Application Hub

Things I wish I had known before my PhD in the UK

by Excy Hansda

Back in May 2022, I received an email from the NWCDTP saying that they would fund my PhD (Architectural History) at the University of Liverpool. Applying for both the PhD programme and the NWCDTP was a long and anxiety-ridden process. Most of the time, I had no idea about what I was doing. And honestly, applying for a PhD is not very different from doing a PhD- it involves many hours in front of the laptop and crossing my fingers. And yeah of course- thinking, writing, re-writing and again re-writing. However, here lies an important point- I had an amazing support system, in the form of friends, mentors, and current NWCDTP students who were kind enough to give me tips, proofread and boost motivation during this long journey.

But thanks to this process now I know the Dos and Don’ts and can provide advice and hope for prospective PhD students.

Why Even Listen to Me?

I never thought I would ever do a PhD at a top university in the UK. Also, I do not know how this happened. Well, I know how this happened- I was born with class privilege, did my schooling in a private school, had English-speaking circles and knew people who had access to a lot of resources. This allowed me to attend a major central university in India, go to the UK for my MSc, in another top university, on a fully funded scholarship, be taught by top professors in my field (who wrote me an LOR), network with the ‘right’ people, write the ‘right’ phrases on my application (and honestly sometimes I was simply at the right place at the right time)- each of this step supported me through unequal socio-economic access.

I wish to put it over here to gently remind you not to place your self-worth, or the significance of your ideas on an admission or funding system, regardless of whether you get in or not. The reason I say that is because most of the time, your admission results and funding results depend on a lot of invisible factors.

I should also point out that as someone living outside the UK applying might be very difficult and they might have the disadvantage of not understanding the UK academic and general context. Why I made it to the PhD system in the UK had a lot to do with me being inside the UK system already (during my masters), which meant I had access to a load of information. I would have no way of knowing about these had I been outside it. The reason I write this blog is to pass information in a more accessible way.

Things I wish I had known before my PhD in the UK 
(Well, you could have jumped over here directly)

Proper Planning

Most people who successfully make it into PhD programmes with funding, start planning at least a year before, if not more. Also, do not start planning only the research proposal and the SOP but also the upcoming conferences, summer schools, and courses/modules at the university. Research more, look for opportunities- See what is useful and how can be included in your PhD timeline. This lets you familiarize yourself with what trends and discourses are happening in the field, which definitely helps you in your research. Further, it shows that you are a dedicated student and researcher. This is also something which does not stop with the completion of your PhD degree. Planning ahead would be something that you’ll continue to do during your whole research career, should you choose to follow academia.

Preparing for applying for a PhD takes more than expected time. There is a lot of logistical work involved in applying: getting your transcripts, identifying your referees, asking (and following through) for the Letter of Recommendation, finding a supervisor and sometimes a secondary supervisor, test preparations (IELTS, TOEFL), sending your scores to the University, and others. Proper Planning and Planning ahead, is, therefore, a must.

Identifying a Potential Supervisor

Your supervisor is the person who will make or break your PhD. So, it is necessary that you give enough time and thought to identify and email them. Emailing them helps you predict whether you have a chance of making it or not. I cannot emphasize this more. Even a short reply from them will help you understand whether there is a similar area of interest, a similar approach, and enough space in the kind of work that you want to do. Sometimes, it also helps you whether a PhD is really something that you want to do- Are you actually ready to commit to this? Or do you really want to spend 3-4 years of your life in this? It is also helpful to write to current PhD students, to figure out if your dream PhD is as true in real life as you imagine it to be.

I applied to programmes in which I had extensive email exchanges and also to the ones in which I had sent no email. The email conversations with the programmes in which I was not selected or did not choose gave me a wealth of information and useful feedback for my proposal. These helped me answer the answer “Why read Architectural History at X university?” in my SOP. After these exchanges, I believe I submitted a far better PhD admission and funding application.

It is important that you develop a thick skin. This initial step might be anxiety-ridden. Waking up in the morning, check your inbox if you have got any emails from your potential supervisors. Not every potential supervisor would reply. Not every reply would be pleasant. However, do not let yourself get demotivated because of this.

Finding a school and a department

I absolutely had no idea how to do this. I did not know how to narrow down universities, what to look and how much to ask someone who is already in the system. I did not know how many universities to apply to. I applied to a few colleges. In most of them. I applied to X department because of Y professor whose work has impacted me. I applied to many other departments and universities because of the university ranking and the city (which might or might not work for others). I applied to a few top universities which were unlikely shots. This was a mistake- I should have done more research and should have applied to the university after speaking to the current students. There were very vital lessons: Applying to a college, just because of their brand name is a terrible way of approaching this process. Narrow down your research to a department and field which is close to your research. My background is in architecture, but my research is interdisciplinary using approaches from various disciplines including Postcolonialism, History and Urban studies. Applying to Modern South Asian Studies or History or English departments and not limiting myself to Architecture departments would have opened new avenues for me. Also, look for supervisors who are a good fit for you. It is not only about similar areas of interest but also similar approaches, methods and views. Finding the right supervisor is a must. As mentioned above, remember that you need to establish a relationship with your supervisor which should ideally go even after completing your PhD.

Many people apply to around 10 universities believing that it will increase the possibility. This is not necessarily advisable as you can easily apply to a single university which is a perfect fit and get admitted rather than 10 universities with unclear and weak fit and getting into none. Finally, it is worth pointing out which university and which school is a highly individualized process. This might be something on which one requires the most advice and support but also something which requires someone to work alone.

Funding

Coming from a middle-class background in India, I know that a major deterrent for potential applicants is the cost of doing a PhD. Self-funding a PhD is something I would not recommend. The high tuition fees and the soaring cost of living have not made things any better. Plus, one has other responsibilities and personal commitments. Also, remember, doing a PhD is not something which is limited to hours between 9-5 or in labs or libraries. You end up thinking about your research most of the time, directly or indirectly. Well, the best ideas come out of working hours and outside the lab, too. A lot of people work part-time in the UK but balancing work with studies can be excruciatingly difficult. It is also worth pointing out that you should feel safe, in every way- financially, physically and mentally, during your studies.

One way to get rid of this is funding. There is university funding, government scholarships, international organizations which provide funding and many more. Getting one of these depends substantially on your research proposal and other requirements laid out by the funding body. Do remember that funding is quite complicated and the criteria of who should get funding and who should not, is complicated and varies from one funding body to another. It is recommended that the criteria and requirements of the funding body should be well understood. What is the vision and mission of the funding body? On what aspect of research, does the funding body put emphasis on? Answering these questions and then combing them with the research ideas that you have would help you form a well-written funding statement,

Something which a lot of people do not talk about is also the cost of applying, right from application costs to visa costs. Applying can cost you a minimum of 150 GBP if you are someone living in India (An IELTS exam costs you around 150 GBP, which is only available to take in-person in only a few cities in India). It is an expensive process- when it is not costing you money, it is costing you time and energy. Check your department websites, if they necessarily need an IELTS/TOEFL score. Depending on what you are studying, it is possible to request a waiver for English language tests. Sometimes, the department asks you to submit an IELTS/TOEFL score later, if you are accepted. It is a great thing that the universities of the North-West do not require the applicants to pay an application fee.

Conclusion

I hope I have made the process of applying to a PhD program less complicated and a bit more humane than when you began (I tried!). My last thought is to have a good support system! Academia can be brutal. Turn to your friends, and your trusted mentors, and keep writing. It is a long way. You would do great, regardless of whether you get in or not (I got my funding on my second attempt). So, you got this!

Please be in touch for further inquiries. Here’s my email: excy@liverpool.ac.uk. Please reach out!

Nan Song introduces the application process:

• Nan’s video

Excy Hansda introduces the research proposal:

• How to write a statement of purpose
• How to write a research proposal

Pam Foster introduces CDA applications:

• Pam’s video
• Pam’s video transcript

Read our student handbook

• NWCDTP Student Handbook (updated 09.2024)

Below are some examples of successful applications.

• Download the workshop slides here

21 October, 3-4: https://zoom.us/j/98255836529
General Introduction with Jerome de Groot (DTP Director) and Nan Song (Application Support Fellow). This session will be recorded.

19 November, 5-6:  https://zoom.us/j/91386554273
Workshop for candidates thinking of applying to ring-fenced studentships, including discussion of mentoring scheme. With Jerome de Groot and Excy Handsa (Application Support Fellow). Parts of this session will be recorded.

6 December, 2-3: https://zoom.us/j/91414273413
Workshop for all candidates with Jerome de Groot and Pamela Forster (Application Support Fellow).

NWCDTP Researcher Timeline 2025 (updated 10.2024)

To apply for an award, candidates must have applied for a place on a programme at ONE of the seven NWCDTP institutions by Monday 13 January 2025 – Please note some institutions may have earlier deadlines, please check with your local administrator before applying.

Candidates must also submit a NWCDTP Funding Application by Monday 3 February 2025 (5pm GMT) in order to be considered.

Please find below the application form, and guidance on how to apply. Please ensure to also submit an Equality and Diversity Monitoring form when you submit your funding application.

Please ensure that you take into account our initiatives and policies around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion when preparing an application. Please also ensure that you look at our Sustainability Toolkit when preparing an application.

• Standard application form (download to fill in)(updated 20.09.2024)
• Standard application guidance (updated 20.11.2024)
• Equality and Diversity Monitoring form (Compulsory)(updated 20.09.2024)

Any questions please contact your local administrator (see appendix 2 in the guidance) or contact NWCDTP@manchester.ac.uk

The NWCDTP Mentoring Programme is an initiative by the NWCDTP that provides an opportunity for prospective MA/MSc students interested in applying for a PhD in any of the seven universities of the DTP (Keele University, Lancaster University, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford, Royal Northern College of Music, University of Liverpool and the University of Manchester) to get advice, support, and help while crafting a PhD admission application, NWCDTP funding application, finding a supervisor, and choosing the right course and university in the North-West. Prospective applicants are paired with a NWCDTP PhD student who mentors and guides them through the application process.

Please note: The Mentorship Programme makes no guarantees that applicants will be accepted into the PhD programme or get the NWCDTP funding. The programme is not connected to the admissions and funding process.

Who can apply for the mentorship programme?

The programme is designed for prospective PhD students that may lack support and/or guidance in their pursuit of higher education. To be eligible for the Mentorship programme, an applicant must be in the process of applying to a PhD programme at any of the 7 universities of the DTP (Keele University, Lancaster University, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford, Royal Northern College of Music, University of Liverpool and the University of Manchester).

The Mentorship Programme provides general support for 15 discipline pathways broadly organized as Histories, Cultures & Heritage; Creative and Performing Arts; and Languages and Literature. You can read about our Pathways and see what kind of doctoral work has been funded in each one on their dedicated pages.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Mentorship Programme particularly welcomes applications from prospective candidates from backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in Higher Education including Global Majority and Global Majority Heritage Students. Many of these groups or backgrounds intersect and overlap and can pose barriers to equality of opportunity. These groups (with links to definitions and further information) are explained below:

• Students who live in a geographical area where access to UK Higher Education is statistically low. Students can check whether this applies to them through POLAR – an online tool that classifies small areas across the UK according to the participation of young people in higher education;
• Students who identify as having a disability. The term ‘disability’ is quite broad, and further definitions of what might be considered a ‘disability’ can be found under the Equality Act 2010;
• First-generation students (first in family to go to university at undergraduate and postgraduate level);
• Mature students (students aged 21 or over when starting their first undergraduate course and those returning to education later in life after a family or career break);
• Students who are care-experienced or a carer;
• Students who are estranged and studying without family support due to a breakdown in relationship.

Further, many students may come from a variety of educational, economic, cultural and/or geographic backgrounds that are non-traditional, historically disadvantaged or underrepresented within the Arts and Humanities, thus contributing to a lack of support and/or guidance in their pursuit of higher education. We support these students by providing improved accessibility and guidance throughout the application process. The goal of the Mentorship Programme is to increase representation and have diversity in the NWCDTP cohort; to make the NWCDTP community more diverse, inclusive and representative. Read more about the EDI statement by the NWCDTP.

Important note:

• The deadline of the Mentorship Programme is 12th November 2024. We encourage students to apply early as we may not have enough capacity for the large number of applicants we expect.
• A total of 20 prospective students would be mentored on a first come, first serve basis.
• Please feel free to contact us at excy@liverpool.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Timeline

Application Link: https://forms.office.com/e/RwUfk9r48e
Application Opens: 31st October 2024
Application closes: 12th November 2024
First contact made by Mentor: 19th November 2024
Contact period: November 2024 to February 2025

The application consists of questions to help us understand your background and the type of assistance you would like to receive from this mentoring program.

How it works

In early November, the mentees will be contacted by the mentor if your application is received by the deadline. You and your mentor can discuss ways to improve your application and other topics related to the PhD application and funding process through emails or Microsoft Teams meetings.

Types of assistance include but are not limited to:

• General review of application materials
• Comprehensive assistance with application materials
• Advice about PhD programmes and PhD Life
• Personal statement (Topics to include, Dos and don’ts)
• Research Proposal (Topics to include, Dos and don’ts)
• CV

Please read the NWCDTP Mentorship Programme Guidelines for more information.

• NWCDTP mentorship programme guidelines

Below are some blog posts you might find useful:

• Choosing a University for your PhD Study?

Learn more about our current Research Pathways

Ring Fenced Studentships

The NWCDTP is committed to equality of opportunity and working to ensure our cohort of postgraduate researchers reflects the diverse community we serve. We have introduced a range of positive measures to assist in achieving these commitments, recognising in particular that postgraduate researchers from Global Majority, Disabled, and Socioeconomically Unequal communities are currently underrepresented on our programmes and across the UK university sector. The introduction of these measures follows a review of our recruitment processes and forms part of a three-year plan we have developed to achieve greater diversity and better equality outcomes.

In 2024/25, we will recruit directly to the following Named Studentships:

Global Majority or Global Majority heritage studentship – recognising that our PGR cohort does not reflect the diversity of the UK population, this studentship is open to a Global Majority or Global Majority heritage candidate. This studentship is available for Home candidates.

Pipeline studentship – recognising the clear inequality within the HE sector this studentship is for Home candidate from an underrepresented group or background. This studentship is for candidates who feel that they are from groups or backgrounds that are underrepresented within UK Higher Education and experience barriers to access and participation. Many of these groups or backgrounds intersect and overlap and can pose barriers to equality of opportunity.

Global Majority Female Philosopher studentship –recognising the gender inequality in the discipline this studentship is for a Global Majority or Global Majority heritage female scholar (female in this context meaning anyone identifying as a woman) seeking to study within the Philosophy Pathway. This studentship is available for Home and International candidates.

Read profile information for current postgraduate researchers.

• Profiles