In August 2025, we asked current PhD students here and a PhD supervisor to answer some questions about what the process is like when you're applying for a PhD here. Click on the questions below to see their answers.
Q. What was writing a research proposal like?
Student A: It took weeks, if not months. You need to read extensively and understand what is realistically feasible within a PhD.
Student B: It was a long process. I wasn't successful in my first year. The proposal went through many iterations and evolved based on my interests and what was actually possible. Getting feedback from a potential supervisor and faculty in your current department is crucial. Feedback from others in academia (e.g. friends) is also really useful, even if they work in a different field.
PhD supervisor: It's a collaborative process. You should actively seek feedback from your potential supervisor. Don't be afraid to ask questions – this shows your ability to engage and take feedback, which is a valuable trait.
Q. What's your biggest piece of advice for anyone writing a research proposal
Student B: I overestimated my own knowledge and underestimated how much the supervisor knew. I'm now working on something different from my original proposal. It's okay not to know everything – what matters is demonstrating your understanding of the field and what a PhD involves.
PhD supervisor: Your proposal isn't a binding contract. It's more about showing how you approach a problem, not necessarily solving it.
Student A: When writing a proposal, I underestimated how long research takes.
PhD supervisor: It's very likely that you'll need to narrow your focus as your PhD progresses.
Q. What happens if you don’t pass the first year of a PhD?
Student A: You usually get a few chances to redo. Supervisors will try to guide you toward success.
PhD supervisor: The first-year review is a useful milestone. It helps break down the problem and develop a plan (e.g., gap analysis). The process is designed to ensure your dissertation is PhD-worthy. While some may need to redo their report, most pass – especially with support or extensions. Some may also choose to exit with a lower degree if they decide a PhD isn't for them.
Q. Are supervisors very involved?
Student B: It depends on the supervisor. Pay attention to how responsive they are to emails and whether they have time to review your drafts.
Student A: Talk to current PhD students in the group to understand their experience.
PhD supervisor: Supervisory styles vary widely. Chatting with people in the group is a great idea. You can ask the supervisor to speak with current students. It's important to discuss expectations with your supervisor to ensure alignment. It's your PhD – you may be given a starting project, but it's likely that you'll eventually find your own direction. Your supervisor won't necessarily tell you what to do; they are your guide to research.
Student A: Be clear about what you want from each meeting to make them productive. Your supervisor doesn't need to know everything – you can seek help from others in the university, and they are usually very happy to help you.
PhD supervisor: The best students communicate clearly, which helps supervisors contribute effectively. When it comes to weekly meetings, it is very much a two-way relationship.
Q. How do you interact with supervisors?
Student B: I use a shared Google Doc to track weekly progress and guide meetings. Being assertive helps ensure the meetings are productive.
Student A: My relationship with my supervisor evolved. In the first year, they led the meetings and assigned tasks. Now, I lead the meetings, set the context, and leave with clear takeaways.
Q. What expectations did you have before starting a PhD?
Student B: I expected it to be lonely, but that hasn't been my experience. The college community, shared office space, and other networks have made it very social.
Student A: I didn't know what to expect. I thought things would move quickly, but research requires deep, slow work – which I now appreciate.
Student B: I thought PhDs involved heavy workloads and constant stress. That hasn't been true for me. I set realistic goals and mostly work 9–5, with occasional busier weeks and plenty of scope for time off.
Q. How would you compare industry and research?
Student A: In industry, you choose a specialty and get lots of support. A PhD is much more independent. You gain skills you might not need in industry. I found industry fast-paced and less satisfying. Research is slower but more rewarding – you have time to get things right.
Q. How did you decide to do research?
Student A: After three years in industry, I wanted to move into research to create technology that helps doctors. During my Master's, I realised I wanted to continue.
Student B: I became interested in my field through my (undergraduate) dissertation. I wasn't sure what else to do, so I explored the PhD route.
Q. Can you try again if you don’t get funding?
Student B: Absolutely. Apply widely if you're serious about doing a PhD. If you don't get funding the first time, try again.
