How to get a PhD place – An idiot’s guide

Many students have ambitions to apply for a doctorate on completion of their undergraduate studies. Perhaps to allow entry into academia, to career change to a dream job, or just to feed their insatiable curiosity about a favourite topic. However, the remote nature of distance learning often leaves Open University students at a loss as to the processes and pitfalls of the PhD application pathway compared to those coming to research from a more “traditional” route.

This talk will provide an overview of the preparation needed whilst you study with the OU and the subsequent steps to find, apply for, and hopefully secure a PhD when you are ready to take the next step. It will include analysis of your ideal research topic and location, entry standards, the application process itself, references, funding, interviews, and much more. If you are nearly finished with the OU and looking to apply soon, new to studying but with long term plans, or even just curious as to how you “get onto a PhD” then this is for you!

Ian Muirhead is an OU physics graduate, and now associate lecturer and PhD researcher who successfully undertook the PhD application process over the last year. Further information on his path and background can be found in a recent OU Student Stories article. The talk will be based on his experiences of entering UK academia and aimed at demystifying the process for Space Society members and others looking to move into research after Open University study.