of different funders, so do check that different funding schemes can be combined. If you are an International fee status student, it is also worth contacting your national government or education ministry to check funded and exchange schemes set up to help citizens receive international research and training opportunities.

6. Check your eligibility for a PhD loan

Ready to apply.

UEA offers a wide range of postgraduate research opportunities. Search all current  PhDs and Research Studentships , or take a look at the full list of  Research Themes  where UEA specialises and submit your own research proposal. For further information on what to consider in the application process,  access our guide  and take the first step to achieving something incredible. Our  Postgraduate Research team  can also help with any queries you may have.

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Words of wisdom

“…It is important to highlight that the supervisor-supervisee relationship that develops as the project progresses, is equally significant for the successful completion of the project.”  Kodili Chukwuma, PhD in Politics   “…Choose an area of research that would combine your passion in the area with practicality, and look out for research staff members whose research interests are similar to yours. They will have a plethora of experience in your chosen field and will share their knowledge with you.” Natalia Balashova, PhD in Catchment Science and Environmental Hydrology   “…Identify the right person, the person you think is going to understand best your subject because of their publishing record, and then meet them, make sure you get along - this is really important!” Hippolyta Paulusma, PhD in English

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Finding and Applying for a PhD

The process of applying for a PhD is different to other university courses. In this section you'll find out how to apply and where to find a PhD.

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How to apply for a phd.

PhD applications are different to other university degrees. You don't apply in the same way as you do for other courses.

When applying for a PhD there are two main options:

• you could be the successful candidate for an advertised position
• you could propose your own research project to a university

Application rules and methods vary for each university. Make sure to check for the institution you are interested in.

You can apply for more than one PhD, but the number you can apply for in a year will vary between different universities.

You'll normally need to submit a tailored research proposal or personal statement for each application.

You can also apply to different universities. This may improve your chances of getting onto to a PhD.

Entry requirements

Each PhD will have specific entry requirements. Applicants should always check the specific entry requirements online before applying.

You will usually need at least an upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (2:1). International students will need an equivalent international qualification. For some PhDs you may need a Master’s qualification, and you may need to attend an interview.

International students may also need proven language ability. This will vary across institutions. Check what level your university expects before applying.

When to apply for a PhD

Application timings will depend on when your term start date is. Many research degrees start in September. Some will begin in January or May. Some PhD positions and funding opportunities are available to apply for year-round.

However, most UK PhD application deadlines are between late December and mid-January.

This is because of deadlines set by UKRI Research Council funding bodies. Most students will begin work on their application in the autumn. Completing an application and/or writing a research proposal will take time. We recommend you don’t leave it until the last minute!

UK applicants will usually need to apply at least one month before the course start date. International applicants will often need to apply at least three months ahead.

External organisations may also have different deadlines for funding applications. You will need time to research your funding options. Make sure you know how long the funding application process takes.

Finding an advertised PhD

Most universities will advertise PhD opportunities in their website. You can check the websites of any universities that have a relevant department.

The following external websites also advertise PhD opportunities:

• Postgraduate Studentships.co.uk

Writing a research proposal

For an advertised PhD, you won't usually need to submit a research proposal. The broad aims and objectives for your PhD will already be set.

If you're choosing your own research topic within a university's PhD programme, you will need to write a proposal.

Research proposals need be persuasive. Potential supervisors and funders will need to believe your work is worth supporting.

A research proposal usually:

• is between 1,500 and 3,000 words long
• needs to have a clear, original, precise, interesting research question
• explains the relevance and value of your proposed research
• describes the data or source material your research requires
• outlines the methods you will use to answer the research question
• states what you hope to discover at the end of your research

Check any guidelines offered by your chosen institution. These can vary and include word limits, suggested structure etc.

We offer feedback on applications for postgraduate study but can’t do so for research proposals. We advise seeking guidance from a prospective supervisor or other academic related to your chosen field, before submitting your proposal.

The following websites offer advice on putting together a research proposal:

• How to write a great PhD research proposal – advice from find a PhD.com
• Guidelines for producing a Research Proposal (PDF: 42KB) – guidance from Newcastle University
• How to write a successful research proposal – tips from Prospects

Some universities provide examples of research proposals for specific subjects. These include:

• The Open University - Social Policy and Criminology
• University of Sheffield - Sociological Studies
• University of Sussex
• University of York - Politics

Finding a PhD Supervisor

You will need to begin by identifying universities that offer the specialism that you want to research.

What is a PhD Supervisor?

A PhD supervisor is an academic who to uses their expertise to support you with your project. They should have interest in your project and provide regular feedback on your work. Each person's supervision experience depends on their university, department, and personal preferences.

An advertised funded PhD will usually have a supervisor allocated. If you want to propose your own area of research, you will need to write a research proposal and find a supervisor.

Your supervisor will:

• play an important role in your PhD. They should support you from starting your research to submission of your thesis
• have responsibilities towards you and your project. They will meet to discuss your work
• read drafts of your work
• respond to emails and other forms of contact, though this might not be immediate
• be an expert in your academic field. They will have recognised research experience, and relevant publications. They may have supervised other students working on related subjects

Your supervisor won’t be an expert in your exact topic. If they were, you couldn’t research it as an original PhD.

Some universities formalise these commitments in a research degree handbook. Other universities leave the specific details to the student and supervisor to arrange.

How to find a supervisor

Some universities have a database that you can search for supervisors. This can be helpful if you want to propose your own research topic.

Otherwise, your university may match you with a supervisor during your application assessment. Sometimes they will use a summary of your academic interests to match you to a supervisor.

It is possible to request supervision by a particular member of academic staff. Be aware that the university will consider this but may not accept your request. Carry out research to find a potential supervisor who matches your research area:

• start by shortlisting of two to three potential supervisors
• explore their research history
• find out more by looking in the reference sections of academic text books
• search for articles in research databases and academic blogs

You can check academics online profiles to find out about their doctoral supervision capacity:

• If they are open to doctoral applications, you can contact them to see if they will supervise you.
• when you contact your potential supervisor, explain your research interests.
• show how you feel your research proposal matches their expertise

It may also be possible to study your PhD by distance learning. This would mean you’d learn online, and your supervisor meetings would be virtual.

Find out more about finding a supervisor below:

• What to expect from a PhD supervisor
• Choosing your PhD supervisor | Prospects.ac.uk

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Find a PhD supervisor 

As a PhD researcher, you will be guided by supervisors with appropriate research expertise and interests. We advise you to contact potential PhD supervisors directly to discuss your application.

Business PhD brochure

To find a potential supervisor, explore the staff members named in the departments to discover their research interests, publications and expertise. 

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Finance, Risk and Banking

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Operations Management and Information Systems

Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management

Strategy and International Business

The Dean's Excellent Achievement Award recognises the high-quality research carried out by our PhD students.

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Finding a supervisor

Choosing the right supervisor is one of the most important steps toward a successful and rewarding PhD. Here’s our guide to getting it right.

Your supervisor 

Your supervisor is there to support and advise you throughout your research degree.

We match you with a suitable supervisor when you are offered a place at Sussex. But if you are proposing your own research area, you can approach faculty members and ask them to supervise you, if:

• you are particularly interested in their research
• you feel they have the expertise to support you.

You can search for potential supervisors by using our Directory of expertise .

Supervisors can be academic staff -  for example, your previous dissertation advisor, Masters supervisor or your teachers at undergraduate or postgraduate level. You may also choose, or be allocated a supervisor who matches your research interests. 

How do I check if a potential supervisor is right for me?

Draw up a shortlist of two to three potential supervisors and take an in-depth look into their research history. 

You can use our website to: 

• search our  Directory of expertise , which lists all of our faculty research and academic interests
• visit the School or Department websites  to find out more about our faculty, research groups and labs
• look at publications written by your potential supervisor, for example books, editorials, and journal articles via  Sussex Research Online
• find out about PhD research that your potential supervisor has overseen in the past.

You can also find out more about your potential supervisors by:

• looking in the reference sections of academic textbooks
• looking for articles in research databases
• looking at academic blogs.

Contacting a supervisor

If you think you have found a potential supervisor who matches your research area, you can contact them to check their availability for supervising you.

When you contact your potential supervisor it is important to:

• tell them something interesting about yourself
• explain your research interests and how you feel your research proposal matches their expertise
• proofread your email before sending it to a potential supervisor
• not make any extravagant claims, if you say you have read their publications, make sure you have
• prepare for face-to-face interviews, think of the questions they may ask you and prepare some answers. 

When you have decided on a topic, and have a first draft of your research proposal, get in contact with your potential supervisor at Sussex and share your idea.

They may be able to offer feedback and help refine your proposal further before you submit your application.

You might also be interested in:

• Directory of research expertise
• our schools and departments
• how to apply for a PhD

Doctoral College

Phd supervision, phd or doctoral supervision.

All our PG Researchers are responsible for the planning, development, progression, and completion of their degree. But key to that success is the advice and guidance you receive from colleagues across Warwick and most importantly your supervisory team. Supervisory support will look different according to discipline and research; whether you are in a big lab or in archives; on a ethnographic fieldwork study or in a big stage production; but we have standards and regulations that are there to support you, whatever your research.

To get the best from your time with your supervisor/s and make sure that you are keeping your research on track, we have gathered resources to support you.

Remember if you want to clarify anything about your supervision or your PG research life; speak first to your supervisor or your Department's Director of Graduate Studies . If you're still unsure you are always welcome to contact us in the Doctoral College .

Policies & Guidelines

Responsibilities of PG Researchers

Responsibilities of Supervisors

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UKCGE Supervision Survey 2021

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Researcher Development Programme Handbook

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See : Warwick Supervisors Teams Site for more Resources

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Find a PhD supervisor

Professor aaron ridley, research interests.

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Accepting applications from PhD students

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 23 8059 2908

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Tel: +44 23 8059 2051

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• Southampton High Energy Physics group
• Southampton Imaging
• Southampton Theory Astrophysics and Gravity (STAG) Research Centre
• Stefan Cross Centre for Women, Equality and Law
• String theory and holography
• The India Centre for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development
• The Parkes Institute
• Tony Davies High Voltage Laboratory
• Ultrafast X-ray Group
• Vision Science
• Work Futures Research Centre (WFRC)
• Departments

King's College London

Postgraduate research area supervisors, research area, filter by letter.

Professor Dag Aarsland

Director, Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing

Professor Melanie Amna Abas

Professor of Global Mental Health

Dr Vincenzo Abbate

Reader in Bioanalysis

Dr Alfie Abdul-Rahman

Senior Lecturer in Computer Science

Professor Bobby Acharya

Professor Edward Adams

Professor of New Testament Studies

Dr Ellen Adams

Reader in Classical Archaeology and Liberal Arts

Dr Helen Adams

Senior Lecturer in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation

Dr Ruth Adams

Reader in Cultural and Creative Industries

Dr George Adamson

Reader in Climate and Society

Professor Owen Addison

Head of Centre for Oral, Clinical & Translational Sciences

Professor Ajay Aggarwal

Professor of Cancer Services & Systems Research

Dr Monica Agromayor

Senior Lecturer

Professor David Aikman

Director of the Qatar Centre for Global Banking & Finance

Professor Btihaj Ajana

Professor of Ethics and Digital Culture

Agrarian Inequalities, Institutional Innovation and Gender: Can Group Farming Provide an Answer? with Dr Bina Agarwal

Talk by Dr Bina Agarwal co-hosted with LSE on gender and farming.

A Lifetime of Drugs

Kane Race is Professor of Gender and Cultural Studies at the University...