The PhD challenge

A PhD is the highest academic qualification available in the UK, involving three to four years of original research on a specific topic.

It represents the opportunity to embark on a fascinating intellectual adventure with the potential to yield valuable knowledge in your area of study. And completion of the right PhD at the right institution can greatly boost your career options.

But a PhD is also, in so many ways, a challenge that tests even the most dedicated and talented students. You will inevitably encounter difficulties and periods of self-doubt. Being able to focus on your original motivation and having a realistic view of what a PhD involves will help you to get through.

As such, you should think seriously about your motivations for doing a PhD and find out as much as you can before committing yourself.

Is a PhD the right choice for you?

Do you have a real and genuine interest in the topic you want to research? Do you enjoy the research process? Do you know how and why a PhD will enhance your career ambitions?

If so, a PhD could be the right choice for you.

On the other hand, perhaps you simply don’t want to leave university yet. Or you don’t know what you want to do next. Or you want to be near your boyfriend/girlfriend.

If any of these apply to you, then you probably shouldn’t take on the commitment necessary for a PhD.

Equally, your tutor or final year project supervisor might have suggested you apply to do a PhD. Whilst this is flattering, stop and think about what a PhD really involves.

Attributes of successful PhDs

Are you intelligent, imaginative, methodical, confident, curious, thorough, independent, dedicated, well-organised, original, dynamic, and ambitious? Can you take criticism and defend your point of view, while overcoming disappointments, such as your research not going as planned?

These are all attributes you will need to possess or develop if you are going to be successful and enjoy your PhD.

If you think you have all these attributes, and if you’ve thought about doing a PhD from every angle, we’d love to talk to you.