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Advice for Students applying to a UK university: who haven’t been in the UK Ed system before: most of the funds supporting PhDs are “studentships” and they are separate from the other funds a PI has. First stage: The students apply to a program NOT a specific lab. 1/
https://twitter.com/aandr314/status/1328423922996416513
https://twitter.com/aandr314/status/1328423922996416513
You do need to get into the program FIRST. For that your interests need to be aligned to the program it you don’t need to know already the individual groups or PIs. You can, but it’s not(shouldn’t be) a requirement. There is an initial shortlist run by a committee.2/
Criteria for the shortlisting process should be clear on their website. If you have questions contact the Program Lead. This should also be clear. Program Leads will help you navigate application process or direct you to someone who can help. Deadlines should be clear. 3/
Motivation or statement of interest letters are quite often required. If you have never written one before go online and find examples. Polish it and taylor it to the Program you are applying not a specific PI. (Can make another thread for this)4/
You will likely need your transcripts “translated” to the UK system. You most likely need top grades (usually a First or 2.1, go online to see what these mean). If your transcripts still have words that you think are very particular to your country make an effort to explain them
If studies take typically longer in your country, mention it in your letter (eg. Typical length of MSc is two yrs even full time rather than the typical 1yr in the UK). Some people will be aware of other non-UK systems. Most don’t. Competition is steep, help others understand 6/
What you have done so far. Please, please, please& Please, review your letter & CV for typos and review spelling & grammar. Word has a fantastic in build checker but still, typos do get in. Have your letter read by a friend or previous supervisor if you can. 7/
If you have questions, ask the Program Lead or point of contact in their website. If you are shortlisted you should expect an interview with a selection panel (that’s another thread). If you get in the program you will be exposed to a group of PIs offering “rotation projects”8/
These are 3 month projects in the lab of YOUR choice. You will get to select 2-3 that will cover the first yr of your PhD. This is the typical format for 4yr studentships and the most prestigious programs. Other programs are only 3yrs and likely won’t have that “rotation” yr 9/
Ideally, you should choose different labs offering you to learn techniques/approaches that complement each other or that cover different areas of research. (eg. Genetics, cell biology, bioinformatics) 10/
It’s only after the third rotation ( sometimes after the 2nd one already) that you will get to choose the lab of YOUR choice. You will likely have ind interviews with potential PIs. You’ll likely have a tutor helping you go through this. Please contact the PIs you’ve met 11/
To tell them you are not going to their lab & your choice is another group. There is nothing like finding out in the middle of a conference a student you’ve talked to extensively is going to a different lab ...Not nice. Treat PIs with the respect they deserve.
Any questions?
Any questions?
