PhD Interview Questions and Answers. Your PhD interview will be an important part of your postgraduate research ‘application. This is your chance to meet your prospective department, discuss your project and show your potential as an academic researcher. ‘Of course, it's also when that potential is going to be assessed. You'l need to show an awareness of wats involved ina PhD project and prove that ‘you have the right aspirations and approach to work on one for three (or more) years. Youtl also need to make it clear that this isthe right university, department, research ‘group oF laboratory for you. None of this has to be especially intimidating, Putting some thought inte your project ‘and your choiee of institution can rake answering PhD entrance interview questions quite simple. ‘On this page we've put together a Ist of the questions you might be asked at an interview. We've also explained why the university might be asking each question, and provided some tips on how to answer them You won't necessarily be asked all of these questions ~ and you almost certainly won't be asked them in the order here, Some of them also overlap with each other. But they're all topics that you should prepare to discuss at a PhD interview, |Wo've also included a selection of questions to ask during a PhD interview. Lot's get you PhD ready ‘Sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest advice and guidance from our team of experts. Interview ques: ns about you Your qualities as a researcher, team-member and individual are some of the most important factors in a university's decision to accept you for a PhO. Regardless of your subject area, you need to be the kind of person who can dedicate themselves to a three-year project. You also need to be able to work alongside other students and academies in a positive and successful research environment. ‘The interview is the best way for a university to assess this. Just as there's more to doing a PhO than research and writing, there's more to a prospective candidate than their academic record, #1 Tellus about yourselt.. ‘This popular opener can feel like an awkwardly open ‘question You'llbe prepared to explain your project, to say what a great fititis for the university, pethops even reference some current research. But how do you ‘answer’ an invitation tointroduce yourself? By introducing yoursell Your interview panel isn't trying to catch you out here. They're offering an icebrecker to help ease you into the rest of the interview. ‘Obviously your response should be relevant to the occasion. But it doesn't just have to be « presentation of your academic achievements, interests and gools (the interview will get to those in time).Say a little about your background, where you're from and what your interests are. Don't be afraid to relate these to your academie specialism and your choice of university tf something spectic inspired you to consider a PhO, mention it. there's something that’s attracted you to this city os well as the university soy so. (Therell be plenty of time to tak up the institution and ls research later). + Ive always been interested in discovering how things work, but my time as an undergraduate opened my eyes to the excitement and wider benefit of science. |had the chance te do some original research on my Masters and that’s insplred me to take up the challenge of a PhD. Im also a keen hiker and amateur naturalist s0 Fd love to combine my studies here with the chance to Visit the local area, Don'tanswe *+ Iwas born in @ house next to the local post-office. My first cat was called Timothy and he liked chasing string. At schoo! my best friend was Kevin. My favourite colour is blue and my favourite flavour of ice-cream is raspberry ‘pple. #2What made you choose to do a PhD? [At some point in your interview your interviewers are going to want to know why you decided to do a doctorate. ‘This moy seem lke a simple question, but be wary of giving an overly simplistic ‘answer. Just pointing out that you'e good at your subject and a PhD seemed lke the logical next step won't be enough ~ especially if there's a funding decision to be made, ‘The panelis already satisfied that you're academically capable and interested. You've “demonstrated that by getting an interview (and turning up fori). Now they want to assure themselves that you've got the motivation and dive to see you through three or more years of hard work on a PhD project. + Ive enjoyed my academic work so for, but Ireally fee! ve got more to offer as an independent researcher. 'm also passionate about this subject and don't fee! enough attention has been paid to the questions I'm looking to address. Don'tanswe + Ian think of anything to do with my Masters, but my current tutor says fm clever enough for a PhD. #3 What do you plan to do after you complete your PhD? It might seem strange for your panel to ask about your post PhO plans. After al, those: don't have any really impact on your ability to do a PhO, do they? And graduation is at least three years away in any case; should you have thought that far ahead? ‘The answers to which are ‘yes! and ‘of course you should Universities want to make sure you're doing a PhD for the right reasons (as above). Askina about your future plans is @ areat way to check this,Students who ‘sleepwalk’ into a research project are much more likely to come Lnstuck or lose motivation when the going gets tough later on. This doesn’t mean you have to have everything worked out, or that your ambitions have to be unique. f youre planning to apply for a post-doc after your PhD, say so. But ‘demonstrate an understanding of academic career paths — and show that you've put some thought into alternatives. It’s also the cose that not everyone who gains a doctorate will go on to an academic job. Universities want to recruit Pho students responsibly and provide the kinds of skils ‘and training they actually need, S0, don't feel that you have to want to be a scholar to be aecopted for a PhO. Research training can prepare you for @ range of career nats. An appreciation ofthese will impress your interview panel. (Particularly I you're applying or @ professional sdoctarate). + ee! my Pho project can open up new lines of inquiry for ths fled and want 0 use itas the foundation for a fruitful research career. But, 'm also interested in the wider development opportunities included in this doctoral! programme. | want to be an academic, but Im happy to keep other options open. *+ expect someone will give me a job doing more research, That's what PhDs do, right? ‘#4 What are your strengths and weaknesses? A well-worn question, but a great opportunity to reflect on your abilities - as well as ‘oppartunities for further development during your Pho. What your panel is realy interested in is not se much what your strengths and ‘weaknesses actually are, but your ability to identify them. In practice, this means giving solid examples for strengths and showing how they relate to the PAD project you have in mind, Don't just say you're a good time-keeper. Point out when you've had to be well ‘erganised and show that you understand the importance of selt-directed study to a successful PhD, ‘When it comes to weaknesses, maintain the right balance. ‘PhO interview probably isnt the best time to wallow in existential self-doubt (unless you're applying fora very specitic topic in Philosophy). Equally though, answers lie my ‘only downfall is excessive perfectionism’ can sound a bit contrived. the panel is ‘asking you about strengths and weaknesses, they want you to identify and reflex both Be honest about the things you find challenging, but identity them as training needs ‘and discuss how you expect to Improve upon them as patt of your PhD. * ee! that fm a good written communicator. My existing academic and professional work demonstrates an ability to put forward ideas clearly and concisely. | think this will hoje me manage the weight of information my PROreseuren news © Cover Un Ui CrKaNErIge OF PrOUUEIT UN ETRE HESS But, 'm not always as organised as I like to be. | want to address this as part of my postgraduate training and hope to take advantage of classes and development epportunities early in my doctorate. Don'tanswor: +My greatest strength is that | have no weaknesses! And my only weakness is that | have no strengths. Hang on. 45 Are there any training needs you can identify ahead of your PhD? This question (and its answer) con be part of an invitation to reflect on your strengths ‘and weaknesses (as above). But, you may be asked about training needs more specifically. This is likely if you're ‘opplying to a more structured programme, within @ Doctoral Training Partnership or similar, Ether way, ths is @ great opportunity to reflect on your asplrations as @ researcher and show that you've read up on the project you're applying to. if the university offers a series of training modules, mention them, Say what you hope to gain from them and how you think they help you succeed in your PhD. You might also want to refer to any discussion of your aims and aspirations with @ doctorate. f you're keeping an open mind about non-academic career paths, show ‘an awareness of the transferrable skills this PhD can give you. And don't worry about revealing @ few gaps in the core skllis raquited by your discipline. A PhD is a training process, not a three-year exam, Do answer: + I'm really interested in communicating my research to a wider audience, but don't know how best to go about doing this. | think the training module on public engagement wil be a big help to me, both academically and more generally. Don'tanswer: + Im really bad ot interviews. Do you have a class for that? Stay up to date with the Ea a Pay) a aa’ Find @ PhD Interview questions about your PhD project ‘This s the university's chance to further assess your suitability for an advertised PhO position, and the likely fit between your planned project and the expertise it has ‘evaitobie. I's also your chance to expand on your research proposal and show that you have the skills, experience and understanding to complete a doctorate, For funded places (or ‘other competitive projects), this isthe time for you to prove that youare the best student for this Pho. Its @ good idea to reference your research proposal (or other appropriate parts of‘your application) when answering these questions, But expand upon what the panel has already read. (And make sure there isn't anything in that proposal that you aren't ‘confident enough to ‘back up’ in your interviews!) ‘#8 Why this project? ‘The exaet focus ofthis question will depend on whether you're applying for an ‘advertised PhD project (more common in Science, Engineering and Medicine) or proposing your own research within « department's PhD programme (more common in Arts, Humanities and some branches of the Social Sciences). if youte being considered for « pre-defined project, make sure you know Say whats that interests you about it. Compare it to similar projects (if appropriate) ‘and explain your particular choice. side out, It you're proposing your own project, this is your chance to show some passion and ‘enthusiasm for it, Refer to your research proposal and take the opportunity to discuss ‘and expand upon it In both cases you should point to some existing scholarship and show an awareness of the field you'll be entering. You'llalso want to re-iterate what makes your project distinctive, Afterall the PhD is defined as offering ‘an original contribution to knowledge: ‘This doesnt mean preparing a comprehensive ist of key works or current research projects (that titerature review willbe one of the fist things you do on the actual PRD) {At this stage the panol just wants to see that you understand your proposed project ‘and are enthusiastic enough to see i through Depending on how the question is phrased, you may aso discuss your choice of Lnversity at this stage ~ or explain why your previous work makes you a good fi for this particular Pho (see below) ‘+ This PhD appeals to my existing research interests. But Im also attracted by the opportunity to specialise and develop new expertise, Other projects didnt seem to offer the same possibilities to pursue the questions that really interest me. Don'tanswer: + Tobe honest (ido anything if it's funded. ‘#7 What makes you the right candidate for this PhO? ifyoure applying fora pre-defined PhD projec, yout almost certainly be asked why you are the best cancidote to undertate it (especial i there's funding available) Remember too that some of these projects aren't automatically funded. Their finaneing ean depend on the quality of the student they attract, so your panel will be very keen to make sure you're going to be ‘Or Right’ You might still be asked about your suitability for @ selt-proposed PhD (In Arts or Humanities, for example). This is another way for your interviewers to assess those al important motivation and commitment factors. ‘Whatever your situation, this is a good place to talk @ bit about your previous work at Undergraduate or Masters level. The panel already knows the grades you received, but now you have the chance to talk about what you actually did on those degrees. Show possion and give examples. Yan undergraduate module on gothie literature inspired you to propose @ PhD on annder-researched aspect of eighteenth-century culture, say so. f your Masters has. given you skils in exactly the kind of statistical analysis requites by this doctorate, mention thot, Do answer: + Ive been interested in this topic since the final year of my undergraduate degree, This lead to my choice of Masters and helped me pick my dissertation topic, which | really enjoyed. m really excited to now go on and do some sustained research in this area as @ PhO student. Don'tanswort + Well! really ike books. #8 What difficulties do you expect to encounter during this project ‘This is cnother fairly popular question topie. it might form part of a discussion of your strengths, weaknesses and training needs. Ot you might be invited to speak more specifically about the challenges involved in your project. ‘The panel isn't trying to catch you out here, so don't be atraid to speak frankly. All projects involve their own potential pitfalls and complications, ‘overcoming them willbe part of completing a PhD; recognising them will show that yyoute ready to begin one. Show that you've put some thought into the approach necessary for your research ‘and the methodology you might use. Don't be atraid to identity probloms you arent yet certain how to solve (the best way to orgonise some data, the authors to include in your inital survey of tests, ete) suggest how you might go about investigating them, This is also a good time to mention any training needs (it you haver't already) and speak about how you plan to take advantage of development opportunities within ‘your programme. Doanswor: * can see that some of the archival material Il need to examine for this project may be cilficult fo access. My frst task wil be to request permissions, ‘arrange visits and develop a system for recording my findings. rm hoping to Undertake training in archival practices and seek advice from my supervisor a Idovelop these key skills eary in my project. Don'tanswer: + Yeah, |know a PhD is hard, but m just going to see how | get on. #9 What would you like the Impact is on increasingly important factor in academic work and this applies to PhD research too — especially f you're funded, pact of this project to b Even if your panel doesn't explicitly ask about impact it's a good idea to mention what ‘you hope the wider outcome of your project might be. If you are asked this question ~ ‘and are prepared for it~ this is a great chance to get a leg up on the competition. Impact essentially refers to the measurable effects of research outside academia, It's1 giver us our rine wn Rave WHF HELL Gis MAMIE RUIR HH Your Me SUL UIEF SHS BI increasingly focussed on the benefits of their work beyond the ivory tower’ of higher ‘education and research. This particularly important your projects funded, the money supporting your studies will probably have come from public revenues (via a Research Counc! studentship) or from a large charity or trust. Those organisations wil want to make sure their investment is worthwhile Examples of impact differ « bit between fields. It youre in the Social Sciences you may already have some idea of the ‘outputs’ from ‘your project. These could be educational workshops, poly guidance, ete. It yourr in Science, Medicine or Engineering you'l hope to provide economic benefits to industry or to healthcare. Arts and Humanities PhDs can have impact too. Think about the ways in which you ‘could take patt in public engagement, such as teaching people about local history oF archival resources. You could partner with local schools, or even media companies producing documentary work + Im keen to share my passion for this subject with a wider audionce. rm ‘hoping to maintain @ public-tacing blog documenting my research | would also be keen te approach local schools and museums to discuss educational events, Don'tanswor: *+ Tobe honest can really see how my work on medieval manuscript preservation has any benefit outside the university. still ike some funding though. 410 How will you fund this project? This question is obviously more likely in interviews for non-funded PhDs. (It would be somewhat strange for @ university to ask you about funding for a project that carries @ full stusentship). However, you might stil be asked about contingency plans if funding falls through (particularly if tuning hasn't been secured at this stage) ori your project over-runs. Sett-funding students will obviously need to go into more detail here's not the responsibilty of your university to ask for @ complete breakciown of your tances (or {or you to provide one). Yet the panel will want to be sure that you understand the cost involved in doing a PhD and have some kind of plans in place. It's fine to say that youtl be looking for extra funding and part-time work as you start the project. But make it clear that youll stil have enough time to apply yourself to the ‘actual research Doanswer: + ve shortlisted external funders and would be keen to investigate any smal! bursaries of other forms of support through the university. Ive also made arrangements to work part-time, with the option to adjust this if my funding situation improves. Tcontanswer+ have no idea how Im going to afford this. Are you sure | can't have a scholarship? Interview questions about your choice of university Unsurprisingly, your interview panel will be interested to know why you've chosen their University for your PhO, If proposing your own project youll be asked about the fit between your research aims ‘and the expertise of the department you'd be entering \¥ applying to @ pre-delined PhO, you'l be invited to explain why this laboratory or research group particularly appeals to you and what you yourself can contribute to them. Preparing for these kinds of questions is actually quite easy. Read up on your prospective university, department and supervisors. show that you're aware of the kind of work they do and give examples, Feel free to mention other aspects of the university that appeal to you - its reputation, its alumni, even its location - but keep the main focus on the fit between your work ‘and their research environment. #11 Why have you chosen to study a PhD at this university? ‘Whatever else your panel asks, you con be pretty sure a question about your choice of university and department will crop up at some point in a Phd interview. Your answer gives you the opportunity to do several important things. Most obviously you can talk about the university and its research, Explain why you'd like to study with these supervisors in particular, when you've used their work during ‘your Bachelors degree or Masters (relevant) and how you can contribute to their future projects ‘This is clso an oppertunlty to relterate your awareness of the wider research context for your project. If other deportments or laboratories are undertaking related work, ‘mention that. Say what attracted you to this university in particular and what you hope to achieve as one of its students, ¥ your PhO is par of a structured Doctoral Programme (as is increasingly likely) you ‘can touch on any training and development opportunities it includes. You may ‘mention these elsewhere in your interview, but make sure to include them when speaking about the university's appeal to you Finally, show on awareness of any relevant research facilities, sesources oF collections, Does the university hold @ unique archive? Suggest how it might support your investigations. Has the laboratory youre working in been equipped with any new {aclities? Snow that you know about them and aro interested in using them (as relevant). Universities spend a lot of money on facilities and resources. They want students ~ Porticularly postgraduate researchers - who will make use of them. + ve looked at lots of opportunities in this area. | feel that this project is the best ofits kind, combining a unique research angle with a training programme that will meet my professional needs. | was already familiar with the work of my prospective supervisor and their research has greatly informed my own development as a scholar. 'm eager to combine my work with theirs and make use of the facilities the university has put together for this project.Don'tanswe + did my Masters here and already have a flat in the city. #12 What can you bring to this research group? PhD candidates are more than just students. You'll function, in many ways, as a junior ‘academic working within a wider research environment. Youll network with other students and academics. You'll probably teach undergraduates. You may even publish some of your research (independently, or ‘alongside your supervisor). This means that yourpotential contribution to a department or laboratory is, in many ‘ways, just as important as what it can offer you. lWyourre asked a question about this, take the opportunity to sell yourself litle, Talk about your experience (academic or professional) and outline your ambitions. Make it clear that you will provide a return on the time, money and resources that the University is considering investing in you. +m eager to take advantage of the facilities and expertise this university has to offer. But ! also want to contribute with my own expertise and enthusiasm, My previous work has given me the skills to make the most of the material involved in this project and m motivated to participate in new training. be proud to be a part of this department and would actively seek to represent it through my own publications and other research outputs, Don'tanswer: * Ihave a Bachelors and a Masters in this subject so I'm quite clever. What to ask in a PhD interview Your PhD entrance interview will probably end with an invitation for you to ask your ‘own questions of the panel. This part of the interview is as important as the answers youll have already given. Asking good questions demonstrates your motivation. It also shows that you've given some genuine consideration to the project and | or programme youre applying to, Don't just ask questions ‘for effect though. This is your chance to find out mare about the project you'll be doing, the people you'l be working with and the expectations of you as a PhD student. Remember: youre a good student, with lots of potential. You're considering at least three years of hard work with this university. You need te knew that youtl. get on with your supervisor, that your work will be appreciated and that there are good prospects {or your project. You'te here to be interviewed for a PRO, but nothing's stopping you from doing alittle interviewing of your own. Here are a tew good questions to considering asking at your PhD interview. They include ways to express enthusiasm for your project, as well as some useful inquiries to make for yourself‘What will the supervision arrangements be for the project? ‘This shows that you'te thinking practically and looking ahead to the process of ‘actually doing the Pho. its clso something youll probably want to check for yourset. What kind of training and skills sessions are offered as part of the PhD programme? This shows that you'te interested in the development opportunities that form part of a modetn PhD. I's also a good way to address any concerns you have about your own skills. Be careful though. Avoid asking simple questions about material that’s already ‘covered in the PhD project descriotion, or in the university’s postgraduate prospectus, Will have opportunities to toach / p nt / publish? Thisis something else youll want to know for yourstt butt aso demonstrates @ practical approach to your PhD (and future career). A good PhO programme should offer some opportunity to teach or demonstrate towards the end of your project, Equolly, you should be encouraged to communicate your research and supported in doing 80, How many other PhD students has this supervisor seen to completion? Don't be attaid to ask about previous students and what they've gone on to do. You ‘may also want to know if you'll be working with or alongside other students and what the arrangements for that will be, ‘Are there likely to be any changes to the funding arrangements for the project? ‘A good practical question. you're applying for a funded place, make sure you Lundorstang the terms of that funding (its duration, whether you can combine it with ‘ony other income, etc). It you're currently self~funding, it won't hurt to ask if the University anticipates having any support available for you in future Is the university or department likely to run any events or other associated projects during the period of my PhD? This might not seem like an obvious question, but i's worth asking, The university might be in the early stages of planning a major hosted conference, external portnership or outreach project. Asking about these shows @ genuine interest in your University and its research and suggests that youll be the right sort of PhD student to help deliver thom, Needless to say, these kinds of projects are also excellent ‘opportunities to goin experience and build your CV. ‘other questions will probably eccur to you according to your specific circumstances ‘and the nature of the project youre applying to. Focus on the things that would concern you as a student actually doing the PhD in question, but avoid trivial topics. Your panel will be hoppy to talk about liorary resources and lab feeclties. They'll be less keen to advise on the best local pubs or say how often the bus runs between campus and town, Also try to avoid asking for information that's readily available elsewhere. This suggests you haven't done your research ~ which is never a good sign when applying to do research, Stay up to date with the Ea a Pay) nic) Find @ PhD Still looking for that perfect PhD project? White youre preparing for the interview stage of applications, its a good idea te keep searching as many PhD projects are advertised ‘throughout the yearYou may also like. @ »yv0wsies poflections on the First Year Gomer) Hollis officially coming to the end of her first year of PhD study. She talks to some other students to compore experiences and lessons learnt along the way. Read more> @ > vorezenins ina A PAD isa gretway tel you mate ference We splat towmpine ager’ bicheboat hee ono ey folmproveeutsomes or banioe bom pete Read more> After winning our Pho Supervisor of the Year Award, we caught up with Clive Palmer to see haw he got to where he is now and what ie is lke 08 a supervisor. ead more> - ___ aie @ vyuowysiios ‘Months to Realise | Have Imposter Syndrome ‘Our guest blogger, Holly s with an expert on Imposter Syndrome to find out what it really is ‘and how to tackee it Read more> @ soma ours Introducing PhD Hard-Talk PRO Hard-tlkis an ontine community or postgraduates and researchers to sare their work ond tavice. We sat downto chet with he project founder, Noma Mgurit leer (whet PhD Hard-talk can do for you. Read more> @ Py Maree reruns ‘My Mature Student PhD Journey: Clive's Story. We caught up with Clive Palmer ‘about hs Pho experience os a mature student. Read more>