Having made the decision to pursue a PhD, you now have the dilemma of choosing the university and department which best suit your individual preferences and requirements.
There are the obvious factors to be considered, such as in which country the university should be based, in which language you wish to study, access to funding and supervisor availability. There are also a number of other factors that should similarly be a part of your decision making process. These factors are not always obvious but can have a significant impact upon your PhD experience.
The research culture of a department and how that department treats its research students is worth attention. A quick look at a department’s website will give clues as to whether students are encouraged to attend conferences, publish academic papers, participate in dedicated workshops or are allocated their own office or workspace.
It is also worth investigating whether the ethos of a PhD programme within a department is in line with your own PhD motivation, academic needs and future ambitions. It might be that a research only degree is right for you. Alternatively you might prefer to find a programme that encourages you to also attend courses, gives you the chance to learn new skills, or enables you to have teaching, research or consultancy opportunities.
Many students discover that undertaking a PhD can be a lonely experience and if this is something which you think will be a problem for you, then finding a department which facilitates a vibrant student community is vital. Not only will your fellow students provide social diversions, but they will be the ones to show you around when you arrive, help you navigate the administrative processes and perhaps even proof-read your work. They will be the ones with whom you can practice your academic arguments, swap ideas and collaborate. In short they will form your first academic network and many of them will become your friends for life.
The location of the campus can also be important. If you need to support yourself through a part-time job, you might find more employment options available should you chose a city based institution rather than one based in a small town. Similarly those with family commitments should note the whereabouts of childcare facilities or local schools. Keeping travel to a minimum can reduce stress and save considerable time in the long-run.
Campus facilities that are in-line with your personal needs can also improve your enjoyment of student life. Such facilities might include whether the library provides the key journals appropriate to your area of academic interest, whether there is separate provision for research students, whether the institution provides facilities particular to your sporting abilities, social requirements, food preferences and medical needs. While these later points may have previously influenced your undergraduate decisions, don’t forget with time and maturity your priorities will have changed.
Many of these factors might not be immediately apparent from an Institution’s prospectus. However a search online, both through the Institution’s own website and other student related webpages, should provide the information you need.
Picture by Lauryn under CC license.
Brilliant post, very insightful! I’ve been considered a PhD for a while now and think I have narrowed down to Paris or Edinburgh , although not entirely sure which institution will best foster my area of research. I’m aware Heriot-Watt has a pretty formidable research record, but what does that really mean from the inside for a prospective PhD student like myself?
Hi Matthias
Thank you for reading my post.
Universities have different strengths and which you chose is really dependent on what you want out of your PhD and what you want to do after you graduate. So, for example, some students need a PhD to further their careers in industry (though perhaps this isn’t as relevant for social science as for the physical). Such students should therefore look for a department which closely collaborates with industry partners through extensive consultancy programmes or joint research initiatives.
Enrolling at a university with a strong research reputation means there will be an emphasis on that aspect in your PhD programme. Of course you will learn the other elements of being an academic, such as teaching, but you will be also immersed in a culture in which you are actively encouraged to publish, attend academic conferences, perhaps undertake some work as a Research Associate, and further develop academic curiosity.
Best wishes
Steff
Great read! I’m currently in third year studying business administration at Heriot Watt University, Dubai campus.
Dubai is a international hub for businesses and having lived here for close to 13 years, I have seen the development and potential the country has to offer. Especially with the upcoming Dubai Expo2020. However, I’m wondering if it may not be worth looking into seeking further education abroad? A change of environment may be worthwhile if I were to consider a PhD?
Hi Michael
Great Point – I was thinking of writing about the advantages of studying abroad for my next post (if you can wait a couple of days).
Best wishes
Steff