Annie
PhD Public Health
Imperial organised various PhD events which were a great way to meet other students and get a sense of the different research happening across departments.
During her Bachelor’s in Pharmacology, Annie from the UK realised she was more drawn to data analysis than lab work. So, when she decided to think about further study, a degree with a strong focus on statistics was at the top of her list. This led her to a PhD in the School of Public Health at Imperial, where she’s working on improving clinical trial efficiency with more patient-friendly trial design. Annie shares what it’s like to do a PhD, how she found her community at Imperial and her experiences of living in London.
Why Imperial
I applied to Imperial after spotting an advert for a PhD research project at the Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, where I was already working. It immediately caught my interest as it built on areas I had explored in my previous research and wanted to dive into more deeply.
The turning point in my decision to apply came after speaking with the project supervisor and a colleague. Those conversations gave me a clearer picture of what a PhD would involve and reassured me that I was ready to take the next step. I also found that I’d be a great fit with my supervisor and felt comfortable with their working style.
I think it’s really valuable to reach out to potential supervisors, ask questions about the project and get a sense of how you’d work together.
I was lucky to already know my wider team, but I still made sure to have those discussions to confirm it was the right choice for me and my future.
What doing a PhD is like at Imperial
My PhD focuses on developing more efficient ways to conduct clinical trials, both operationally and statistically. My work is really varied, which I enjoy, with a good balance between statistical analysis, reviewing existing research and public involvement – I'm glad that being a statistician doesn’t mean I’m just running analyses all day!
Switching from being an employee to a student again was a challenge at first, especially when it came to driving my own research rather than completing analyses for others. However, the more I read, work and engage in the area, the more passionate I become and the easier I find it to take ownership of my project.
That said, a PhD isn’t something you do entirely alone. While it’s an independent project, leaning on others for advice and support is invaluable – it makes a real difference in both progress and motivation.
Later this year, I’ll be presenting at an international conference in Vancouver, which I’m really looking forward to. It’s a fantastic opportunity to share my work with a wider audience, expand my network and develop my presentation skills. I’ll also be attending workshops and sessions, and I’m excited to learn from other researchers in the field.
Dangoor Plaza on South Kensington Campus
Dangoor Plaza on South Kensington Campus
Annie at her first PhD Symposium at the School of Public Health
Annie at her first PhD Symposium at the School of Public Health
A day in the life
Join Annie as she takes you on a typical day as a School of Public Health PhD student.
Funding support and working during my PhD
My PhD is fully funded by the NIHR Imperial BRC Digital Health Stream which covers my fees and gives me a monthly, tax-free bursary. The funding was part of the advertised project so I didn’t have to apply separately, which helped ease my financial worries from the start.
My funding doesn’t cover training or conference costs, but fortunately, my unit has been very supportive, and I’ve also been able to secure funding from events I’ve attended to cover travel and accommodation expenses – it's always worth asking if an event has a pot of money to help students attend! There’s also funding opportunities available across departments to help PhD students including the Dean’s Internship Awards for the Faculty of Medicine, which I plan to take advantage of.
To supplement my income, I also do some casual work. For the past year, I’ve been working one day a week on a research project with a colleague which has been a great opportunity as it was designed to link both of our PhDs. Not only does it contribute to my research, but I’ve also really enjoyed pursuing a side project that gives me the chance to step back and explore something different.
I’m also an administrator and help with the organisation and running for a course run by the Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, and have worked as an invigilator for several exams. I’ve also had the chance to create social media videos as a student content creator which has been a really fun way to share my creative side!
While it may seem like a lot, most of these roles are flexible and I dip in and out when I feel like it. There’s no pressure to take on every bit of casual work that comes up, but if I’m planning a holiday and have the time, I might pick up extra work.
That said, I think it’s really important to consider whether you have the time before committing to doing more work. I’ve turned down opportunities when I couldn’t fit them in because ultimately the PhD must come first. I also really value my time outside the usual 9–5, so I prioritise my PhD, making time for the things that bring me joy and then fit in casual work where I can. The money I make from casual work is a bonus – I'm living off my bursary while using the extra income for fun things or adding to my savings.
Community and support
I didn’t start my PhD at the usual time of year – I began in March rather than October or January – so I was initially apprehensive about how I would fit in. Fortunately, I already knew the unit I was working in which helped, but the School of Public Health also organised various PhD events which were a great way to meet other students and get a sense of the different research happening across departments.
There are plenty of activities across the campuses that are open to everyone, which makes it easy to connect with others.
My own team is very social, which has made settling in even easier. Academically, I’ve found the courses offered by Imperial’s Centre for Academic English and the Patient Experience Research Centre to be fantastic resources, not just for learning, but also for meeting interesting people from across the university.
Imperial also offers such a huge range of extracurricular activities to help you get to know other students you might have never had the opportunity to meet! Now that I’m more settled into my studies and back into student life, I’d love to take advantage of what’s on offer. I previously did an evening art course at Imperial, so I’m hoping something creative will catch my eye again.
Student life in London
There’s just so much to do in London! I love how every area has its own unique vibe – it feels like you’re experiencing multiple cities in one.
Whether it’s exploring galleries, catching a show or discovering new places to eat, I don’t think I’ll ever run out of things to do. In fact, my list of places to visit is growing faster than I can tick them off!
At the weekend, you’ll usually find me at the theatre (TodayTix is great for last-minute tickets), hunting for cute trinkets at the DIY Art Market at Unit 8 Peckham or searching for the best flat white – Ozone is my top pick with cafes in London Fields, Shoreditch and Ludgate Hill. I also love swimming outdoors! My goal is to swim outdoors every month of the year and so far, I’ve had a chilly swim at Parliament Hill Lido on Hampstead Heath and at London Fields Lido in Hackney.
I’m from a small town in Scotland and even compared to the cities of Dundee and Glasgow, where I studied before, the pace and energy of London are on another level. That said, it’s still possible to slow down here. What I miss most is the outdoors, but I’m lucky to live near a big park and there are so many green spaces to explore across the city. Plus, if I ever need a proper escape, an amazing nature walk is just a train ride away.
A football match at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in London
A football match at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in London
Annie’s walk to White City Campus along Regent's Canal
Annie’s walk to White City Campus along Regent's Canal
Finding postgraduate accommodation in London
I live in private accommodation with one of my closest friends, who I met through a London flatshare! We originally found each other through a Facebook advert when I was looking for a new place. The four of us ended up living together for a year in East London before we decided to move west. I’ve really enjoyed living in different house shares across London, though I know I’ve been lucky to have such great housemates.
We found our current place after scouring a property website and it’s been a perfect fit. I love that I can walk to the White City Campus along Regent's Canal or cycle in, which also saves me money on commuting.
If you’re considering private accommodation, I’d highly recommend viewing the property in person and taking the time to get to know any potential housemates.
It’s always good to learn a bit about each other first – no one likes unexpected surprises!
Student life in London
There’s just so much to do in London! I love how every area has its own unique vibe – it feels like you’re experiencing multiple cities in one.
Whether it’s exploring galleries, catching a show or discovering new places to eat, I don’t think I’ll ever run out of things to do. In fact, my list of places to visit is growing faster than I can tick them off!
At the weekend, you’ll usually find me at the theatre (TodayTix is great for last-minute tickets), hunting for cute trinkets at the DIY Art Market at Unit 8 Peckham or searching for the best flat white – Ozone is my top pick with cafes in London Fields, Shoreditch and Ludgate Hill. I also love swimming outdoors! My goal is to swim outdoors every month of the year and so far, I’ve had a chilly swim at Parliament Hill Lido on Hampstead Heath and at London Fields Lido in Hackney.
I’m from a small town in Scotland and even compared to the cities of Dundee and Glasgow, where I studied before, the pace and energy of London are on another level. That said, it’s still possible to slow down here. What I miss most is the outdoors, but I’m lucky to live near a big park and there are so many green spaces to explore across the city. Plus, if I ever need a proper escape, an amazing nature walk is just a train ride away.
Finding postgraduate accommodation in London
I live in private accommodation with one of my closest friends, who I met through a London flatshare! We originally found each other through a Facebook advert when I was looking for a new place. The four of us ended up living together for a year in East London before we decided to move west. I’ve really enjoyed living in different house shares across London, though I know I’ve been lucky to have such great housemates.
We found our current place after scouring a property website and it’s been a perfect fit. I love that I can walk to the White City Campus along Regent's Canal or cycle in, which also saves me money on commuting.
If you’re considering private accommodation, I’d highly recommend viewing the property in person and taking the time to get to know any potential housemates.
It’s always good to learn a bit about each other first – no one likes unexpected surprises!
Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in London
Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in London
Annie’s walk to White City Campus along Regent's Canal
Annie’s walk to White City Campus along Regent's Canal
Tour White City Campus
Join Annie as she takes us around our White City Campus and shows us her favourite spots.
My plans for the future
I’m not entirely sure what to expect from life post-PhD just yet – I’ll put my thinking cap on in a year’s time when I’m nearing the end of the degree! I’m sure I’ll make good use of the Careers Service, as I’ve found them really helpful in the past. That said, as a former employee here, I’d never turn down an offer to extend my research!
Last bit of advice
A good thing to remind yourself of is that while you're doing a PhD, you're still a student! I think I spent a lot of my first year working like it was a job and didn’t make the most of the perks that come with being a student. My goal for myself now is to really take advantage of everything that Imperial offers its students – and you should too if you join Imperial!
My plans for the future
I’m not entirely sure what to expect from life post-PhD just yet – I’ll put my thinking cap on in a year’s time when I’m nearing the end of the degree! I’m sure I’ll make good use of the Careers Service, as I’ve found them really helpful in the past. That said, as a former employee here, I’d never turn down an offer to extend my research!
Last bit of advice
A good thing to remind yourself of is that while you're doing a PhD, you're still a student! I think I spent a lot of my first year working like it was a job and didn’t make the most of the perks that come with being a student. My goal for myself now is to really take advantage of everything that Imperial offers its students – and you should too if you join Imperial!
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