The document provides an overview of pursuing a PhD in biosciences, discussing its structure, entry requirements, funding options, and the application process. It emphasizes the importance of being self-motivated and highlights potential career advancements and skills gained through the program. It also outlines costs, duration, and resources for finding PhD opportunities and preparing for applications.

1. Careers after Biosciences - Doing a PhD Dr Peter Meacock Sub-Dean for Graduate Studies Faculty of Medicine & Biological Sciences Dr P Meacock What does a PhD involve? Why do it? How long & how much? Entry requirements? How funded? How, where and when to apply?

2. What does a PhD involve? Training as an independent researcher - to practise and lead research Totally different to Undergraduate degree Investigative, not taught No terms or long vacations; more like “employment”! Less formal structure; self-motivation is critical! Original research Own project (YOUR responsibility) Supervisor/Thesis committee ( the key relationship! ) Member of a research group (contribute to team effort) Progress monitoring (probationary year 1) Skills-training & professional development Thesis writing and examination Viva voce defence with two expert Examiners Dr P Meacock

3. Why do a PhD ? Learn more about subject Enjoy “doing” research Contribute to knowledge Become a professional independent researcher Career advancement - leadership & responsibility in research - many other careers too! - separates you from other BSc graduates Employability and Skills development - Research;- technical, problem-solving, intellectual rigour - Organisational;- project & time management, IT - Communication;- presentation (written and oral), IT - Personal;- commitment, initiative, adaptability - Interpersonal;- team-working, net-working, negotiation Dr P Meacock

4. How long does it take? How much does it cost? Registration Full-time; min 2 years, max 4yrs Part-time; min 3yrs, max 6 yrs Yr 1 probationary (APG); Yr 4 “writing-up” Realistically full-time 4 years 24/7/52 commitment! Costs (= investment) Registration: H/EU £3,390pa; Int’l £12,650pa Stipend: 2009 UK RC rate £13,290 (tax-free) Travel/conferences: ~ £300 Research costs: mol biol ~£8K-10K pa (dept support) Dr P Meacock

5. Entrance requirements? Entry requirements First or 2i BSc degree, or MRes/MSc, in relevant subject (2ii with good MSc upgrade will normally be considered) Supportive academic references Strong performance in interview Looking for Aptitude for research (curiosity, creativity & initiative) Enthusiasm, motivation & commitment Good academic background & subject knowledge Research experience (yr3 project, summer vac’n research & Sandwich yr) Dr P Meacock

6. How do I fund it? Studentships (BBSRC, MRC, NERC, Wellcome Trust, charities, industry) Pay fees, stipend, travel, research costs (basic award) Supplemented, if RC CASE-award with industry Last for 3 to 4 years Administered through departments/supervisors Eligibility restrictions (normally UK/EU only) Limited number, so competitive! Employment, eg. as RA (part-time PhD) International students Home country scholarships, eg. government? Partial awards via UK university (eg Scholarships) British Council Some Charities/Foundations (eg Chevening) Self Dr P Meacock

7. How to apply No UCAS scheme, or equivalent Applications direct to supervisor or dept, or via University Graduate School/Office Decide YOU want to do it – not a default ! Decide your research area Apply for advertised PhD places and studentships Write directly to depts/supervisors of interest Dr P Meacock

8. How to find PhD opportunities? When to apply? Information sources Biological Sciences academic staff Web pages of depts/supervisors Postgraduate Prospectuses of Uni’s Commercial web sites (FindaPhD, jobs.ac, NewScientist) Posters on Notice boards Ads in periodicals (New Scientist, Nature) When to apply Early in final year (November-January) onwards Dr P Meacock

9. What do YOU need to check out? Having decided YOU do want to do a PhD;- Decide what research area interests you and investigate opportunities Project - interesting, rewarding & achievable? (4 yrs of your life, or more!) International quality research environment? (RAE score of department) Good PhD training & support environment? Supervisor - successful PhD track record ? Could you “work” with supervisor? Dr P Meacock

10. Sources of information about “Doing a PhD” and PhD careers VitaeProgramme http:// www.vitae.ac.uk FindaPhD http://www.findaphd.com/ Jobs.ac.uk http://www.jobs.ac.uk/ New Scientist http://www.newscientistjobs.com Science Careers First Wave http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/ UKCGE http://www.ukcge.ac.uk/ Dr P Meacock