Advice to PhD applicants

Thinking of applying for a PhD? Academics give advice on what studying for a PhD is like, and what questions applicants should be asking themselves.
Also check out the second video where professors talk about what they look for in PhD applicants: • What do supervisors lo...
For more information on what PhD life is like, check out my vlogs: • Exvlogs
Thanks to all the academics for their advice! Links to their twitters below:
Dr Angus Ferraro: / angusferraro
Prof Matt Collins: / mat_collins
Prof Peter Cox: / coxypm
--------- II ---------
I am Simon, a third year PhD candidate at the University of Exeter. I upload videos on bits of science which are relevant to what I do, and sometimes just because they're really cool.
Vlogs from Oxford students - / oxvlog
My twitter - / simonoxfphys
My facebook - / youtubesimon
Free music - www.incompetech.com/music/roya...

[@SallyLePage]

This is some really good advice that doesn't try to sugar coat it. The only extra point I would add is that not everyone does a PhD because they want to go into academia (thankfully, seeing as there are so few post doc positions for the number of PhDs), but that doesn't stop it from being a useful degree for your career.

[@SimonClark]

+Sally Le Page Excellent point! I think we're both examples of that in fact

[@crystalgrose]

I agree.

[@ooooo3999]

Yeah I work as a nurse for the government and am thinking about a PhD in nursing because I ultimately want a government job shaping policies in healthcare. I want to somehow work while in school so I have relevant experience when I graduate. (part time work)

[@Biomeducated]

Exactly Sally! I'm doing a PhD now after 5 years in Biotech industry, and I'm turning 30 this year! I'm actually logging my journey on my channel. My plan is to go back to industry (most likely), as academia seems ever increasingly competitive and elusive to make a successful career in. This video is indeed great and well thought of! It's exactly the same I did when I left the company I worked for: I asked my supervisors (scientist levels) for advice on the PhD progress, and I also thought I'd share this with others, so I made a clip about that. Thanks a lot for sharing this advice Simon, and thanks to the Professors/PhDs for sharing their opinions!

[@SuperPBrady]

“You’re pretty much at the bottom of the ecosystem at an university, other than undergraduates but they’re just so low people pretend they don’t exist” Me, in community college: “Oh...🙃”

[@derekxiaoEvanescentBliss]

Just the academia heirarchy, if you're not interested in academia, don't be worried. Even if you're interested in academia, once you transfer to a better school and find some research which truly interests you, you'll be on your way to a PhD!

[@EuskaltelEuskadi]

I first watched this video about a year ago and yesterday I accepted an offer of a PhD place! Time flies! And thank you Simon for this great video, it has some really good advice.

[@CitraTheKrumZ]

Congratulations on your PhD offer!!!

[@danielcorcoran5562]

5 years later... How did it go?

[@EuskaltelEuskadi]

@@danielcorcoran5562 I passed my viva last year and I'm now a postdoc about to supervise my first student... reading this comment made me feel old haha :D

[@danielcorcoran5562]

@@EuskaltelEuskadi that's awesome man and yeah 5 years is a LONG time. What did you do your PhD in?

[@olivia_simone]

such great advice! That's really interesting that some supervisors are hands on and some say "see ya in 3 years!" That's definitely something I'll be inquiring about as I apply!

[@aliensinmyass7867]

Another reason to do a PhD: If you want a job in industrial research, having a PhD is pretty much required. In drug discovery and pharmaceuticals, if you don't have a PhD, your career will hit a ceiling very quickly. I know this from working in a biotech company and interviewing with many companies others, having spoken to many people about this topic. Virtually all scientists in pharmaceutical companies have PhDs.

[@mikestevenson1334]

Great, honest advice from everyone interviewed.

[@annieg2010]

This was genuinely such an informative/insightful video Simon, thank you! I'm a science undergraduate and have strong interest in a PhD so it was really good to get the insight that isn't really widely available, and some of their points to think about would never have even crossed my mind. Thanks again!

[@SimonClark]

+Annie G You're very welcome :)

[@crystalgrose]

This is awesome advice. I am currently doing my a M.Ed. program in Nutrition Education. Just completed my first year, and I am seriously considering getting my PhD after I finish.

[@DoriMG]

Thanks for this video, it was a great insight! Also some good questions I might ask the university I'm visiting for a possible PhD this week.

[@MarionGuerbet]

This is so interesting, I haven't even started uni but I can see myself eventually getting into a PhD... Thank you for this!

[@schahob]

Marion Guerbet Going to accademia and doing PhD looks like a Valueable and very humanistic view of giving the energy to humankind progress. The reality is a different story ... burned out professors (at least 40%) ..who let everything be done by doctoral students and feel like kings in their chairs! without being responsible for anyone. And certainly not anyone to answer for in the case of failure! And anyway do not bother the teaching ... poor students .. The professors having a circle of other professors where they have a mafia structure and funding each other ...most of them have no vision!!!!! they r just reproducing science has bee done before. Most of them in 70thies. Please don't go to academia professors will see you like a raw meat and manipulate you and see you as a slave doing his own research work and trying to keep you blind..

[@guyvanburen]

Great video, great bits of advice. Needed this for motivation

[@nunitchagucci3047]

This is so helpful!. Thank you. Your channel is the best. I have learned a lot!!!

[@drgjenkins4361]

Also. Don't take the PhD too seriously. I have seen from many of these videos that Science is important serious people, agonising over every word (and witnesses this during my PhD also). Damn its meant to be fun. And the majority of the senior staff were probably not much different to you as a student. Chances are, you'll probably do a better job that they did.

[@K10jak]

These videos are SO invaluable!

[@arianvc8239]

This video is fantastic! Incredibly insightful for students,

[@Gustavo-lz5mi]

This is a very good video! Great channel, just subbed :)

[@aynazskt9350]

that was really helpful,thank you.

[@andremaddisson4863]

This is great advice for any potential graduate student!

[@researchassociatera3700]

Great thanks for giving us great information ,I am in middle of PhD.

[@ChidoMuzondo]

This is such a great resource, thank you! I'm starting an MSc at Oxford this Sept (coming from South Africa) and I am already thinking about studying for a PhD so this is great in thinking about why I want to study further (among other questions).

[@christophernjaravani8871]

Hi Chido, how are you studies, are you done with your MSc?

[@ChidoMuzondo]

@@christophernjaravani8871 Hi, yes I am done with my MSc :).

[@christophernjaravani8871]

@@ChidoMuzondo that's great, congratulations. Am also starting mine next year at University of Pretoria (South Africa) , MSc Comp Science... Maybe one day will do my PhD at Oxford as well.

[@haesunkim7214]

wow. Thanks a lot for this video. I'm starting my PhD study this fall and I was a bit nervous because I studied only in the United States. And I can tell the difference between PhD and Masters/undergraduate in many ways. Thanks-

[@RajKumar-nv1ep]

Hae Sun Kim Hello, how’s your PhD going ? I’ve recently applied for PhD in computers can I get some suggestions from you?

[@crystalgrose]

New Subbie by the way :) Thanks for sharing such great advice on your channel!

[@SimonClark]

Yay! Thanks for subbing, I hope you like the videos :)

[@iamclaudelouis]

This is very helpful.

[@XiyuYang]

Also, do have a plan B. Even if you’re enthusiastic about the particular field of research you engage in, it’s still possible that you fail, reasons can be health, family, funding, and who knows what else. Do think about your options in the case that it doesn’t work out, before you get started.

[@zlatatosic7825]

From the beginning of my studied I was interested to finish ( first start) my Phd... now at the actual beginning of Phd I am so scared because of all that comments and my awareness of this problems. Looking forward to find the solution for them 😅

[@ttgdesign]

"3-4 years of blood, sweat and tears" Are we going to war dude?

[@depressedpotato4915]

Lmfao

[@henduby]

hahahahaha... Apart from being kind to yourself, that's the required energy

[@lonnisplace1459]

I'm considering doing a PhD. I wanted to go to med school, but looking at reality, that's not going to happen. I've always wanted to help people but am interested in the human body, so I was thinking of being a dietitian. But, I also am interested in psychology. So, I found the perfect career that intermingles all of these: an eating disorder dietician

[@moushumiakhtar1498]

Thank u simon for replying but please second question

[@heathers8826]

If (and that's a BIG if) I went back to uni to try for a Phd it would be to find the correlation between Irish history and how its folktales. Most likely I'll just go back to finish my Masters after raising (and teaching) my kids has run its course.

[@heathers8826]

. . . how Irish history and their folktales intertwine. I wish there was an edit option.

[@SimonClark]

+Heather S ooo now that would be interesting. I've always had something of an interest in folk tales and music, so I can definitely see the appeal of the project!

[@heathers8826]

Agreed! And Irish folktales are so fascinating! My last year of undergrad work I had a history professor who was going to be introducing a course on Ireland the following year. The timing couldn't have been worse, but it sparked my interest to carry my degree in literature over into Irish history studies. It's a long way off from happening, but just thinking about it is exciting!

[@Uniquelikeme]

Watched this on my way to a postgraduate fair, very informative thank you :)

[@mattsaba9609]

more about advice pls!

[@crazyjack333]

Great video! If I may ask, what do you plan on doing with your phd?

[@SimonClark]

+nick dejano Magic 8 Ball says..... Ask again later :')

[@crazyjack333]

+SimonOxfPhys understood!

[@dpersonal1]

4:13 "Past students possibly give you a bad view; current students possibly give you a positive view." I lost it, lol.

[@Joefrenomics]

D Jason Other way around dude! Lol

[@arunikapritimishra632]

I want to start my PhD this year but I can't seem to find a plausible explanation for getting into the race of doing a PhD from a tier-1 University, all of which are out of my country. What would be your advice sir regarding this? Can I do a PhD from a decent University under an expert of my chosen field? Will I be wasting time, effort and money if I do that?

[@mohammedfaizan9198]

What should I do to narrow down the interest for pursuing in PhD?

[@jd2192]

Your PhD is in physics, right? Where do you see yourself going, if you do decide to avert the academia route?

[@susanmachooka9753]

Masters program drained me out if the PhD program does the same I need a break

[@jeanp.5929]

did you end up going after a PhD?

[@shield543]

Needing some help here, I would like to ask someone advice on applying to a PhD at a university different from my own. How should I go about it? Is an application sufficient or should I really be giving their department a visit beforehand...?

[@stefansantokhie845]

Hey Simon. I am from Trinidad and Tobago. I am glad I discovered your channel. I applied to a few schools in the UK. Work and Organizational Psychology PhD. Applied to Exeter as well. How long does it take to get back an answer on your application? I applied for schools between Mid December- January 8th 2018.

[@SimonClark]

I'd expect you to get a response very soon - a couple of months would be the longest delay I'd expect. Maybe pop them an email asking for an update on your application

[@stefansantokhie845]

Simon Clark Thank you very much. Will do that. All the best to you now and in future. Your channel has really helped me in my PhD application journey.

[@josh34578]

How does one successfully apply to a PhD program if one has been outside academia for a long time?

[@Lena-tf3jj]

If I enjoyed doing my master will I enjoy doing my PhD as well ?

[@learn_techie]

I need an advise whether is there any way to seek scholarship and research grant based on the strong research proposal for business studies. The conventional process and criterion is cumbersome with GMAT and Grades .I have 25 Trillion Dollar business model which i want to do joint research using renown platform with some federal Goverment agencies along with partnership with Amazon and other Data analytics Giants. Is there any possibility for an average school record to pursue research with aforementioned platform on special scholarship or you are rigid with your generic rules in granting any Aid.

[@mattt21]

Hi Simon, I was wondering what you thought / know about doing a postgraduate degree in the UK vs graduate school in the US. Did you ever consider it? I will graduate with a masters in physics next June and am seriously considering doing either a PhD here or applying to American Schools like Harvard, Princeton, Caltech and Stanford. I don't really know what the major differences are or why it takes much longer in the states. Hope you can help, Thanks.

[@SimonClark]

I never considered US study seriously to be honest, I wanted to stay in the country. As I understand it the program takes longer because their college graduates leave undergraduate courses at a lower level than we do because they specialise later in their college careers, so they need to get up to speed. Also I think they standard of a US PhD is higher, with a typical US PhD graduate having more papers under their belt than a typical UK PhD graduate, but that might not be correct. I think if you were to go you'd probably end up covering a fair part of the ground that you covered in your undergrad again, or it might be that you get put on some kind of fast track. Not an area that I know a huge amount about I'm afraid!

[@mattt21]

Thank you Yes, from what I understand, the length of graduate school is variable, and if you've already done certain classes you don't need to take them again so the length of the program is shortened. How much research experience did you have when you were applying for your PhD?

[@5dfeminine]

3-4 years?????.... *cries in going for a psych phd that is 5-7 years*

[@SuperCleanIndian]

Who would win? Students that do hardwork for tons of years vs one ninja boi

[@suzanmath5306]

If I apply for 2 phD positions in same department because the topics are quite similar would that hurt my application??

[@yasirfoundation2019]

I have done my MSCS and now desirous for PhD Computer Science Scholarship. Kindly guide me. Thanks

[@general9064]

one day i will get my PhD or rather i will get to research which is more rewarding!

[@moushumiakhtar1498]

Hi simon I really like watching your videos thank u very much. I would really like to ask u this question please reply. what grades do you have to get in your a levels or gcse to get into top three best univer cities.

[@SimonClark]

+Moushumi Akhtar realistically you need A*AA or AAA at A level to get into the top UK universities. GCSEs are trickier, but generally you should aim for as many A*s and as few sub-B grades as possible

[@theuniverseofwonder7206]

UK Phds are so lucky , they don't have to TA and it only takes 4 years. The average phd completion time in the u.s is 8 years! In regards to academic stipends, do you think uk phds have higher stipends than us phds?

[@SimonClark]

+The Universe of Wonder yeah we definitely have it easier! If I had to guess it might be because our university system specialises earlier, so we do grad level stuff in the later stages of an undergrad course? Also in many places you do have to do some teaching as part of the PhD, but here at Exeter we don't - though many still choose to for money or for experience. As for stipend I don't know - how much do you get? Standard here is £13K(ish) outside of London, a bit more inside.

[@theuniverseofwonder7206]

Wow I am clearly misinformed about the UK education , I have to read up on that! I myself am not a phd student but according to my uncle(who is a professor) you get around 20-30k for fellowships and for TA,RA, and GA you get around 20k but it really depends on the institution(Stanford TAs are really lucky!). Also, undergrads can take grad level courses if they really tried(AKA take 2 extra classes each semester and take extra courses over the summer AKA how are you even still awake?), but the American public schools don't really prepare you for that kind of rigor plus the fact that institution requirements force your hand bit more than in the UK as you said.

[@muhammeddemir9694]

What Job are you planning to do after you finish your PhD

[@SimonClark]

+Muhammed Demir I don't know, honestly! Maybe a post-doctoral research position, maybe making KZbin videos, maybe going into films... lots of possibilities!

[@GoalDen]

Is it ok if i revise maths at the same time with science because i have exams in 3 days

[@SimonClark]

+Crazy Gamer yep, absolutely :)

[@GoalDen]

+SimonOxfPhys thanks :)

[@okapiatear]

They award PhDs like school swimming badges nowadays

[@sierrasheadquarters9520]

The assistant principle, Dr.Chavez, (at my school) has this degree. He went to college for like 6 or 8 years for it.

[@drgjenkins4361]

It's another degree. Just like school was different to Uni, PhD is different to BSc. It isn't the end of the world, and it isn't a golden egg. Its another degree. If there is blood, sweat and tears - then maybe question your programme. You may love it, you may not. Sadly for Unis, they panic because they generally pay you, so if you leave they've lost money haha. Hard to say that any one person will like it until they try it... There is tonnes of advice - and I'd say this - when someone says: 'don't do it because it's the next thing, and it's easy transition if your at the same Uni' they actually, probably, have no evidence that those individuals do worse than people who dedicated their lives to wanting to complete a PhD. Or if they do have evidence, I've never seen it ;)

[@raney150]

3-4 years? Why is it so much shorter in the UK? A PhD here in the US is about 8 years

[@SimonClark]

Our undergrad degrees are much more specialised than US ones - in my undergrad I only took classes in maths and physics, rather than a range of subjects. So by the end of four years of undergrad (with integrated masters) I graduated at a much higher level than someone how had done four years of college courses in the US

[@raney150]

Holy crap, you responded yourself! Thanks for the information. I find it interesting how the education systems differ, I didn't really know they differed at the university level too.

[@Pituzer]

@@raney150 as someone who has been studying in several countries, I can tell you the university education systems differ a lot between countries here in Europe. The general degrees are similar, but the ways these degrees can be reached are not. I used this in my own advantage; the type of bachelor I did was not fully recognized as a bachelor in my home country (the Netherlands), and there I'd have to do 1 extra year (called a 'switch year') before starting a master. However, since this type of 'switch year' doesn't exist in many other countries, my bachelor was recognized as a full bachelor in those countries, and I ended up continuing with my master degree in Norway immediately. People in Norway were surprised to find out I finished my master degree at age 22, because that wouldn't have typically been possible if I had followed the Norwegian high school system.

[@Europious]

probably a dumb question but do you pay £9000 a year for a PHd?

[@SimonClark]

Not a dumb question! But as a funded PhD I don't have to pay to study - I actually get paid a small stipend!

[@descendrion3582]

with the payments you receive, is this enough for you to get by? are we talking about a amount which is equal to say working part time/full time or is it more like a students allowance from the government.

[@SimonClark]

It's equivalent to working full time at a pretty terrible job - so enough to pay rent and groceries and the occasional trip but nothing huge. Literally a quarter of what some people who graduated from the same degree as me but didn't do a PhD are earning!

[@moushumiakhtar1498]

simon now the gcse and a level is harder and getting into oxbridge and Cambridge or another best univercity is hard please help me.

[@thor4164]

Fantastic to hear professors that don't sound like toffee nosed private school boys

[@jzone2041]

3:33 ..funny

[@lite6384]

does are some serious problems

[@yilmaz.design]

The first guy has the Elon Musk voice no?

[@TheOnlyRngedHero]

'You have no idea what to do or where to start'.... sounds like every tripos paper ever :L

[@schahob]

Going to accademia and doing PhD looks like a Valueable and very humanistic view of giving the energy to humankind progress. The reality is a different story ... burned out professors (at least 40%) ..who let everything be done by doctoral students and feel like kings in their chairs! without being responsible for anyone. And certainly not anyone to answer for in the case of failure! And anyway do not bother the teaching ... poor students .. The professors having a circle of other professors where they have a mafia structure and funding each other ...most of them have no vision!!!!! they r just reproducing science has bee done before. Most of them in 70thies. Please don't go to academia professors will see you like a raw meat and manipulate you and see you as a slave doing his own research work and trying to keep you blind..

[@andrewraslan5348]

Barring the burnout, not buying it. Which institution did you study in? Because it sounds like less of a University with actual research output and more like a for-profit pyramid scheme staffed by pretend academics.

[@moushumiakhtar1498]

simon now the gcse and a level is harder and getting into oxbridge and Cambridge or another best univercity is hard please help me.