Forget what you know about searching for a Masters degree. To find your perfect PhD supervisor is a mini research exercise in itself. Here are our top tips for success.
Your journey to becoming a Doctor of Philosophy will start with an understanding of what you want to research. In the UK, most doctoral degrees do not contain any formal taught element, so you are not comparing courses, rather seeking to identify which universities undertake research in your specialism.
Good universities with a strength in research will offer taught sessions to support PhD students – for example in time management – but don’t expect anyone teaching you your PhD.
So once you have an idea about what you want to research, use university websites to hone in on those which undertake research in your area. This may take some digging and you may well find the information laid out differently between universities. Ultimately you’re looking for research clusters, groups and finally staff who may be able to supervise you.
If you’re currently studying a similar or linked subject, it may be worth asking current tutors to recommend universities or even staff at the outset.
Your tuition fees for your PhD are a bit on a misnomer. What you are actually paying for is access to research expertise and guidance. So it would be natural to assume that your best PhD supervisor is going to be that world-leading academic you’ve seen on the telly and who has written many peer reviewed papers.
You could be the next Stephen Hawking, but if your perfect supervisor is so busy teaching, undertaking their own research and juggling a number of other PhD students, you may feel you are constantly playing second best.
In this case, and particularly if you fear you may be prone to procrastination, an early career researcher may actually be preferable. They are more likely to have time and energy to dedicate to you.
First impressions count! Before you pick up the phone or send that initial email, make sure you have refined and checked your research proposal. A research proposal is where you have gone beyond your initial idea to and come up with a research question and plan as to how you will answer it. There is support online and through university websites as to how to create a great research proposal, but remember your research proposal also needs to be unique. A PhD is about creating new knowledge – if the answer is already out there you may fall at the first hurdle.
You’ve done your homework, written an excellent research proposal, contacted possible supervisors and found someone who is willing to take you on. Well done you! The only trouble is, from your first conversations with them, they seem to have an irritating habit of divulging the details of their 19th century stamp collection which is sending you to sleep.
Finding someone who you can have a good working relationship with is key. If you think the rapport is unlikely to grow, then you may be better off backing away before you are formally enrolled.
Discuss your research proposal and how it relates to their research, find out what fascinates them about their work, discover how they switch off when they’re not at work. All of this will help to keep the lines of communication open and help you overcome any hurdles on the path to becoming a doctor of philosophy.
If you can’t do this face-to-face, video calling is the next best thing and is increasingly becoming the new normal.
So in conclusion, when you find your perfect PhD supervisor it will be someone who you connect with and understands your thinking. They are as excited about your research as you are and are willing you to succeed. You can expect a close working relationship with them, but remember they are not there to do your research for you. You never know, you may even end up inviting them to your wedding!
We have a number of articles regarding the application process and sources of finance: –
Your PhD supervisor plays a pivotal role in obtaining your PhD. They are experts in their field and are there to offer advice relating to research and study.
They should meet to help talk over and discuss the work you are undertaking. A PhD Supervisor will also often read through drafts of your work and offer feedback to make sure you are on the right track.
Finding the right PhD Supervisor can be a difficult task and the right choice can often have a large impact on your study. While having an expert in the field seems like the right path to choose there are other things to consider.
For instance, having a senior academic on your side is great and their long experience is valuable but they may not have a lot of time to spend on your project. A junior academic may have more time available to meet with you and discuss your work.
Contacting a potential PhD Supervisor can, at first, seem a little unnerving. However, it’s worth noting that the supervisor will be well versed in receiving these types of contact. Before reaching out to potential supervisors you should make sure your research subject is well aligned with theirs and you should also take the time to read their research. A well-written email that highlights your enthusiasm and eligibility for study is the most common method to approach a PhD Supervisor.
If you’re ready to take the next step. Learn how to apply for a PhD.
