Is a PhD Right for Me?

The real scoop on doing a doctorate in the UK

Are you considering applying for a doctoral programme in the UK? Do you want guidance as you take your first steps towards making the decision and starting the degree?

This three-week course from the Bloomsbury Learning Exchange provides information and advice for anyone deciding whether doctoral study is the right path for them.

Swapping myths and misconceptions for real experiences, useful tips and resources, this course will help you prepare for PhD applications and beyond.

Decide whether doctoral study is for you

Week 1 of the course helps you work out whether to pursue a PhD or other doctoral degree. You’ll be given a basic overview of essential aspects of the decision, including personal, practical, and financial considerations.

To help you decide, you’ll complete a series of reflective tasks.

Get guidance on finding opportunities and applying

Once you know whether doctoral study is right for you, you’ll begin working on making that decision a reality.

Week 2 of the course provides guidance on making a doctoral application. You’ll learn how to seek out opportunities, put together a research proposal, find the right supervisor and apply to an institution or research project.

Learn how to manage life as a PhD student

In the final week of the course, you’ll get ready to take on day-to-day life as a doctoral candidate.

You’ll discover strategies to help you work efficiently, manage your wellbeing, and maintain a good working relationship with your supervisor. You’ll also get advice on potential career paths after your doctorate.

At the end of the course, you’ll be ready to take the first steps on your doctoral journey.

This course is aimed at prospective, pre-enrolment, and beginning doctoral candidates across all subjects and disciplines.

It will suit undergraduate, postgraduate, and mature students based in any country who are hoping to pursue a PhD in the UK.

This course is aimed at prospective, pre-enrolment, and beginning doctoral candidates across all subjects and disciplines.

It will suit undergraduate, postgraduate, and mature students based in any country who are hoping to pursue a PhD in the UK.

• Reflect on your own needs and goals
• Investigate opportunities
• Practice pitching your ideas
• Apply what you've learned to real world scenarios
• Critique different approaches