questions to ask before starting a phd

20 questions to ask about potential PhD programmes

There usually comes a time in a PhD application process when the candidate can ask the admission committee questions about the programme. If you made it to this stage, you may b e wondering: What questions should I ask about the PhD programme?

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.

What makes this PhD programme unique?

What are the requirements in terms of coursework, how does this programme structure the thesis writing process, how long does it take on average for phd students to complete the degree, how much flexibility do phd students have to create their unique programmes, what facilities and equipment are available to phd students in this programme, how are phd students of this programme integrated into the wider academic community, do phd students in this programme interact with senior scientists beyond their research group, how common is it for phd students in this programme to co-author academic articles with supervisors and colleagues, what support is offered to phd students in the programme, does the programme offer any financial support, does the phd programme provide grant writing support to phd students, does the programme encourage and support phd students to work as teaching assistants, what happens if there is a problem with a phd supervisor, what are common career trajectories of phd students who complete this programme, what does the programme do to prepare phd students for the job market, does the emphasis lie on training phd students for academic careers, does the phd programme foster industry connections, collaborations with external partners and public outreach activities, does the programme organise networking events or career fairs for phd students, questions to ask about a phd programme’s setup.

A PhD interview is not just an opportunity for you to convince your interviewers that you are a good match for their programme. Your interviewers should also leave a good impression on you! This relatively open question allows them to convince you to choose their programme over any other offers that you may have. It is a good way for you to see what arguments they have to offer.

The amount of coursework can differ from PhD programme to PhD programme. Therefore, it is good to ask about specific requirements in terms of courses to follow, credits to earn, etcetera.

Similar to coursework, the thesis writing process can also differ from PhD programme to programme. Is the process divided into fixed stages (such as data collection, data analysis, and writing up)? Or is the process flexible? How is the thesis supervision organised? It is good to have answers to these types of questions in advance.

Most universities indicate the length of their PhD programmes. However, there can be a difference between the supposed length and the actual one. Potentially, a PhD programme takes 4 years on paper but most PhD students take 6 years to complete it. This information is useful to consider before committing to a programme.

You may have specific requirements for your PhD. Unique interest. And you should be aware that unexpected things can happen. For instance: care leave, illness or simply failed experiments can delay the completion of a PhD programme. Therefore, it is good to test the water and ask about the stance of the PhD programme when it comes to being flexible.

You may also like: 9 smart questions to ask a professor about graduate school

Questions to ask about a PhD programme’s environment

You want to know what the PhD programme offers to PhD students, for example in terms of office space, lab equipment, laptops, etcetera. Think about the type of facilities and equipment that you would need for your specific PhD research.

There can be a huge difference in terms of how PhD students are treated in different universities. In some, they are considered regular students who have limited contact with senior scientists besides their supervisor/s. In others, they are treated as colleagues and/or staff members who are included in department meetings, research exchanges or joint lunches. Try to get a feeling for the situation in the specific PhD programme that you are considering.

As a follow-up to the previous question, you should enquire about the contact that PhD students of a specific programme have with scholars outside of their supervisor/s or small research unit. Being exposed to different perspectives, people and insights can hugely benefit PhD students’ work. Therefore it is good to know whether PhD students in a programme tend to work in isolated silos.

Co-authoring ( when done right! ) is hugely beneficial to PhD students. It enables them to learn the art of writing scientific papers, and how to collaborate effectively. Furthermore, having publications can boost their career. In some universities, it is very common for PhD students to be included as co-authors in joint research papers. In others, it is not.

Questions to ask about a PhD programme’s support mechanisms

It is smart to start with a relatively broad question, to see what support mechanisms are offered in a PhD programme. This can be, for instance, a PhD council, a study advisor, or a mental health counsellor.

Some departments have funds, for instance, to support fieldwork. Some also offer budgets to PhD students, so that they can participate in (international) conferences. You can even think of travel reimbursements if you have a longer commute. It is good to know about possibilities for financial support in advance.

PhD students without full-time funding often rely on grants and bursaries. Additionally, gaining experience in grant writing during a PhD can be advantageous in an academic career, regardless of one’s funding situation. However, grant writing is time-consuming and often requires approval and administrative support from the university. Is this support provided?

Working as a teaching assistant during a PhD has financial benefits, and also improves PhD students’ chances of securing work as a lecturer once they graduate. Try to find out whether the PhD programme helps students to find these positions, and whether they support them (for instance by being flexible with the coursework schedule, etcetera).

A PhD supervisor plays a major role in the success of a PhD student. Unfortunately, not all PhD supervisors are good ones . Without being overly pessimistic, it can be a good idea to ask what would hypothetically happen if there is a problem with a PhD supervisor in the programme.

Questions to ask about a PhD programme’s career training and prospects

Try to get a sense of what PhD students of a programme do once they graduate. This question also helps you to assess what type of career trajectories are highlighted in the programme. Based on this information, you can draw some conclusions about the programme’s outlook on post-PhD careers.

Some universities don’t do anything to prepare PhD students for the job market. Be it the academic or the non-academic one. Others may offer special training sessions, application support and other job-market-related activities. Even though you are only exploring options for PhD programmes, it can be smart to think ahead.

Many PhD students start their degree programmes with the ambition to pursue academic careers and ultimately become professors. The reality, however, looks very different: only a very small percentage ultimately pursues an academic career. New insights about the possibilities to work in a non-academic setting and a highly competitive labour market play a role in this trend. Finding out whether a PhD programme is aware and adjusts their training to this reality can be informative.

Being exposed to job opportunities outside of academia, and conducting practice-oriented research go hand in hand with the relationships that are fostered with industry, community or any other external partners. These connections are also increasingly valued by grant and promotion committees.

A PhD programme is not solely responsible for your career after graduation. Yet, it can be advantageous if a PhD programme actively organises events or fairs that help PhD students to network, and to forge good relationship with external parties.

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Best 11 Questions to Ask Before Starting a PhD

• by Canice Silas

Starting a PhD journey is a significant step that requires thoughtful consideration and preparation. This journey involves venturing into original research, paving intellectual landscapes within the chosen field, and investing numerous years into the quest for deeper understanding. In this post, we are going to look at a summation of 11 Questions to Ask Before Starting a PhD or vital interrogations that individuals aspiring for a PhD should deliberate upon before initiation.

Exploring these questions allows prospective doctoral students to understand their motivations, goals, and anticipations, laying robust foundations for a rewarding PhD journey. The importance of these questions resides in their capacity to push individuals to a decision that resonates with their aspirations and potential. By asking these important questions, aspiring PhD scholars can carve out a successful pathway and optimize their academic pursuits.

Table of Contents

Importance of a PhD Degree

In the realm of academics and the professional sphere, a PhD degree maintains great significance. It is like to a stamp of approval certifying supreme expertise and specialization, thereby distinguishing individuals in their chosen field.

To acquire a PhD is to hone refined critical thinking proficiencies, research prowess, and the ability to handle independent tasks. The numerous career options/opportunities this degree offers, extend to the academic field, research organizations, various industries, and leadership roles.

In essence, attaining a PhD degree is crucial for individuals seeking to become professors or research scholars as it equips them with the skills necessary to contribute substantially to their area of specialty.

Top 11 Questions to Ask Before Starting a PhD

By asking these important questions, aspiring PhD scholars can carve out a successful pathway and optimize their academic pursuits.

Question 1: Why Pursue a PhD?

Deciding to pursue a PhD study calls for profound motivation and unwavering dedication to the quest for knowledge. You need to question your drive towards going on this often demanding journey. Typically, an inherent passion for delving into research, an urge to contribute to a particular field, and an aspiration to attain expertise in a specific discipline ignite the pursuit of a PhD. This endeavor offers an avenue for diving into extensive research, shattering boundaries, and contributing valuable insights to the existing body of knowledge.

Question 2: Is a PhD Program Right for Me?

Contemplating a PhD program necessitates a critical evaluation of its compatibility. Venturing into a PhD demands exceptional dedication, self-regulation, resilience, and the ability to weather many storms on a rigorous academic journey. This journey encompasses independent critical thinking, effective research skills, and efficient time management.

A comprehensive evaluation of the requisite qualities and attributes for success in a PhD study should undergo careful consideration. A thorough understanding of personal objectives, preferred career trajectory, and willingness for commitment determines the alignment between the individual’s ambitions and the chosen PhD program.

Question 3: What Field of Study Should I Choose?

Meticulous thought should guide the decision of choosing a suitable study field for a PhD. The preferred discipline should resonate with your passion, interests, and long-term objectives. Exhaustive research into a variety of fields enables one to make an informed decision.

Due consideration of ongoing advancements in each field, resource availability, financial backing, and potential for future development and impact is advisable. Identification of the most suited field, aligned with personal interests and objectives, ensures a rewarding and fulfilling PhD experience.

Question 4: How Will a PhD Advance My Career?

Understanding how a PhD degree will contribute to your professional growth is essential. Although a PhD is a chiefly academic venture, it can unlock alternative career paths . Possession of a PhD substantiates one’s advanced proficiency and superior research capabilities, making them attractive candidates for academia, research establishments, and industries.

Opportunities in academia, research scholarships, and leadership roles are often the domain of PhD graduates. The added benefits of networking, collaboration, and interdisciplinary ventures can further augment employability. Consideration of individual career objectives is crucial to understand the advantages a PhD brings to the professional landscape.

Question 5: What Are the Requirements and Expectations of a PhD Program?

Before starting on a PhD journey, you should familiarize yourself with the prerequisites and what a PhD program entails. Common requisites include coursework, comprehensive exams, and developing a research dissertation, alongside strong analytical and critical thinking, independent research capabilities, and effective communication skills.

The program duration varies, typically ranging from three to six years, depending on the field of study and the student’s progress rate. Additional requirements often include collaborative work with faculty, conference participation, research paper publication, and teaching engagements. Insight into these aspects is essential to pave the way for a successful PhD study.

Question 6: How Can I Find the Best PhD Program?

The pursuit of a PhD study also involves identifying a suitable PhD program, which aligns with research interests and career objectives. Thorough research can help students explore top-rated universities with ample resources and expertise in their chosen field. Critical factors to consider include faculty experience, research possibilities, funding prospects, academic facilities, and the program’s reputation.

Engaging with current students and faculty, examining program rankings and testimonials, and attending graduate school events can provide valuable insights. Scrutiny of factors such as location, support services, and the overall fit with personal preferences is equally crucial. Balancing these considerations ensures that the chosen PhD program optimally supports research ventures and personal development.

Related: 10 Critical Factors to Consider When Choosing a PhD Program

7: What Are the Challenges and Potential Obstacles of Pursuing a PhD?

Embarking on a PhD path can be accompanied by a unique bunch of difficulties and potential hurdles. Key challenges include a demanding workload, long research hours, and staying motivated over a longer timeframe. In addition, crafting original research and dissertating can assert a strong intellectual demand.

It can also be tough to strike a balance between personal and professional responsibilities. Other probable hurdles encompass scant available funding, hurdles in identifying an appropriate mentor or research topic, and navigating possible roadblocks or failures. Understanding these challenges and hurdles before setting out on a PhD journey can help equip oneself better for what lies ahead.

Question 8: How Can I Prepare for the PhD Journey?

Being well-prepared is pivotal when setting out on a PhD path. Having a clear comprehension of your interest areas and the specific academic domain you want to delve into, is critical. Diving into relevant research and academic literature can propel your knowledge and help identify possible research gaps.

It’s equally important to strengthen your foundation in critical thinking and analytical skillsets. Nurturing effective time management and organizational competencies can aid in navigating the taxing PhD workload . Network and connect with faculty members and professionals in your field for insights and advice. Lastly, gear yourself mentally for the challenges and dedication demanded by a PhD journey for a successful academic exploration.

Question 9: What Are the Alternatives to a PhD?

While a PhD is a conventional route for advancing academic and research careers, other choices exist. An alternative could be a professional master’s degree that offers specialized training and skill enhancement specific to a field, an example is the MBA . Another viable option could be gaining hands-on industry experience, which could add to practical knowledge and career possibilities.

Some may consider launching their own enterprises or seek opportunities in entrepreneurship as an alternative to a PhD. Also, certificate programs and online courses are available for acquiring specific skills and expertise. Weighing the merits and demerits of various alternatives and considering what aligns most with your long-term visions and passions is vital.

Question 10: When Is the Right Time to Start a PhD Program?

Deciding on when to embark on a PhD journey requires thoughtful deliberation. It is prudent to have a defined sense of your research interests and objectives before starting this academic pursuit. Some may opt for an immediate transition to a PhD after their undergraduate studies, while others may favor gaining some work experience or achieving a master’s degree first.

It is key to assess your readiness, both personally and financially, along with your preparedness for an intense research and academic stint. Advice from professors, mentors, and professionals in your field could provide insights on timing aspects specific to your chosen domain. The decision should ultimately cater to your personal situation and long-term career goals.

Question 11: How Can I Fund My PhD?

Financing a PhD program could be a substantial worry for many aspiring students. However, there are numerous funding options on offer to buttress doctoral pursuits. A common funding route could be through research or teaching assistantships proffered by universities. These roles usually come with a stipend and potential tuition waivers.

Scholarships and grants from institutions, governments, and private entities are other potential sources of financial aid. Some students may secure funding outside the university in the form of fellowships or research grants. It’s crucial to extensively investigate and consider all potential funding sources and make inquiries with your chosen field’s faculty and departments for specific funding opportunities.

Part-time work or seeking loans for funding could also be considered if needed. Overall, with diligent planning and determination, financing a PhD program is attainable for many.

As we reach the concluding part of this discourse, it is essential to reiterate that choosing to commence a PhD journey is a monumental choice that commands diligent contemplation. By critically evaluating these 11 questions, you are well on your way to developing a well-rounded understanding and expectations regarding the pursuit of a PhD. A careful and exhaustive analysis of these questions will furnish you with the knowledge to make a well-informed decision and facilitate your successful transition into your desired PhD journey.

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Canice Silas

Canice U. Silas is a dedicated scholar who has channeled the last 20 years of his life to various forms of scholastic pursuits. He holds a BSC in Industrial Chemistry and a master's degree in Inorganic Chemistry from the prestigious Imo State University, Owerri. Mr Silas is set to complete his PhD in Inorganic Chemistry within the next six months. Passionate about the classroom from his elementary school days, Mr Silas grabbed the first opportunity that came his way at the Imo State University where he worked as A. A and currently K. O. Mbadiwe University, as a lecturer and as well has been into educational consulting for thousands of students across various tertiary institutions in the world.

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• Schools & departments

Six Things I wish I knew before starting a PhD

Our PhD students share six things they wish they’d known before they started their PhD, from taking advantage of every opportunity to knowing when to take a break.

In this blog post, we have put together six bits of advice that will help you make the most out of your experience, whether you are considering applying for a PhD, are about to start one or recently began your journey.

1. You won’t get these opportunities again… so put yourself out there

Make us e of all the resources that the university offers you . Whether that be going to a conference or participating in the social events that have been organised within your building - take it, because you won't get that opportunity again.

“ Your PhD isn't just about doing experiments, getting results and being in the lab. It's also about building on your own skills, personal development and opening up doorways for your future. So whenever you see an event or a challenge or a talk, something that looks interesting - make the most of it, grab onto it and it will help you develop in so many ways. ”

Phoebe, PhD Tissue Repair 

2. You will wish you had taken better notes

A lways write your protocols as you go along, gather your results up nicely, make sure you're on top of it from the beginning and you'll make life a lot easier for yourself when it comes to writing up !

“Write down EVERYTHING. This refers to your daily notes such as lab book notes. At the time you’re going to think such minor details are not necessary or you will remember these things anyway, but when the perfect antibody you are using stops working all of a sudden, you’re going to need all the lot numbers. Writing down exactly what things  didn’t  work is often more important than what did as this can be very helpful in troubleshooting.”

Priya, PhD Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre 

3. Really get to know your supervisor

Try to have a good open relationship with your supervisor, because they are w ho can really help you when times are tough, and they'll help you make the most of your PhD.

“ Build a strong relationship with them and tell them who you are. Make sure you get to know them well. Because your supervisors will not only advise you during your PhD time at the university but they will also guide you for the future - for your next step, in your jobs. So make sure you use those resources well. ”

4. You don’t need to be working 24/7

“You need to have other interests, hobbies and pursuits other than your PhD project. If a table has only one leg to stand on, it’s easy to get all wobbly once that leg becomes damaged.”

Theoklitos Amvrosiadis , PhD Precision Medicine

It is common for PhD students to feel guilty for not being sat at the desk the whole day but taking breaks is crucial to stay productive and motivated. Although it is important to work hard, it is just as important to go out and enjoy your time with others. Make sure you don’t isolate yourself and keep a strong support network of people around you that will keep you going through the adversities you will find along the way.

“ Because as international students, when we don't have anybody to go back home to it can be so easy to keep working for long hours in your office or in the library for instance. So make sure you have decent work hours in the day. Make sure you take breaks, make sure you go out and enjoy the beautiful city. So yes work hard within the lab but also try and get out of the lab. Make sure you get that social interaction with your friends . ”

Genevie, PhD Population Health Sciences

5. Sometimes things won’t go to plan… Learn to accept failure

"At the beginning of my second year, I experienced the worst imposter syndrome I had ever felt. I was tasked with setting up a pretty complex expe r iment and didn’t really know where to start. After many failed attempts I started panicking. “Maybe I just can’t do it” I thought as I pictured myself being kicked off my program.

A few weeks later, however, it was done. I learned a lot from that experience, mostly about 2-photon calcium imaging, but also about myself. I was the right person for the job not because of my expertise in imaging (which was non-existent!) but because I can be resourceful and creative.

But in reality, no matter how confident and skilled I am, sometimes experiments fail. Be it a mistake, an accident or a simple stroke of bad luck, it happens. And the only way to overcome a fear of failure is through exposure therapy. After a couple of rather spectacular failures, I have realized that there’s always a valuable lesson to learn from them. I won’t by any means say that I enjoy failing, but I can definitely say that for me, it is no longer the stuff of nightmares."

Michelle,  PhD Integrative Physiology  

“It is easy for us – PhD students – to become attached to the outcome of our latest experiment, the submission of a manuscript or a funding proposal, or our academic career in general. We often forget that the outcome is something we cannot directly control.

There has to be a shift in focus from the goal (the paper, the grant), which relies on many factors outside of our influence, to the process (conducting experiments properly, reading and understanding the literature…) which is the only factors we can actually control.”

6. You will get there!

“Realise that no matter what happens, you will be ok. Didn’t get into your desired PhD programme? There are countless others, you will be accepted somewhere (speaking from personal experience). Did you fail your PhD? Life certainly does not end outside of academia and your personal worth is not tied to two letters before your name.”

All PhD students will experience many obstacles and crises in their journey, and this is okay. Stay motivated by accepting that whatever happens, it won’t be the end of the world. Struggling is normal and expected and y ou will finish your degree !

"When everything seems to go downhill, don’t lose hope. I just started to work on my project and it gets desperate at times. If you are feeling overwhelmed like I was (am), don’t let it out on your project, you’ll get there. You’ll fix it. You’ll get your results. You’ll have a thesis. Just give it time! And in the meantime, embrace the opportunity that you have in your hands. How many people could say that they were brave enough to do the same thing as you’re doing?"

Madalena,  PhD Evolutionary Biology

Related Links

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PhD Studentships

• PhD Stories

14 Things you need to know when starting a PhD

• Posted by by Kristin The PhD
• 30. September 2019
• 7 minute read

You will never get it all right. Still, there are some things you should know when starting your PhD. This list will help you getting as much right as you possibly can. Welcome to the circus!

1. Doing a PhD is tough.

In many fields, doing a PhD will take you a long, long time – most likely anywhere between 3 and 7 years. In this time, you will accumulate a good few bathtubs of blood, sweat, and tears. Doing a PhD is a serious commitment. Check-in with yourself is you are ready for a rough adventure.

If you are, there are many great things ahead: Amazing people to meet, your own scientific discoveries, and a title at the end. Still, be prepared to spend a large portion of your time being frustrated, because nothing ever works as planned.

To get through your PhD, you will need to face a lot of bullshit and frustration. The good news: Once you are done, you will have nerves of steel and nothing in this world will be able to stop you any longer.

2. It’s normal to feel stupid.

All PhD candidates hear a voice inside of their heads telling them they are stupid, incompetent, and not worthy of their position. Some feel like they got their position out of sheer luck, and that they are only days away from everyone figuring out. Ironically, as a PhD student, it is normal to feel like you don’t know what you’re doing.

Once this self-doubt starts raising its voice, it might never go silent again. That’s okay. So many academics are struggling with the feeling of not being smart, competent, and productive enough, that we even have a word for this: Impostor Syndrome. Welcome the voice in and choose to ignore it. Let your unwanted houseguest have a cup of coffee while you work at getting better.

3. Nobody expects you to be an expert on your first day.

As a rule of thumb, you are granted at least the first half year of your PhD to catch up. When starting a PhD, read up on with literature about your topic, understand your experimental/analytical methods, and fill in any other gaps you might find while starting out. Read papers, go to a conference, ask your colleagues and supervisors about everything that is unclear to you. If they see that you are making an effort, they will be patient and understanding. However, really DO use that time to get up to speed. After the first half year, you will be expected to know what you are doing.

4. You might be expected to work on weekends.

Some (though not all!) supervisors expect PhD students to work overtime, in some cases even during weekends. The best you can do to figure out if that would apply to you, is to talk to your colleagues before starting . What is their typical workday? Is weekend work required/expected/a personal choice? Make sure you know what to you are getting yourself into.

In most cases, you will not have to work crazy hours and weekends if your supervisors are content with your output. If long hours and/or weekend work is the norm in your lab, set clear boundaries for yourself. How long is it really okay for you to stay on a long day? How often can you really afford to come to work on a weekend? To be a good researcher, you will need time off the job to recharge, get inspired, and to keep connected to your friends and family. Taking time for yourself outside of work is not a sign of laziness – it’s a must to stay sane in this business.

5. You will go from prodigy to disgrace and back countless times.

When you start, you never screwed up an experiment, you never asked a weird question, and your professor will congratulate themselves for the great new hire. You’re the new Golden Student!

Enjoy it while it lasts. At some point – no matter how hard you try to please – your professor will be annoyed with you. Maybe you forgot to cite a paper, came late to a seminar, or were simply the first person they saw after receiving bad news. You are suddenly cut off your professor’s affection.

It’s going to hurt – but also, it’s going to pass. Things will go back to normal almost always on their own – with the next batch of results or the next department mood swing.

6. You are responsible for your own growth.

While your supervisor should be your mentor and guiding light, this may not always be the case, for many possible reasons. Do not expect your supervisor to seek out new opportunities for you. If they do – great! If they don’t, make sure that you always have your own back .

Look for university courses or graduate school workshops that teach skills you want to get better at. For specific problems, don’t be afraid to ask your colleagues. Find conferences that interest you. Convince your collaborators that it is time to write a paper.

Be prepared to be your own mentor for a large part of the way. This can be hard – learn more on how to own your growth in this article .

7. Write EVERYTHING down.

When starting a PhD, also start a personal notebook in which you collect everything project-related, even if you don’t know what it means yet. From organisational to-dos, manuals of the new analytics software, to your personal ideas about the project and anything your professor mentions. This notebook will save your ass over and over again in the future.

8. Make your meetings count.

Meetings will be the backbone of your research. Whether it’s your supervisor stopping by the lab or strategy brainstorming with your professor, meetings will pave the way.

Especially in the beginning of your PhD, talking with your supervisors may be intimidating. You will not understand everything that is being said, and that’s okay. When it comes to meetings, make sure to:

• Make notes.
• Ask all of your questions.
• Find out exactly what is expected of you.
• Find out who can help you with these tasks.
• Thank everyone for their time when the meeting is over.
• Summarize all agreed points in an email to everyone involved.

The last point is crucial, because supervisors tend to have horrible memory. Write a recap email for every important meeting. Get the discussed milestones and strategies written down and shared. This will avoid misunderstandings and save you a lot of future headache.

9. Make the important people your friends.

Yes, your professor and supervisors are important. However, the really important people are the members of the non-scientific staff.

Secretaries, technicians, and librarians make the world go round in every university or institution. Still, their work is rarely appreciated. BE NICE TO THEM! Introduce yourself. Say hello when you see them. Smile. Say please and thank you.

From quick help with any technical problems to a secretary check-in about your professor’s mood – building a good relationship with the staff will make your PhD life much easier.

10. A community will help you through the toughest times.

We are human beings, and as such we have an obsession with feeling horrible about ourselves. For your PhD, the best remedy for this is to be an active part of a community. A good PhD community is a group of PhDs and/or Post-Docs that you feel safe with and that you admire. By talking with them, you will see that everyone has their pitfalls and learn how you can deal with your own. 

Your community may simply be your colleagues at work. Other communities may be local PhD associations, Meetup groups, or research schools. Nothing in sight? Talk to PhD students that are working close-by and join their lunch breaks. Becoming a member of a supportive circle will help you get through the tougher times.

11. Outside friends are gold.

Make an effort to find and maintain friends outside of work. In frustrating times, these people will be your little islands of happiness – because they will be able to get your mind off your anxiety-inducing PhD project for a little while.

If you are new in town, join a sports class, a book club, or a brunch Meetup. Do whatever you enjoy that will get you to hang out with people outside of your work bubble.

12. There is mental help if you need it.

There will come a time in your PhD when things won’t go well. If this affects you psychologically, find support before you are too far down the hole to reach out.

Sit down today, as you have a clear head and are optimistic, and make a list of where you can get help if needed. Think of it as an emergency list. Who could you turn to if you are treated disrespectfully? If you are discriminated against? Where do you ask for help if you feel depressed, frustrated, or overwhelmed? Who is there if you are on the verge of burn-out?

For any of the above, there is somebody in charge at your institution that will hear you out in a private session. Possible allies could be the student union, PhD representatives, equal opportunities officers, and scientific counsellors. Many universities offer free psychological counselling. Make a list of names and email addresses now. Your future self will thank you.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you think about reaching out for help, stop thinking and simply go. Don’t wait to reach out until it’s too late.

13. You can always quit.

When bad comes to worse, quitting is an option.

This is not to say that you should leave your PhD at the slightest problem coming up. Keep struggling through your challenges, but always know that you are not trapped in this job. You have the option of leaving if you don’t want to go on. There is no shame in doing that. You are in control. Keep this in mind and it will be easier for you to deal with difficult situations.

14. Starting a PhD: A few practical musts.

Backup your data. Be honest to your supervisor. Express any scientific concerns. Always ask questions. Don’t be shy to ask for help. Have an organisation system. Take any chance to present and discuss your science.

And, most importantly: Allow yourself to make mistakes.

If you find this list helpful, share it with someone that is just starting out with their PhD.

What are things that you wish you would have known when you started your PhD? Which things surprised you most? What did you learn along the way? Let us know in the comments below!

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10 (more) things you should know before starting a PhD

A while back, we asked some of our students to reflect on what they would like to have known before starting a PhD.

Their animated responses were boiled down into our essential listicle, 10 things you need to know before starting a PhD . Thousands of people have read it and, we hope, have been helped in their career journeys as a result.

But there were so many comments we couldn’t fit in, and plenty of new reflections that have arisen since. So, considering how important a decision it can be, we thought we’d give that article an update for 2023. 

We spoke to our current students to find out some more of the things they think you should consider before embarking on this journey.

1. Choosing an institute or a university

Many PhD students don’t consider the differences between a supervisor who works at a research institute or one who works at a university. There are advantages and disadvantages to both….and it’s worth thinking about this, depending on what you want to do with your PhD.

A supervisor based at an institute will usually have more time available to focus on research, rather than teaching undergraduates, and hopefully they’ll be more available for you. This can be ideal if you’re looking to move into research yourself. 

On the downside, it may be more difficult for you to get any teaching experience. If that’s important to you, be sure to ask questions about the teaching opportunities available. 

PhDs at the Earlham Institute

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PhD life at the Earlham Institute: what our students say

A PhD, is it worth it? Just ask our students

10 things you need to know before starting a PhD degree

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Questions to Ask When Considering a PhD

A guide to finding a "good fit" in a PhD program. Provides questions to ask yourself, questions to ask about specific programs, and questions to ask faculty members with whom you wish to work.

The Best Questions to Ask During a PhD Interview

A PhD interview is not only a chance for the department to determine if you’re a good fit for their program, it’s also an opportunity for you to decide if their program is right for you. Coming to the interview prepared with some questions shows the selection committee you’re serious about their program. Stuck on what to ask? Give these questions a go!

1. Are there opportunities for summer funding or travel grants?

Not all programs pay students during the summer months. If this is the case, you should ask if the program provides financial support for students to do research-related activities in the summer like take language classes or do fieldwork. Are there grants available from the department or university for research-related travel? In a similar vein, does the department or graduate school provide travel grants to reimburse PhD students for conference expenses?

2. What are recent alumni doing now?

Getting a PhD is a big investment of time and money so potential students want reassurance that it will pay off in the future. Before you commit to a program, find out where its recent alumni are now working. Do most alumni go on to positions in academia or are most of them working in industry or alt-ac?           

3. What sort of special resources does the university have for research in this field?

Some universities have resources above and beyond the norm, such as their own collection of papyri or a world-renowned affiliated hospital, which graduate students can access for their research. This can give one program an edge over another.

4. How long does it take on average for students to earn their degree?

The length of a PhD depends on which country you are studying in, however if one program has a longer-than-average time to degree it’s worth finding out why. Does the program require more coursework or have more exams than other similar programs? It’s also work asking what percentage of students don’t complete the program as a high percentage could be a red flag.

5. Will I have the opportunity to teach during my PhD?

If you want to be a professor, teaching will be an essential part of your job. It is extremely beneficial to gain teaching experience during your PhD and many North American PhD programs actually require at least one year of teaching.

6. Will I have the opportunity to publish during my PhD?

Publishing is an important part of academic life, but the publishing expectations of graduate students will depend on the field. If you are interviewing in STEM and social sciences, it is more relevant to ask how many first author papers most students publish by the time they graduate. In the humanities, where graduate publications are rarer, the better question will be if most students publish while they are in the program. In both cases, you should also ask how the faculty helps students learn to navigate publishing process.           

7. What is the funding level of this PhD position?

If the job posting or department website doesn’t go into detail about PhD funding, you can take this opportunity to clarify the funding level and total cost of the program. Depending on your circumstances, you might also want to ask whether the department offers any paid assistantship positions or supports external fellowship/grant applications.

8. What makes this program unique?

The core elements of all PhD programs are the same, so try to ask a question that gets at the differences. What does this program do to differentiate itself from the competition? It can be interesting to hear how multiple faculty members in the same department answer this question.

9. Are there any planned absences in the department in the coming years?

Do any key faculty members (including your supervisor) have sabbaticals planned while you would be doing your PhD?

10. How does the dissertation process work in this program?

It’s helpful to ask questions such as can students choose their own committee members, does the university offer finishing fellowships, and how long on average does it take students in this program to complete their dissertations?

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6 questions to ask yourself before starting a PhD

• Why do I want to do PhD?

In essence, the PhD is an apprenticeship for a research career. For instance, you are expected to learn about different research methods, not just the one that is relevant for your study. Sure, you will investigate in depth, a topic that interests you. But if the only reason why you are pursuing a PhD is because you are interested in the topic, and it is not because you want to learn about the process of research, then you might be better advised to do something else.

• Which type of PhD programme is best for me?

There are different types of PhD programmes. For instance, many UK institutions follow the manuscript approach, where you need to write one single, big piece of work. In contrast, universities in the US tend to follow a PhD by publications approach, where you write a number of journal articles related to one topic. Likewise, there are programmes take in a large co-hort of PhD students, while others admit only a small intake. And there are programmes that follow a very structured approach with coursework and exams at certain times, while others are more flexible.

• Who will be supervising me?

Choose your supervisor carefully. This is the person you will be working with for several years, and who will be showing you the tricks of the trade. Don’t leave it to chance. Research the public profiles of academics in your area, and identify someone who shares your research interests. This way, you will not only work with someone who knows your field, but you will also ensure that s/he is motivated to work with you. After all, supervisors are very busy people who, more often than not, get very little formal reward for supervising your doctoral study. So, the more research interests you have in common, the more willing and engaged s/he will be.

• What is my topic?

Sure, you want to investigate something interesting, substantial and relevant. However, you also need to get it down in three or so years, and reported in around 100,00 words. So, make sure that you chose a topic that is neither too narrow, nor too ambitious. And while we are at it, make sure that you can identify and articulate how your work will contribute to the overall field, not just to the particular empirical case that you are studying.

• When am I going to finish?

Yes, it is right: before you start your PhD, you need to have an end date in mind. When you did your undergraduate or masters’ studies, you knew that there would be a final exam, or what the submission deadline was for your final project. Yet, many PhD candidates embark on their programmes with nothing but a vague intention to finish in 3 years’ time. Get hold of a calendar, and mark the date (not just ‘Spring’ or ‘Christmas’) of when you should be finishing. Then, work backwards, and soon you will realise that a PhD is not a time for lazy reading. You need to keep moving. Making progress. Of course some things may go wrong and set you off track. But if you do not have a plan and milestones in place, then you will never have a true perception of your progress (or lack of it).

• How am I going to ensure that I finish on time?

You wouldn’t run a marathon without having the right equipment, without planning your nutrition and hydration, or even without ensuring that someone will be there to cheer you on from the side line. Do the same for your PhD. And keep your eye on the medal – i.e., give yourself a strong reason to finish your PhD! In my case, I had a job offer that was conditional on finishing the PhD. But, perhaps, you could book the holiday of your life?! A friend of mine set a visual reminder of how much money the PhD was costing him, daily – knowing how much money he was ‘paying himself’, spurred him on to get the job done.

And, I also created an infographic. Well, kind of (it’s my first attempt at this!).

So, there are my tips. What else would you add, or would you like to know about doing a PhD?

Please share this post with your community:

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• Pingback: ‘A good beginning makes a good end’ – Thoughts on getting the best possible start on your PhD | Ana Canhoto

Great post!

Thank you for stopping by. How are your PhD plans going?

All my applications are in- I find out in March if/where I’m accepted.

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1, 3 and 6… are HUGE.

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Publication-based doctorate: is it for me?

Potential research higher degree candidates from academia or industry will need to decide between a doctorate by thesis or by publication. Here are key questions to ask before embarking on the doctoral journey

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Prospective doctoral candidates have much less understanding of the process and requirements for a publication-based doctorate than they do for the more popular thesis-based route. Completing a doctorate, thesis- or publication-based, takes time and effort. Selecting the right mode is important before starting a research higher degree (RHD), so that the prospective doctoral candidate can be confident of completing it.

Here, I discuss the questions that future doctoral candidates should ask if they are considering a publication-based doctorate.

• Why get a PhD by publication (and other career tips)
• Why getting a PhD is like building a Lego duck
• Don’t jettison traditional academic writing just yet

What is my goal in completing a doctorate?

A thesis-based doctorate helps the candidate to explore a subtopic of a research field as deeply as possible, based on few theoretical variables and within a limited practical context (for example, a limited dataset from a single socio-economic setting). A publication-based doctorate could explore a topic with more variables and contexts (for example, different publications on same topic would have different variables and datasets). It gives a publication-based doctorate a little more flexibility to explore a topic more widely. Therefore, the goal of exploring a subtopic area as widely as possible could fit better for a publication-based doctorate.

What is my thesis?

Yes, even for a publication-based doctorate, candidates need to produce a thesis, a theory or a proposition on a single topic, in combination with the overall contributions of published papers. As a result, the candidates need to think about how they can draw together the relevant findings from published papers to produce new knowledge on a single topic.

Are my publications cohesive?

For a publication-based doctorate, the publications you may already have and the outputs you plan to produce within an agreed time frame should focus on and contribute to a single subtopic. So ask yourself: how unified are my existing and planned publications? Designing the research aim, research question, methodology and contribution of your intended publications in relation to these sections among your existing publications is instrumental to ensuring that your publications are cohesive.

Where am I publishing?

Understanding where you publish should be a key consideration, as not all publications will be eligible for inclusion in your submission. All fields of studies have their own benchmark publications. For example, in business, the journal lists of the Association of Business Schools in the UK and the Australian Business Deans’ Council are often used to indicate a publication’s quality. In general, a publication-based doctorate could consist of journal papers, book chapters or published conference proceedings. Industry-based publications could be considered as well in some instances (for example, if you have an article published by a reputable chamber of commerce). Articles in predatory journals and publications such as brief op-ed articles or blogs might not be considered for a doctorate by publication.

Will the findings and contributions of my publications stand the test of time?

Doctoral candidates may already have publications, perhaps even in good academic journals, but they may be 10 years old. The knowledge produced perhaps made a contribution to your field of study, but the subsequent progress of the field may have surpassed your work or made it obsolete over time. So considering the potential significance of publications during the projected time of a doctoral submission is important. Comparing your work with existing publications in your field is a good way to understand the significance of the work you produce.

What is the extent of my theoretical and practical contribution?  

All doctorates should make significant contribution of theoretical knowledge and practical implication. But we know that the extent of theoretical and practical contribution of a RHD can differ based on the type of doctorate someone would undertake. For example, a doctor of philosophy needs to produce significant theoretical knowledge, whereas a professional doctorate would need more practical implications. Therefore, the candidate needs to consider the extent of theoretical and practical implications of their publications, in order to decide whether a doctor of philosophy or a professional doctorate would be more relevant.

Am I publishing as a sole author or a co-author?

Often, we work in a team and publish with our co-authors. Therefore, if you are planning to include one or several co-authored publications in a publication-based doctorate, securing permission from co-authors to include the relevant sections (that you have contributed to those co-authored publications) into a publication-based doctoral thesis will be helpful in avoiding any future conflict of interest among co-authors.

What is my career stage?

Career stage would have an influence on whether to opt for a doctorate by publication. For example, a candidate may already have five or 10 years of academic teaching or industry experience but has perhaps produced few academic or industry-based publications. In general, working to publish more papers in next two years, and combining them with existing publications to produce a new knowledge, would be useful to submit a thesis by publication. Mid-career candidates from either academia or industry might be considering a publication-based doctorate alongside other commitments but find that their work-life balance is unsustainable. In this case, a doctor of philosophy would be more appropriate for academic candidates, while a professional doctorate would be more relevant for candidates from industry.

How do I find a PhD supervisor?

Irrespective of whether the doctorate is by thesis or publication, RHD supervisors play a significant role in training their candidates to become independent researchers. So looking at the prospective supervisors’ profile, comparing your topic with their research area, emailing them to share your draft proposal, and requesting an appointment to talk about it further will be valuable for prospective candidates. It will help them to develop their topic of research, understand research procedures and requirements, and secure a supervisor.

These questions will help an academic or an industry professional considering a doctorate by publication to weigh their options carefully.

Riad Shams is assistant professor and head of the PhD programme at the Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University, UK. He is a board member of the Northern Advanced Research Training Initiative, a fellow of the Higher Education Academy and the EuroMed Academy of Business, and associate editor of the Journal of Social Entrepreneurship .

If you would like advice and insight from academics and university staff delivered direct to your inbox each week, sign up for the Campus newsletter .

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• 12 March 2024

Bring PhD assessment into the twenty-first century

You have full access to this article via your institution.

Innovation in PhD education has not reached how doctoral degrees are assessed. Credit: Dan Dunkley/Science Photo Library

Research and teaching in today’s universities are unrecognizable compared with what they were in the early nineteenth century, when Germany and later France gave the world the modern research doctorate. And yet significant aspects of the process of acquiring and assessing a doctorate have remained remarkably constant. A minimum of three years of independent study mentored by a single individual culminates in the production of the doctoral thesis — often a magisterial, book-length piece of work that is assessed in an oral examination by a few senior academic researchers. In an age in which there is much research-informed innovation in teaching and learning, the assessment of the doctoral thesis represents a curious throwback that is seemingly impervious to meaningful reform.

But reform is needed. Some doctoral candidates perceive the current assessment system to lack transparency, and examiners report concerns of falling standards ( G. Houston A Study of the PhD Examination: Process, Attributes and Outcomes . PhD thesis, Oxford Univ.; 2018 ). Making the qualification more structured would help — and, equally importantly, would bring the assessment of PhD education in line with education across the board. PhD candidates with experience of modern assessment methods will become better researchers, wherever they work. Indeed, most will not be working in universities: the majority of PhD holders find employment outside academia.

Collection: Career resources for PhD students

It’s not that PhD training is completely stuck in the nineteenth century. Today’s doctoral candidates can choose from a range of pathways. Professional doctorates, often used in engineering, are jointly supervised by an employer and an academic, and are aimed at solving industry-based problems. Another innovation is PhD by publication, in which, instead of a final thesis on one or more research questions, the criterion for an award is a minimum number of papers published or accepted for publication. In some countries, doctoral students are increasingly being trained in cohorts, with the aim of providing a less isolating experience than that offered by the conventional supervisor–student relationship. PhD candidates are also encouraged to acquire transferable skills — for example, in data analysis, public engagement, project management or business, economics and finance. The value of such training would be even greater if these skills were to be formally assessed alongside a dissertation rather than seen as optional.

And yet, most PhDs are still assessed after the production of a final dissertation, according to a format that, at its core, has not changed for at least half a century, as speakers and delegates noted at an event in London last month on PhD assessment, organized by the Society for Research in Higher Educatio n. Innovations in assessment that are common at other levels of education are struggling to find their way into the conventional doctoral programme.

Take the concept of learning objectives. Intended to aid consistency, fairness and transparency, learning objectives are a summary of what a student is expected to know and how they will be assessed, and are given at the start of a course of study. Part of the ambition is also to help tutors to keep track of their students’ learning and take remedial action before it is too late.

PhD training is no longer fit for purpose — it needs reform now

Formative assessment is another practice that has yet to find its way into PhD assessment consistently. Here, a tutor evaluates a student’s progress at the mid-point of a course and gives feedback or guidance on what students need to do to improve ahead of their final, or summative, assessment. It is not that these methods are absent from modern PhDs; a conscientious supervisor will not leave candidates to sink or swim until the last day. But at many institutions, such approaches are not required of PhD supervisors.

Part of the difficulty is that PhD training is carried out in research departments by people who do not need to have teaching qualifications or awareness of innovations based on education research. Supervisors shouldn’t just be experts in their field, they should also know how best to convey that subject knowledge — along with knowledge of research methods — to their students.

It is probably not possible for universities to require all doctoral supervisors to have teaching qualifications. But there are smaller changes that can be made. At a minimum, doctoral supervisors should take the time to engage with the research that exists in the field of PhD education, and how it can apply to their interactions with students.

There can be no one-size-fits-all solution to improving how a PhD is assessed, because different subjects often have bespoke needs and practices ( P. Denicolo Qual. Assur. Educ. 11 , 84–91; 2003 ). But supervisors and representatives of individual subject communities must continue to discuss what is most appropriate for their disciplines.

All things considered, there is benefit to adopting a more structured approach to PhD assessment. It is high time that PhD education caught up with changes that are now mainstream at most other levels of education. That must start with a closer partnership between education researchers, PhD supervisors and organizers of doctoral-training programmes in universities. This partnership will benefit everyone — PhD supervisors and doctoral students coming into the research workforce, whether in universities or elsewhere.

Education and training in research has entered many secondary schools, along with undergraduate teaching, which is a good thing. In the spirit of mutual learning, research doctoral supervisors, too, will benefit by going back to school.

Nature 627 , 244 (2024)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00718-0

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