Doctoral study experience

As a Doctoral student, you will be embarking on one of the most intensive study experiences of your academic career so far.

Unlike the undergraduate or Master's study experience, research studies are more likely to involve longer and less structured periods of time in which to do your work.

You are likely to work with a smaller cohort of fellow students, which often leads to a greater sense of community with other research students and staff in your department. 

You will also have close, professional interaction with your main supervisor and others officially associated with your study, as well as many more informal working interactions.  

Getting started

The process of searching and applying for funding and preparing a research application can be a long one so give yourself plenty of time to do a good job – ideally at least a year before you intend to start your studies.

Whether you're applying for a studentship (a defined research project that comes with funding) or you have your own idea for research that you would like to undertake, it's important to check whether you need to identify a potential supervisor before making a formal application to the College; many departments expect you to do this before submitting your application and will not consider your application without it.

After you start

As a Doctoral student it is normal to spend a lot of time working alone, since the precise topic of your thesis is unique to you.

Three years may seem like a long time to produce a thesis, but it is not. The study period is intensive, and you must structure your time so that you are able to meet a series of intermediate milestones of progression.

It is common for there to be ups and downs, and when things are going wrong you need a good circle of friends and fellow researchers to call on.

We work hard to make sure there is support for you to draw on at every point. This includes team-based training provided by the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI) and a College-wide network of professional support services to help you meet the challenges along the way.