The PhD application handbook / Peter J. Bentley

Includes bibliographical references and index

" ... Snappy and informative; it's a must-buy and there's nothing near it on the market at the moment."--Stephen Hart, University College London. "I found it very informative and helpful. There was loads of useful detail that wasn't covered by the other PhD books I've been reading."--Miki Grahame, prospective PhD student. A PhD is one of the most ambitious and exciting things you can do in your life. Upon successful completion you will be a doctor - and a world authority in your chosen area. Each year several thousand graduate students apply to do a PhD at universities in the UK. Many are not successful - they are unable to find a suitable university, or a supervisor, or decide on a suitable research project, or they cannot obtain funding to pay their fees and bills. Most students fail to obtain a PhD because they have one of these aspects wrong at the start. "The PhD Application Handbook" is the first ever comprehensive handbook for people wishing to apply for a PhD in the UK. It provides a step-by-step guide to PhDs, explaining: what a PhD is, how to apply for your PhD, and, how to find the right university, supervisor and project.; It also provides detailed information about funding, eligibility, deadlines for different awards, and which funding is best for which student. Examples of research proposals, application forms and interview technique are given, helping you to secure your PhD place with the minimum of problems. "The PhD Application Handbook" is designed to help prospective PhD students achieve their ambition

Cover -- TOC36;Contents -- Acknowledgements -- CH36;Chapter 01 Before you start -- Why do you want to do a PhD63; -- Can you do a PhD63; -- What are your interests63; -- Do you want to be a student for another three years63; -- CH36;Chapter 02 What is a PhD63; -- Different types of doctorate -- What are the requirements of a PhD63; -- Different ways of studying -- What do you do63; -- CH36;Chapter 03 Funding -- What fees will you have to pay63; -- Politics and money -- UK Research Councils -- UK government funding -- Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission -- Non45;UK government funding -- Charities -- Industry -- How to apply -- CH36;Chapter 04 Finding the right university -- Old or new63; -- Where63; -- Do they do what youre interested in63; -- Research cultures -- Judging a university -- CH36;Chapter 05 Finding the right supervisor -- Who are they63; -- How to contact a supervisor -- Do you get on well with him or her63; -- How much time will he or she have for you63; -- Is he or she experienced at supervising63; -- What stage of career is he or she at63; -- Second supervisors -- Chapter 06 Finding the right research project -- How to be different -- Writing a proposal -- The application form -- CH36;Chapter 07 Securing an offer -- The interview -- The offer -- Student visas -- Chapter 08 Accommodation -- What do you need63; -- Budgets -- University accommodation -- Private accommodation -- CH36;Chapter 09 Beginning your PhD -- Dont believe everything you read -- Keep careful records44; and keep the records carefully -- Look after your finances make a budget and stick to it -- Remember to get your admin44; reports44; vivas and courses done promptly -- Break the work into a series of smaller projects -- Whos the first author63; -- Give credit to others when it is due -- Listen to your supervisor and44; if unhappy44; talk to him or to someone else -- Is it going to be in your thesis63; -- Insomnia happens to everyone -- You are not the first person to do a PhD -- Communication can be fun -- Enjoy yourself -- Resource guide -- Advertised studentships -- Small awards -- Annual charity studentships -- UK and EU awards -- International awards -- Student visa guide -- Directory -- IDX36;Index -- Last Page