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Posted March 30, 2026

Considering a PhD? A guide on where to start

Choosing a PhD

 

Considering postgraduate research study can be both exciting and daunting. Applying for a research degree can feel more complex than previous undergraduate or masters programs you may have applied for. Each institution, and sometimes each department within the same institution, may approach PhD admission slightly differently. Some universities advertise fully funded research projects with a defined topic, while others expect applicants to develop and submit their own research proposal.

In many cases, you may also need to identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying, while elsewhere this happens later in the process. Application materials can vary too, with different expectations around application requirements, interviews, references and funding deadlines, it is important to take the time to understand what each institution expects from you, this will help you prepare a stronger application in the future.

So where do you start?

There are many different types of postgraduate research degrees available. Choosing the right one for you is the first important step in your journey into research!

1) Explore the different types of postgraduate research degrees available

When people think about postgraduate research, the PhD is usually the first degree that springs to mind. While it is one of the most common research qualifications, it isn’t the only option available.

The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the traditional research doctorate. It typically takes three to four years of full-time study (or longer part-time) and centres on producing an original piece of research that contributes new knowledge to your field. This usually results in a substantial thesis and a viva examination at the end of your PhD.

There are increasingly more professional and practice-based doctorates available too, such as the Doctor of Education (EdD). These programmes combine academic research with professional practice and are often designed for experienced practitioners who want to investigate challenges within their own sector. Many often study part time, to fit in alongside their existing work commitments.

Some institutions also offer shorter research degrees, such as the MPhil or MRes. These focus on developing research skills and may act as a stepping stone to doctoral study.

For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus primarily on applying for a PhD.

2) Research the research

Unlike taught programs, PhD study is closely tied to academic supervision. This means choosing the right university is often about finding the right supervisor or research group rather than focusing solely on institutional reputation.

Start by identifying academics whose research overlaps with your interests. University staff profiles, departmental webpages and recent publications can give you a good sense of whether someone might be a good fit for your project.

Reaching out to potential supervisors can feel intimidating, but it’s a normal and expected part of the process. A short, thoughtful email introducing yourself, outlining your research interests, and asking whether they might be open to supervising doctoral work is usually enough to begin the conversation.

These early discussions can be incredibly helpful. Academics may suggest ways to strengthen your research idea, point you toward relevant literature, or advise on funding opportunities and application timelines.

Equally importantly, these conversations help you determine whether the department and supervisory style feel like the right fit for you.

It is important to note, though that some institutions handle PhD applications differently; you may apply for the research area first, and are assigned a supervisor later in the process. It is therefore important that you do your research into how this works at each institution, and which process may be more suitable for your interests.   

3) Take the leap and submit

Once you’ve identified a potential research direction and a supportive academic environment, it’s time to begin assembling the formal application.

PhD applications often include several components, and requirements can vary slightly between institutions. Creating a simple checklist for each university you are applying to can help you stay organised and avoid last-minute surprises.

One of the most important elements of many PhD applications is the research proposal. It should clearly explain the research question you want to explore, why the topic matters, and how you plan to investigate it. Admissions teams are often looking for evidence that you understand the field and have begun thinking about appropriate research methods.

You may also need to prepare an academic CV, outlining your education, relevant research experience, publications (if any), and academic achievements, as well as provide accompanying transcripts and degree certificates of your past qualifications. References are another key component, so it’s important to contact referees early and give them plenty of notice.

Working through these elements gradually makes the process far more manageable than attempting to complete everything at once and at the last minute.

A final note on funding and timelines

One aspect that often surprises applicants is that funding deadlines can arrive earlier than application deadlines for the PhD itself. It is strongly encouraged that students interested in studying a PhD and applying for funding, should start their research and preparation for funding applications more than a year in advance of their intended start date. Scholarships, studentships, and doctoral training programs often have specific timelines, so researching funding options early can save a lot of stress later.

While waiting for outcomes, it’s helpful to stay engaged with the process. Continue reading around your topic, refining your ideas, and keeping in touch with potential supervisors if appropriate. Some programs may invite shortlisted applicants to an interview, which is usually an opportunity to discuss your research interests and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the project.

Remember that applying for postgraduate research is not simply an administrative process. It’s the beginning of a longer academic journey. Taking the time to prepare thoughtfully helps ensure that when you do begin a PhD, you’re stepping into a project and research environment that genuinely suits your interests and ambitions.

With steady preparation and the willingness to ask questions along the way, applying for postgraduate research study can become far less overwhelming, and far more rewarding, than it first appears.

Are you considering postgraduate study? Use our course search to find your perfect postgrad program.

Laura Houston University of St AndrewsAuthor’s bio: Laura Houston is the Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of St Andrews, where she leads on the postgraduate applicant experience, working across Admissions and academic Schools to support students applying for masters study. Her work focuses on making the application process clear, transparent and accessible for applicants from a wide range of backgrounds.

With extensive global recruitment experience, Laura began her career working with applicants in the UK and has most recently supported students across China and Southeast Asia. This international perspective informs her understanding of the diverse motivations, global challenges, and questions faced by prospective postgraduate students worldwide.

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