Embarking on a PhD is a significant commitment, so choosing the right programme and supervisor is crucial from the outset. This decision will determine the course of your doctoral journey. It will shape the research you undertake, the mentorship you receive, and the opportunities available during your studies.
It is therefore vital to select a PhD programme that aligns with your research interests and career goals. Equally important is finding a supervisor who can support and inspire you. The PhD will likely span several years of intensive work. A good fit both academically and personally can make the experience far more rewarding and productive. Conversely, a poor choice could lead to unnecessary difficulties or misalignment between your expectations and the reality of the programme.
Choosing a programme aligned with your research interests and goals
The first step is to find a PhD programme that matches your academic interests and long-term career objectives. A PhD is not only a research project; it is also a training process for your future career. Therefore, it is important to consider what skills, knowledge, and credentials you aim to gain by the end of the doctorate.
You should look for programmes in which your proposed research topic can thrive and where you will receive the right kind of training and support for your goals. For example, if you aspire to an academic career, you might prioritise a strong research environment with excellent publication output and teaching opportunities. If you are more interested in industry or policy roles, you may look for programmes that offer practical training, internships, or links to industry.
“The focus of a PhD should be training for your future career. You should choose a program that will provide you with the skills and support you need for your particular career goals” (Riis-Vestergaard, 2023).
This could include examining the career placements of recent graduates from the programme, since their outcomes can reflect the quality of training provided.
Research area fit
Ensure that the department or programme has expertise in your chosen research area. A university’s general prestige matters less than whether it has faculty members and resources closely related to your topic. It can be beneficial to apply to departments known for strengths in your subfield, as they will offer relevant seminars, facilities, and a scholarly community.
However, do not fixate solely on rankings. Departmental culture and support can be as important as reputation in shaping your PhD experience (Riis-Vestergaard, 2023). A less famous university with an enthusiastic research group in your niche might serve you better than a top university where your topic is peripheral.
Look at faculty profiles and recent publications to gauge if the department’s interests align with yours. It is also helpful to review if the programme has research centres or labs focused on your area, as this can indicate strong infrastructure for your project.
Career goals and programme type
Consider what kind of PhD structure suits your learning style and career plans. Some programmes (often in the sciences or interdisciplinary areas) are part of structured Doctoral Training Partnerships or Centres for Doctoral Training, where you start with a taught component or rotations through different labs in the first year. These cohort-based programmes provide formal training courses and a peer group of fellow PhD students, which can foster a sense of community and offer broad skill development. The trade-off is that they may have less immediate focus on your individual research until after the initial year.
Other programmes (especially traditional ones in the UK) involve diving straight into your research project under a primary supervisor with minimal taught elements.
If you prefer more guidance and breadth of training, a structured programme or doctoral school might be attractive. In contrast, if you are eager to begin specialised research right away, a direct thesis-based programme could be a better fit.
Also, some fields have professional doctorates or practice-based PhDs (for example, EdD in Education, DBA in Business) which include more applied project work. These may be suitable if your career path is outside academia but you still want a doctorate.
Full-time vs part-time study
Another consideration is whether to undertake the PhD full-time or part-time. Full-time study is the norm and generally allows you to complete the PhD faster and immerse yourself deeply in the research environment. Full-time PhD students typically finish in about three to four years in the UK (Times Higher Education, 2023).
In the United States, doctoral studies often include coursework and take around five to six years on average. Part-time study, on the other hand, offers flexibility to balance other commitments (such as a job or family responsibilities). However, it also extends the duration of the degree.
In the UK, part-time PhD candidates usually take about six to eight years to complete their doctorate (Times Higher Education, 2023). Part-time enrolment can be viable if you need to continue working for financial stability or if you prefer a slower pace; however, it requires excellent time management and self-discipline since you will be juggling multiple responsibilities over a long period.
You should also investigate whether the programmes you are interested in allow part-time registration and whether funding is available for part-time PhDs. Many scholarship schemes, especially in the UK, are structured for full-time students, which means part-time students often have to be self-funded or have employer support.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal circumstances – for instance, a mid-career professional might opt for a part-time PhD to maintain their income, whereas a recent graduate might pursue a full-time PhD to focus entirely on research.
Considering location and academic system (UK vs abroad)
When choosing a PhD programme, location is not just a matter of geography – it often determines the educational system and structure of your doctoral experience. There are substantial differences between doing a PhD in the UK and doing one in the USA (or other countries). These differences should align with your personal preferences.
PhD in the UK or other countries
UK PhD programmes are typically shorter and more research-focused compared to those in North America. In the UK (and in similar systems where you start a PhD after a Master’s), doctorates usually involve little to no required coursework. Students begin their research project from the outset and aim to complete within three to four years full-time.
In contrast, a PhD in the United States normally includes 1–2 years of coursework and exams (comprehensive/qualifying exams) before the dissertation stage, resulting in a longer average time to completion (often ~5–6 years full-time) (Times Higher Education, 2023).
The US model provides a broader foundation and sometimes includes lab rotations. However, this structure means a longer period before you can focus exclusively on your thesis research. European PhD structures vary: many European countries follow a model closer to the UK (three to four year PhDs mainly by research), though some have integrated doctoral schools or require some taught credits.
In some European contexts (for example, Germany or the Nordic countries), PhD candidates are considered employees and receive a salary; positions are often tied to funded projects or grants. These nuances can affect your experience. Therefore, think about which academic system suits you best. If you prefer a structured programme with coursework and teaching duties – and you don’t mind the longer duration – the US route might be appealing. If you would rather concentrate on independent research and finish sooner, a UK or European-style PhD could be advantageous.
Practical factors about location
Beyond academics, consider where you will be living for the next few years. A PhD typically takes somewhere between three and eight years to complete, so it is important that the programme is located somewhere you could imagine living for that length of time.
For example, if having a support system is necessary for you—like if you are moving with young children or a spouse—let that factor into your decision of where to go. If you are an international student moving with a spouse, consider whether it is possible for your spouse to work to make sure your family has a sustainable income. On the margin, you could also consider other factors, such as traffic, nature, city amenities, etc. The visiting days can be a great opportunity to get a sense of whether you can live somewhere and whether the location is a good fit (Merdikawati, 2023).
Reflect on aspects like language, culture, climate, cost of living, and visa regulations of the country in question. If you thrive in a big city with diverse cultural offerings, a university in London or New York might suit you; on the other hand, if you prefer a quieter setting with access to nature, a campus town or a country with a slower pace of life could be better.
Also think about your support network – will you be far from family and friends, and how will you cope with that if so? Some students choose to do their PhD abroad for the experience and opportunities it provides, while others may find it less stressful to stay in a familiar environment. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, location should be part of your decision matrix because it can affect your well-being and productivity over the long haul.
Another aspect of location is how it relates to your field of study and career plans. Certain research fields have regional hubs; for example, doing an AI-related PhD in Silicon Valley (USA) or a renewable energy PhD in Denmark might plug you into key networks and industries in those areas. Likewise, if you aim to work in a particular country afterward, studying there could help you build relevant connections.
If you go abroad for a PhD, consider whether the degree will be recognised or valued in the country where you eventually want to work. Most PhDs are internationally recognised, but some employers might place different weight on domestic versus foreign credentials. In summary, weigh both the academic structure and the living environment of any country or university you consider, ensuring they fit your needs and preferences for a successful PhD experience.
The importance of a compatible PhD supervisor
Choosing the right supervisor is often cited as the single most important factor in the success of a PhD. In fact, many doctoral applicants decide on a university primarily because a particular academic there could be their supervisor. The supervisor will be your main mentor and guide, potentially your closest professional collaborator during the degree, and the person who has the biggest influence on your research progress and academic development.
As a career advisor notes, most PhD students’ choice of university is heavily influenced by the chance to work with a specific supervisor who is a leader in their field, because “they’re the person who’ll have the biggest impact on your studies” (Higginbotham, 2024). A great supervisor can inspire you, provide rigorous training, connect you to academic networks, and help navigate challenges. Conversely, a poor match in supervision style or expertise can lead to frustration, isolation, or stalled progress. Therefore, it is crucial to find a compatible PhD supervisor whose research interests, working style, and personality align well with yours.
What to look for in a supervisor
An ideal PhD supervisor is someone with expertise in your chosen topic (or at least in a closely related domain) and a track record of successful mentorship. You will benefit greatly if your supervisor is an active researcher who publishes regularly and is well-connected in the academic community – this often means they are up to date with developments in the field and can introduce you to other scholars and opportunities. Research has shown that students with experienced, research-intensive supervisors tend to have better PhD outcomes, including more publications and higher completion rates (Belavy et al., 2020).
It also helps if the supervisor has advised PhD students before and understands the process of guiding someone to completion. However, very senior or famous professors, while prestigious, might be extremely busy and have many commitments. A highly reputable supervisor can open doors for you (for example, a strong reference letter from a big name can boost academic job prospects) (TargetJobs, 2023). However, if they have too little time for you, then day-to-day support may suffer. Thus, you might seek a balance: a respected academic who still has sufficient time and enthusiasm to mentor you closely.
Personal compatibility is equally important. You do not need to be close friends with your supervisor, but you should have mutual respect and a compatible working dynamic.
Think about what style of guidance you prefer: do you want a hands-on supervisor who meets with you weekly and gives detailed feedback, or someone who gives you lots of independence and expects you to drive the project? Do you work best with a gentle, encouraging mentor or with a more challenging, blunt style of critique?
Ideally, find a supervisor whose mentorship approach matches your needs. Before committing, many students arrange a meeting (or video call) with a potential supervisor to discuss expectations. During that conversation, you might ask practical questions – for instance, how often they meet with their students, how much feedback they provide on writing, and whether they have a policy on things like responding to drafts or emails (Prospects, 2024).
A good supervisor should be approachable, reliable, and genuinely interested in your research question. It is also wise to ensure the individual is likely to be available for the duration of your PhD (check that they are not due to retire or planning a long sabbatical). If they are junior faculty, consider that they might move institutions if they get a new job (especially in the US system, where assistant professors can change university); this is not necessarily a bad thing if you’re willing to follow or if the department can reassign you a suitable mentor.
Finding potential supervisors
The search for the right supervisor should start with surveying the research landscape in your field. Begin by reading recent literature (journal articles, books, conference papers) in your area of interest and note which authors’ names appear frequently or whose work you find exciting. These could be potential supervisors or at least leads to further investigate (Prospects, 2024).
You can also look at university websites for faculty profiles in relevant departments – many have pages listing faculty research interests and publications. Academic networking platforms and databases like Google Scholar can help identify active researchers in your niche. If you are completing or have completed a Master’s degree, ask your current professors for recommendations: they often know who the leaders in the field are and may suggest particular academics who are good to work with (TargetJobs, 2023). Some fields have online forums or resources (such as professional associations or mailing lists) where upcoming PhD openings and supervisors looking for students might be posted.
As you compile a shortlist of individuals, do a bit of background research on each potential supervisor. Look at their recent publications to ensure their expertise aligns with what you want to do – if a professor hasn’t published anything related to your interest in ten years, they may have moved on to other topics, which is a red flag for fit.
Check how many PhD students they have supervised to completion and what those graduates are doing now; this can indicate their mentorship quality and networking connections. You could even reach out to current or former students of that supervisor (perhaps via email or academic social media) to politely ask about their experience. This kind of insight can be invaluable. For instance, you might learn that Professor X is brilliant but slow to give feedback, or that Dr Y creates a very supportive group atmosphere.
Approaching a potential supervisor
Once you have identified one or a few academics who could be ideal supervisors, the next step is to approach them. In many doctoral systems (especially the UK and other parts of Europe), it is expected or at least very common to contact a potential supervisor before applying formally to discuss your project ideas and gauge their interest. Even in systems where you apply to a programme as a whole (like the US), reaching out can show initiative and help you assess fit.
The initial approach is usually by email. It should be a professional, concise, and well-crafted email that introduces yourself and your research interest, and explains why you would like to work with that faculty member. Think of it as a cover letter of sorts: you want to make a good first impression and demonstrate genuine interest. Keep the tone polite and formal (avoid overly casual language), and make sure to address the academic by their proper title (e.g., “Dear Dr. Smith” or “Dear Professor Chen”).
In the email, briefly outline your academic background (degrees, any research experience or publications), your proposed research topic or question (highlighting how it relates to the professor’s work), and why you are drawn to that university or that supervisor’s lab. It helps to mention specific aspects of the professor’s work that you admire or have found useful in forming your ideas – this shows you have done your homework (Prospects, 2024). For example, you might write, “I was intrigued by your recent paper on urban climate adaptation, which informs part of my proposed thesis on sustainable city planning…”.
Attach an up-to-date academic CV, and if the programme requires a research proposal at application, you can mention that you have a draft proposal ready (and indeed attach it if they ask or if it’s customary). Aim for clarity and brevity in your email – busy academics appreciate a succinct message that quickly conveys the key points. Avoid grandiose claims or flattery; be earnest about your interests and how you think their supervision would benefit you (Prospects, 2024).
It’s also helpful to indicate your funding status or plans in this initial contact. This is because some supervisors may only be able to take a student who comes with a scholarship, or they might have funded positions available. You could say something like, “I plan to apply for the XYZ Scholarship to fund my PhD,” or ask if there are funded openings in their lab. Conclude the email with a courteous sign-off, and perhaps a suggestion that you would be happy to discuss further via video call or meet in person if feasible.
If you do not hear back immediately, be patient. Academics often receive many emails; if you get no response within a couple of weeks, a gentle follow-up is acceptable. Should a potential supervisor express interest and agree to discuss further (via a meeting or call), prepare for that conversation by reading some of their work in detail and having thoughtful questions ready.
This discussion is a two-way evaluation: the supervisor is assessing your fit and motivation, but you are also assessing them and the opportunity. Pay attention to how they communicate – are they enthusiastic about your ideas? Do they seem supportive and clear in their answers to your questions? Trust your instincts; if something feels off in that interaction (for instance, if they seem dismissive or uncertain about taking on a new student), you might reconsider.
Mentorship and working relationship
Remember that your supervisor–PhD student relationship will likely last for the duration of the doctorate (and often beyond, as they may become a primary referee for you). Thus, investing time to find the right person is worth it. Once you start your PhD, building a good working relationship will require effort on both sides. You should meet agreed deadlines, communicate regularly, and be receptive to feedback.
A good supervisor will guide you but also expect you to grow into an independent researcher. Ideally, you should feel comfortable discussing any issues with them, whether academic or logistical. If you discover partway through the PhD that the fit is not good, universities do have mechanisms to change supervisors. However, this process can be complicated and is best avoided by choosing carefully at the start (Prospects, 2024).
In some cases, your “supervisor” may actually be a supervisory team (with a primary and secondary supervisor, or a committee). If so, consider the dynamics – is there a clear lead supervisor who will be your main go-to person? Are the other members there for additional expertise? Multiple mentors can be a benefit, offering a range of expertise, but ensure that one person (usually the primary supervisor) is clearly responsible for coordinating supervision so that you don’t receive confusing or fragmented guidance.
Funding and financial considerations
Funding is a major factor in choosing a PhD programme, because pursuing a doctorate is a significant financial and time investment. You should realistically assess how you will support yourself throughout the PhD and consider the funding packages offered by different programmes.
A fully-funded PhD position or scholarship is generally the ideal scenario – this usually covers your tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses. Common sources of funding include university scholarships, government or research council studentships (such as UKRI studentships in the UK, or NSF fellowships in the USA), and funded positions on a research grant or project. Some well-resourced universities also offer graduate assistantships where you work part-time teaching or conducting research in exchange for a stipend.
Importance of funding for success
Beyond the obvious benefit of easing your financial burden, adequate funding can greatly enhance your PhD experience and outcomes. A recent study highlighted that PhD students who received a scholarship were more productive in terms of research publications and were less likely to withdraw, compared to self-funded students (Belavy et al., 2020). When you are not worrying about money for basic living costs, you can focus more on your research.
Moreover, funded programmes often come with additional support like conference travel grants or funding for equipment and fieldwork, which enrich your doctoral training. Therefore, when comparing different offers or programmes, carefully examine what funding is available. If one programme offers a significantly larger stipend or extra research funds, that is an important consideration (although you should also weigh this against other factors like supervisor and research fit – the most lucrative offer is not automatically the best if it’s for a project you aren’t passionate about).
Assess the financial package
Look at the details of any funding you are offered: the stipend amount, duration of funding, and any work requirements (such as mandatory teaching). In the UK, most research council-funded PhDs provide a standard stipend (around £17,668 per year as of 2022) and cover tuition fees. Some universities top this up slightly, especially in London where the cost of living is higher. In the US, stipend levels vary by institution and discipline, so find out how competitive the stipend is relative to local living costs.
Also find out if health insurance is included (in the US this is crucial – many PhD packages include health coverage as part of the benefits). If you have external scholarships or are considering them, factor those in. For example, an external fellowship might offer more funding or prestige and could be portable across universities. This might influence your choice if you win one.
One should also consider the opportunity cost and any personal financial limits. If a programme you like is not fully funded, think very carefully about the implications. Some students do self-fund PhDs (either via savings, loans, or working part-time alongside), but this can add stress and extend the time to completion. Indeed, experts advise that you should “think very hard about the long-term financial implications before starting a program that is not fully funded” (Riis-Vestergaard, 2023).
If you must self-fund, check if the university offers any fee waivers or whether you can study part-time to spread costs. Have a realistic plan for covering tuition and living expenses for the entire duration of the doctorate.
Comparing funding offers and negotiation
If you are in the fortunate position of choosing between multiple funded offers, compare them in totality. One programme might offer a higher stipend but also require a heavier teaching load, while another has fewer duties but a slightly lower stipend. Some packages might cover conference travel or research expenses separately, whereas others might not.
For example, one doctoral training partnership might provide a budget for conference travel and a laptop. Another programme might expect you to apply for such funds when needed. These differences can affect your experience.
It’s also worth noting that in certain cases (especially in the US), you can negotiate aspects of your offer – such as asking if the department can increase your stipend or provide a one-time relocation allowance (Riis-Vestergaard, 2023). Not every school is able or willing to negotiate, but it doesn’t hurt to politely inquire if you have some leverage (for instance, if you have competing offers).
Funding tied to supervisors or projects
In some fields, funding is attached to a specific project or grant. For instance, a STEM PhD position might come with a predefined research project funded by a grant, where the grant holder (the professor) would be your supervisor. In such cases, choosing the programme essentially means joining that specific project under that supervisor. Evaluate whether the project’s topic excites you, because you’ll be committing to it for the next few years. The advantage is that the funding is secured from the start, but the drawback is less flexibility to change direction if your interests evolve.
In other scenarios, you might have your own project idea and seek a scholarship for it. In that case, you should choose a programme and institution that have an environment where that project will be feasible and well-supported (for example, ensuring that relevant lab facilities or archives are available, and that there are faculty who can supervise that topic).
Finally, beyond the stipend and fees, consider other resources: does the programme provide funding for you to attend academic conferences? Many good programmes have travel grants or at least encourage and cover one conference presentation per year. Attending conferences is important for networking and visibility, so a programme that enables this (financially and logistically) is valuable.
Similarly, check if there are funds for research costs (such as laboratory supplies, fieldwork travel, or participant incentives if you’re doing surveys). If these are not provided as part of the package, would your supervisor be able to support them from their grants? These practicalities can significantly impact your ability to carry out your research plans.
Evaluating programme environment and fit
Beyond the key factors of research fit, supervisor, and funding, you should appraise the overall environment and support structure of the PhD programme. A supportive, well-structured programme can greatly enhance your satisfaction and development as a researcher, whereas a poor environment can impede your progress or well-being. Here are some elements of programme “fit” to consider:
Department culture and student satisfaction
Try to learn about the department’s working culture and how happy current PhD students are. The informal reputation of a programme – how it treats its doctoral students – is extremely important.
For example, some departments foster a collaborative atmosphere where students feel like valued colleagues, whereas others might have a more isolating or high-pressure vibe. As one PhD graduate advises:
“beyond the ranking of the department, the culture of the department can have a large impact on your experience during your PhD, including the support you will receive and your mental health” (Riis-Vestergaard, 2023).
To gauge this, you can reach out to current students or recent alumni. Many prospective students email a current PhD candidate (perhaps someone listed on the programme website) to ask about their experience. If you visit the department (in person or virtually), observe how students and faculty interact. Are there communal activities like seminars, journal clubs, or coffee breaks? Do students seem stressed, or do they speak positively about their supervisors and research? You might ask whether anyone complains of a toxic environment or whether students feel supported by faculty (Riis-Vestergaard, 2023). If you hear consistent red flags – such as multiple people mentioning unresponsive supervisors or excessive competition – take those concerns seriously.
Support services and training opportunities
Investigate what support the university provides to PhD students outside of your immediate research work. Is there a graduate school or doctoral college that offers skills workshops (for example, academic writing, research methods, or career development seminars)? Are there resources for mental health or counselling specifically for research students?
Universities that take doctoral training seriously often have robust support structures: this could include an induction program for new PhDs, mentoring schemes (pairing you with a more senior student or an additional advisor), and various training modules or short courses you can opt into.
For example, some programmes offer teacher training for PhD students who want to develop university teaching skills, or training in areas like public speaking, project management, or advanced statistical methods, depending on your field. These opportunities can greatly enrich your PhD experience and make you more well-rounded by the end.
Teaching and work responsibilities
Find out whether the programme expects or allows you to undertake teaching duties (such as working as a teaching assistant for undergraduate courses) and how that is handled. In the UK, many PhD students do some teaching or lab demonstrating for extra income; in the US, teaching is often a built-in part of the PhD funding (your stipend may come with the requirement to teach a certain number of sections).
Teaching can be a rewarding experience and is almost essential if you aim for an academic career. It also helps build your CV. However, it can be a large time commitment. If one programme expects you to teach every semester and another requires only a few semesters of teaching in total, be aware of that difference and consider which you prefer (Riis-Vestergaard, 2023).
Ask about the typical teaching load and whether teaching is optional or mandatory. Also ask what support is given to new instructors – is there any training, or are you thrown straight in? Ideally, teaching duties should complement your research, not prolong your PhD unduly or overwhelm you.
Peer community and cohort
Consider the size of the PhD student community in the department and whether there is a cohort structure. Some programmes have a cohort model where a group of PhD students start together and undergo training and social activities as a group, fostering camaraderie and peer support. This is often the case in funded Doctoral Training Partnerships or large doctoral schools. Being part of a cohort can provide a ready-made support network – you have peers with whom to share experiences and advice, and you won’t feel so alone in the process.
Other programmes, especially where students join individual projects at different times, might not have an obvious cohort (you could be the only new PhD student in your lab or department that term). That’s not necessarily bad, but think about whether you will have peers to interact with regularly. If possible, see if the department or university organizes any regular gatherings for research students, or if the PhD students have a student society or group. Often, student satisfaction is higher in environments where PhDs feel part of a community and have avenues to get support (Warwick University, 2021 survey).
Opportunities during the PhD
A good programme will offer opportunities to help you grow professionally. Beyond your core research, look for things like:
- Conferences and publications: Will you be encouraged (and funded) to present your work at academic conferences or to publish papers during your PhD? Some departments have funding competitions or travel bursaries that support PhD students to attend international conferences (sometimes you might be guaranteed one funded conference trip per year). Presenting at conferences is valuable for feedback, networking, and building your profile. Also, find out about the publication culture – do PhD students in that programme typically publish research before submitting their thesis? If so, is there mentorship to help with publishing (e.g. writing groups or supervisor support in writing papers)?
- Collaborations and networking: Are there interdisciplinary initiatives or collaborations with other institutions available to students? For instance, if the department is part of a consortium or has industry partnerships, this could open doors for your research or help with future career opportunities. A programme that facilitates networking (through joint seminars, partner institutions, etc.) can broaden your horizons.
- Teaching and mentoring: As mentioned, teaching experience can be a plus. Also consider whether you’ll have opportunities to mentor others (for example, supervising undergraduate projects or mentoring junior grad students). These experiences can build leadership and are useful if you aim for academia or any leadership role.
- Internships or placements: Some PhD programmes (especially those funded by certain schemes or in applied fields) include or allow for internships outside academia. For example, in the UK some science PhDs include a three-month internship in industry or a policy organisation (the PIPS scheme). Such experiences can broaden your skill set and improve employability outside academia. If relevant, check if your programme has or supports these opportunities.
- Facilities: Check the quality of research facilities available. Does the university have the laboratories, equipment, libraries, or data access you will need? If you’re a scientist, a well-equipped lab and good technical support are vital. If you’re in the humanities, consider the library resources, archives, or fieldwork support. Technology and infrastructure can make a big difference in your day-to-day work.
- Location advantages: If the programme is in a major academic hub, are there frequent guest lectures, workshops, or seminars by visiting scholars that you can attend? A vibrant intellectual environment (for example, a weekly research seminar series, or multiple nearby universities collaborating) can enhance your learning. In large cities or renowned universities, there may be many events you can attend for free – these can be very enriching.
In evaluating these qualitative factors, it often helps to make a list or spreadsheet to compare the programmes you’re considering on various criteria. Sometimes, visiting the campus (or attending a virtual open day or admitted students’ day) can greatly inform your perception. Some students report having a “gut feeling” when they found the right place. While you should not let intuition override objective considerations, those feelings do matter – feeling comfortable and excited about a programme is important for your motivation and mental health.
Final thoughts: making your decision
Selecting the right PhD programme and supervisor involves balancing many considerations. Ultimately, try to choose an environment where you will be intellectually engaged, well-supported by your supervisor and department, and financially and personally able to thrive during your doctorate.
For example, a slightly lower-ranked university with a fantastic supervisor and supportive culture can yield a better PhD experience (and outcomes) than a top-ranked university where you struggle without adequate guidance or a sense of community.
Take the time to do your research: read about the programmes, talk to mentors and current students, and reflect on what you truly want out of your PhD. Once you have gathered the information, weigh the pros and cons of each option in light of your own priorities – there is no universal right choice, only the right choice for you.
Embarking on a doctorate is a challenging yet rewarding journey. By carefully choosing a programme that fits your goals and a supervisor who can guide you well, you set a strong foundation for success. Remember that a PhD is not only about the research; it is also about your development as an independent scholar. The right environment and mentorship can therefore make all the difference. With thorough preparation and thoughtful decision-making, you will be well on your way to a fruitful doctoral experience.
Once you have found your perfect PhD programme, why not get help from our PhD-qualified UK experts with your proposal? See our PhD proposal writing service page for info.
References and further reading:
- Belavy, D.L., Owen, P.J., & Livingston, P.M. (2020). Do successful PhD outcomes reflect the research environment rather than academic ability? PLOS ONE, 15(8), e0236327.
- Higginbotham, D. (2024). Choosing your PhD supervisor. Prospects.ac.uk (May 2024).
- Riis-Vestergaard, M. (2023). Choosing a PhD program: Advice from recent PhDs. Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) Blog, 27 Oct 2023.
- TargetJobs (2023). Choosing a PhD supervisor. Targetjobs.co.uk, 25 Jan 2023.
- Times Higher Education (2023). What is a PhD? Advice for PhD students (Student section), 29 Aug 2023.