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What to do before the interview.

It is important to treat the PhD interview like a job interview. Dress smartly and bring two printed copies of your application form. It is also useful to bring your research proposal or your notes on how you will fit into the existing research project. Organise materials neatly so that you can quickly access any information requested, but also commit crucial details to memory—and rehearse.

Do background research on the university, the department, and the academics who will interview you. Prepare several informed questions about their current research and the overall research culture in the department.

Make sure you know where and when the interview will occur and arrive ahead of time. If possible, visit the building in advance. You will feel more at ease if the surroundings are a little familiar.

To avoid embarrassment, try to find out how to pronounce the names of staff members you will meet.

Tell us about yourself.

Include not only your academic background, but your personal motivation—and particularly what motivates you to do in-depth research in this specific field of study.

Why have you applied to do a PhD here?

This is where research can give you an edge. Show that you have chosen this programme/department/university for strong and valid reasons, such as your high regard for named researchers’ work, the availability of specific collections, equipment, or lab resources, and overall reputation. Give concrete examples, not banal generalities.

What can you do for us?

Academics will have to give up a great deal of time to supervise you, most of which they will receive no scheduled hours or recognition for. So, what research skills, personal attributes, connections, theoretical ideas and so on do you have that will make it worth their while? Again, give specific and concrete examples.

What do you think pursuing a PhD will do for you?

If you plan to become an academic, say so, but not in terms of just getting a job—talk about your long-term research plans . If applying to a professional doctorate programme, show that you understand the realistic career impact. Applicants pursuing a PhD towards the end of their career may want to talk about gaining recognition for innovative practice or solving complex issues through research. It is important to showcase your knowledge, motivation, background and commitment at this point.

What skills do you have that make you a good fit for the PhD place you have applied for or for the department?

Tailor your response specifically: Play up your strengths, including any prior research training and experience. Discuss project management skills, leadership skills, interpersonal skills, collaborative working, critical thinking and international experience or understanding.

Tell us about your research project.

If proposing your own topic, over-prepare. Refer to current scholarship and explain how your cutting-edge work will break new ground. If applying to join a project, show that you understand its value and demonstrate that you are the right person to make it happen. Be enthusiastic!

What would you say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Yes, that tired job-interview question will appear here as well. Make sure the strengths you list include examples, and your “weaknesses” are also “strengths”—for example, “sometimes I’m a terrible perfectionist.” It is important to mention and demonstrate how your determination reaps project succession. The panel will want to know that you will persist in completing the PhD. Demonstrate this!

Tell us about a challenge you have overcome in the past.

It’s best to choose a research challenge as your answer: for example, how you handled an issue during your Master’s dissertation such as a disagreement with a supervisor or an issue with ethical approval. If you use a career or personal challenge, show how you used research or project-management skills to solve it.

What do you see as the most important issue/problem in this field today?

This question gives you space to show your knowledge of current research, theory and practice. Use this as an opportunity to showcase your knowledge.

Is there anything you would like to ask us?

This is your chance to show how informed you are and position yourself as an intellectual equal. Be prepared . Be ready.

We hope you found our Top Ten PhD Interview Questions and Answers article useful.

Find your PhD here

More phd tips:.

How To Write PhD Proposals

How to do a Distance Learning PhD at a UK university

Become a Researcher – 5 Skills You Need

PhD Funding – A Checklist of Possible Sources

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March 14th, 2023

Invited to the phd interview here’s how to prepare.

1 comment | 3 shares

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Firstly, congratulations! If you’ve been invited to a PhD interview, it means that your application was solid enough to make the shortlist. That’s a small win. Now, onto the preparation for your interview. The PhD interview is an excellent opportunity for you to showcase why you’re a good fit for the programme. This requires you to prepare well for a successful admission. Here are some focus areas and tips for your interview.

Know your research proposal thoroughly

If you submitted a research proposal with your application, ensure that you read it thoroughly and know it well. There’s no such thing as overpreparation with your proposal. Of course, your proposal will be refined several times as you progress along the PhD, but for the interview, you can expect questions around the rationale, methods, and expected outcomes of your research. There can also be questions about the impact your research is likely to have. Also, have a think about the timelines of your project to answer questions around practicality and feasibility.

Research your interviewers

Your invite will indicate who is on your interview panel. Usually, they are likely to be your first and second supervisors. Although you may have contacted them previously and worked with them on your proposal, it’s advisable to read up on their work, research papers that they contributed to, their research interests and the work they’re presently involved in. All this information will be available on the faculty webpages of the department you’re applying to. Knowing this information will help you reiterate why and how you think their supervision will inform your work and how you hope to contribute to their on-going projects.

Brush up on technical know-how

There may be some questions around your past experience and academic background to gauge how well-suited your candidacy is for the topic and the programme you’re applying to. Additionally, these questions will also help your interview panel understand your training needs and how best they can be met to support your studies. Therefore, it’s necessary that you do some reading on the technical aspects of your research, the methodologies you’re proposing to deploy, the analytical tools you’ll be using among others. It’s advisable to be candid about your training needs and what you hope to gain from the programme.

Be sure about your motivations

The interview will be a discussion involving lots of “why” questions. Why do you want to do a PhD? Why do you want to go to LSE? Why do you want to research the topic you’re proposing? The answers for all these questions will be different but the common threads highlight your underlying motivations for applying to the PhD programme. Think long and hard about these questions before your interview. The interviewers want to understand your motivation and ensure that you recognise the commitment involved in signing up for a PhD programme. So don’t be afraid to get personal and really answer with your truest intentions.

The interviewers are likely to ask questions about your funding plans. If you’re planning to self-fund, you must state this clearly. If you’ve applied to funding opportunities, be sure to list them out along with when you’re expecting the decisions from the funding bodies. If you’ve applied to the department’s studentship opportunities, make sure you reiterate it during the discussion. While it’s not necessary to get into the fine details, it’s important that you clearly outline your plans around funding.

Final words of advice

Be reasonably confident. Prepare notes that you can refer to during the interview, if that is permitted. Ask questions about opportunities for collaboration, the research agenda in the department, or even the cohort size. Lastly, make sure to send in a thank-you note to your interviewers post your interview.

All the best! 😊

About the author

I’m Aish, an MPhil/PhD student at the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science. I study the impact that personality characteristics can have on performance at the workplace. When I’m not actively PhD-ing, I spend my time cooking, writing, and hula-hooping.

Thank you, Aishwarya, for your thorough and clear explanations. I truly appreciate your assistance.

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How To Prepare for a PhD Interview

Katie Baker
July 31, 2024

So, you’ve written your personal statement, you’ve sent through your application and now you’ve been invited to a PhD interview, the first step is to congratulate yourself; only 30 – 50% of PhD applicants make it through to the initial interview stage. The invitation is a sure-fire sign the admissions team were impressed by your academic track record, essays, research proposals and personal statement, but you aren’t out of the woods and in the door just yet.

PhD interviews are conducted by universities to discuss the PhD program or your research proposal with you in more detail. You can also expect to be asked questions about your academic background, skills, and career goals. By asking these questions, university admissions teams will assess whether you are capable enough to carry out doctoral research. With enough preparation, your PhD interview doesn’t need to be daunting.

To help you prepare for your interview, this page will outline advice on how to prepare for a PhD interview and give you an insight into what typically happens at PhD interviews. However, it is worth bearing in mind that each university interviews its potential PhD candidates differently.

Along with following the advice outlined here, you will also want to ensure you have a good idea of what to expect from your interview. For example, some university boards will ask you to do a short presentation; others will only ask you questions based on your research proposal and other application materials that spurred them to pick up the phone and invite you to elaborate on your application.

Know What To Expect From a PhD Interview

Even though PhD interview questions can vary significantly from institution to institution, depending on the circumstances of your PhD application or be formulated specifically around your subject area, every interview serves the same purpose.

So while it is difficult to give you an idea of a standard PhD interview format, the principle is the same; you will be discussing the finer details of your research proposal or your academic background if you are applying for a program with pre-determined aims and objectives.

Formal interviews will put you in front of a postgraduate recruitment panel, potentially comprising admission tutors and PhD supervisors; on the other end of the spectrum, you could be asked to meet your potential supervisor for lunch or in a coffee shop on campus to discuss your research interests. Some universities even choose to include orientation activities in the initial interview process; this will give you the chance to explore the research facilities and meet staff members and peers.

Whichever setting your interview takes place in, and whoever is present, remember that the focus will always be on your achievements, academic interests, and goals.

PhD Interview Presentations

If a PhD interview presentation is required, you will be informed by the university well in advance to allow you to prepare. Your prospective department will also outline their expectations for the presentation, including how long it should be, what needs to be covered, and how it should be delivered.

Typically, PhD interview presentations should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete, be delivered via PowerPoint and cover your academic achievements and background, research methods and the impact of your research. However, for students interviewing for advertised positions, there may be a requirement to give a short presentation on a specified topic related to your field.

How Long Does a PhD Interview Take?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for how long a PhD interview takes; the duration depends on the format, how quickly you provide the information that the postgraduate recruitment panel and several other factors.

With some interviews, you should block out an entire day in your calendar as the university may invite you to meet the recruitment panel in the morning, have lunch on campus, explore the department, and have your formal interview afterwards. With others, you can expect to meet your future supervisor and speak with them for an hour over coffee. Whichever interview format you are invited to, remember you’ll be doing the degree be prepared to make the most of it!

row of students sitting on a bench waiting next to eachother

PhD Interviews for Advertised Positions

Most STEM PhD programs come with pre-defined aims, usually part of a research program with broader research objectives; your doctoral research will contribute to the body of research. Furthermore, many advertised PhD projects will also have secure funding. With these kinds of positions, all applicants must prove via their interviews that they can carry out the research to a high standard and prove they deserve the secured funding or studentship.

For example, imagine a particular PhD degree involving the analysis of a particular protein. Being a talented and competent life scientist can get you the interview, but exhibiting your knowledge of the specific proteins and familiarity with the techniques and equipment you need to run your analytical research will seal you the position. You don’t need to be an expert; you need to prove your capacity to become an expert – given the chance.

With advertised positions, the interviews are typically more formal, and the main component will comprise a question-and-answer session where you will be in front of a qualified postgraduate recruitment panel involving three or more people, including project supervisors, postgrad admissions staff, lead investigators and funding reps.

The panel will focus on your research goals and interests and how they correlate to your academic background. You may also be expected to expand on sections of your application which need more clarification.

It isn’t heard of for interviewers to ask you to give a specific presentation in addition to answering questions. However, this presentation shouldn’t be too long or complex. Alternatively, you may be asked to cover your research proposal in more intricate detail or summarise previous research projects.

At the end of the interview, you will get the opportunity to ask your own questions; prepare some in advance; this will show your interest and enthusiasm, and you will also gain clarification that the program is right for you.

PhD Interviews for Self-Proposed Research Proposals

If you have applied for a position with a self-proposed research proposal, the interview will differ from the interviews for students hoping to complete doctoral research with pre-defined objectives.

With self-proposed research proposals, you won’t only need to prove your competency, but you will also need to prove the value and originality of your project. Once accepted, you will have freedom over the research you conduct – to a certain extent – however, you will still gain access to similar levels of support, training and resources.

Even though you have to defend your research proposal, these interviews are typically more flexible and relaxed; you won’t have the pressure of competing for secured funding or affirming why you deserve studentship above other applicants. However, you will face just as much scrutiny as students competing for advertised positions as you will need to confidently convey that the project is viable in terms of time, methodology, and facilities available at the university.

It is more likely that interviews for students proposing their own research will be more casual; don’t take this as an indication that they are any less important. The postgraduate research panel or your potential supervisor will still need confirmation that you have the right skills and knowledge to go in-depth with research in their field.

Taking on a new doctoral candidate is a big multi-year commitment for PhD supervisors; you will want to assure them it is worth their time. Typically, this process will include going through points already illustrated in your proposal and expanding on uncovered areas. If funding is on the cards, it will be allocated on a merit basis; with this in mind, elaborate on the value of your project.

How to Prepare for a PhD Interview

Regardless of how your interview is conducted, you will still need to speak about your research proposal and previous work and experience. Spend ample time reviewing your former essays, considering your previous feedback, and going over your proposal with a fine-tooth comb. You should always be prepared to defend any claims you have made with evidence and examples.

During the interview, expect the academic work carried out in your bachelor’s and master’s degrees to be brought up. The merits of them won’t seal your acceptance offer, but discussing your academic background can exhibit your enthusiasm and show how your interest in your research topic developed.

In addition to re-reading your work, take the time to familiarise yourself with the current or recent research carried out by your supervisor. This familiarity will prove that you will relish the opportunity to work with them. If you aren’t sure who your PhD supervisor will be, review the research carried out in the department.

The lack of originality in research proposals is one of the main reasons for PhD application rejections, which typically happens before the interview stage. However, during your PhD interview, you will also need to verify, if you have self-proposed your own research, that you have investigated the field to ensure your thesis will be completely original.

For PhD projects with pre-set aims, never overlook any of the details of the program. Beyond reviewing the objectives, take an interest in who will be involved, clue yourself in about external funders, and note the available development and training.

Practice doesn’t only mean perfect; it also means you are committed, capable and confident. Enlist the help of your current academic contacts and peers while practising your interview or presentation material. This is especially important if you don’t have much experience with public speaking or giving presentations.

What To Wear and Bring to a PhD Interview?

Appearance isn’t everything in a PhD interview, but it can go a long way for potential candidates wanting to make the best first impression. Even though academics don’t typically share a similar wardrobe with CEOs during their average workdays, you should present yourself how you would if you were attending a job interview for your dream job.

The PhD admissions team will inform you if you need to bring anything specific to your interview, such as a presentation. However, if it makes you feel more comfortable and prepared, you can bring hard copies of your previous essays or dissertations, which you can re-read or reference where appropriate. It may also be beneficial to bring a hard copy of your research proposal if you submitted one.

A notepad and pen will also help you to take notes after you have asked your questions at the end of the interview. Remember, like a job interview, a PhD interview will assess your suitability for the university and the suitability of the university for you. Doctoral research is a big commitment; you will want to ensure that the institution is right for you; your initial interview may be your only chance to explore the campus and meet the staff.

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Applying for a PhD in the UK

Written by Mark Bennett

Planning on applying for a PhD in the UK? This guide covers what’s required to get onto a UK PhD programme and how to submit your application.

PhD Study in the UK - Key Details
	164
	(1096)
	550,000
	3-4 years
	£4-5,000 (domestic rate)
	September to June

UK universities

There are over 150 universities in the UK. The vast majority are public universities , meaning that they receive funding (including budgets for PhD studentships) from the UK Government. All British universities are free to pursue their own research objectives, but the amount of funding each institution receives is partly based on regular assessments of its performance as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) .

A small number of private universities also operate in the UK. They tend to specialise in specific subjects, such as Business or Law.

UK countries

The four parts of the UK each have slightly different higher education systems:

England is home to the majority of the UK's universities, including the two oldest ( Oxford and Cambridge )
Scotland is home to 15 of the UK's universities, including four 'ancient universities' ( St Andrews , Glasgow , Aberdeen and Edinburgh ) dating from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries
Wales has eight universities, all of which are public institutions, dating from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries
Northern Ireland has two universities, each of which operates multiple campuses

The governments of each part of the UK have powers to decide on higher education policy, including fees and funding. But, in practice, PhD research works pretty similarly across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The country that's best for you will depend on the research opportunities available at specific universities.

UK university groups

Some UK universities are organised – officially or unofficially – into different groups. Here are some of the more common ones you may come across, together with what they mean:

The Russell Group is an association of 24 universities across the UK. The group is self-selecting (it decides on its own members) and positions itself as representing the country's leading research universities. In practice this is broadly accurate as the Russell Group includes some of the best ranked British universities and – perhaps more importantly – awards the majority of UK PhDs.
The ancient universities are a group of seven institutions that date from the sixteenth century or earlier, including Oxford , Cambridge , St Andrews , Glasgow , Aberdeen and Edinburgh as well as Trinity College Dublin (in Ireland ). 'Membership' of this group isn't based on anything other than chronology (unsurprisingly, new universities can't join) and the ancient universities don't collaborate as such, though some are members of the Russell Group. Of more importance is the fact that some ancient universities award their doctorates as a DPhil rather than a PhD. The degree and its recognition are fundamentally the same.
The red brick universities are another informal grouping based on history rather than collective organisation. They include nine civic universities founded during the nineteenth-century industrial revolution with the aim of providing education and training for their cities. In contrast to the medieval buildings of the ancient universities, their campuses were built largely from red brick – hence the name.
The term 'post-92' is sometimes used to describe universities that were originally polytechnics (higher education institutions focussing on teaching and training rather than research) before being granted full university status in 1992. Many of these 'ex-poly' universities actually have long and proud histories and are now some of the UK's most innovative research centres.

There are a few other formal and informal groups, including 'plate glass' universities (founded in the 1960s – the UK has a thing for associating universities with building materials) as well as membership organisations for newer universities such as MillionPlus and GuildHE.

You don't generally need to worry about which group your prospective university is or isn't part of. It's true that some groupings confer a degree of prestige, but universities are invited into the Russell Group because of their research performance and reputation, not the other way around. There are also many excellent universities which haven't chosen to join particular associations.

Accreditation and research quality

The UK takes quality assurance for universities very seriously, with several levels of official recognition and accreditation.

The right to use a university title is protected by law in the UK and can be granted by royal charter, Act of Parliament or similarly official means.

The right to award degrees is also protected. A university must either be a 'recognised body', in which case it can award its own degrees. Or it must be a 'listed body' in which case a recognised body must award degrees on its behalf (listed bodies are often newer universities or specialist colleges with qualifications accredited by more established neighbouring universities).

You can use the UK Government website to quickly check if a university is officially recognised .

UK universities' research quality is separately monitored through an exercise known as the Research Excellence Framework (REF) . This examines the research a university is producing as well as its impact on society in general. The environment and support provided for PhD students is also considered as part of this process. The most recent REF results were published in 2021.

UK university cities

There are excellent universities located across the UK, from London and the South of England to the Scottish Highlands and Islands . With that said, here are a few of the UK's most popular student cities:

Study in London
Study in Edinburgh
Study in Manchester
Study in Cardiff
Study in Birmingham
Study in Sheffield

How to apply for a PhD in the UK

You should apply directly to a university for a place on a UK PhD project or programme. There are two ways to do this:

Some PhD projects are advertised by universities with set aims and objectives. These are most common in STEM subjects and often have funding attached. You can browse UK PhD adverts here on FindAPhD.
Other PhD projects are designed by students who put forward a research proposal for the work they would like to do. These are more common in Arts, Humanities and some Social Science subjects. You can browse UK PhD programmes to apply within here on FindAPhD.

It's often a good idea to contact a prospective PhD supervisor before applying, but this isn't usually a necessary step. Universities will usually pair students with the most appropriate supervisor for their project.

We’ve written dedicated guides to applying for a PhD in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences , as well as STEM subjects.

Admissions requirements

You will normally need the following to be accepted for a PhD in the UK:

A suitable undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK 2.1 or higher). A Masters may also be required in some subject areas.
Evidence of language proficiency (if English is not your first language).
Evidence that you possess the necessary materials to gain a UK student visa (for international students).
Other application materials including a research proposal , personal statement or references .

Actual requirements vary between projects and programmes.

Not all UK PhD applications require a formal interview , but this is more common for funded positions or programmes with limited space.

Interviews can often be conducted online. You may be asked to answer some questions about your application and / or give a short presentation on your intended research.

Inidan qualifications in the UK

In July 2022, the UK and Indian governments signed a memoradum agreeing to automatically recognise undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in each other's countries. This means that if you studied your Bachelors or Masters in India and are now applying for a UK PhD, your qualifications will recognised as equivalent to British ones.

It also means that it will be easier for you to seek work in India with a PhD from a UK university!

Find a PhD in the UK

Why not get started browsing some UK PhDs ? Alternatively, you can look at our other guides to studying a PhD abroad .

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Studying For A PhD

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Dos and don’ts of a phd interview.

Studying for a PhD is an amazing academic achievement, as well as serious time commitment , and it's certainly not one for the faint-hearted. Once you've decided to embark on this academic path, your PhD interviewer needs to be sure that you are able to rise to the challenge and are academically capable of achieving this ultimate goal. And the PhD interview is how they assess your potential for a place on the program when applying for a PhD .

Your PhD interview will consist of questions that will enable your potential supervisors to get to know you better and have an understanding of what you’d like to study, why you’ve chosen your field of study, and whether you’d be a good fit for the PhD program.

This interview will also give you the opportunity to ask questions about the program and the university to make sure it’s the place you’d like to study.

Here, we've compiled a list of dos and don'ts of a PhD interview from the interviewer's perspective, to hopefully guarantee you success when answering the PhD interview questions and thus beginning your Doctorate journey.

PhD interview questions to help you prepare

Your interviewers will ask a range of different questions in order to determine whether you will be let into the PhD program . They will ask different types of questions to get an idea of who you are, what your interests are, and how much of an asset your research will be to the university.

General PhD interview questions

One important aspect of the PhD interview is for the interviewers to get a good idea of who the interviewee is.

They will do this by asking a series of questions that are more general to try and get a sense of your likes and dislikes, and your overall personality. These opening questions could be viewed as ‘warm up questions’ and are likely to also include questions and discussions about your academic history, reasons why you are interested in your particular research topic, and why you’re studying a PhD.

Example questions could include:

What is your academic background?
Describe your personal qualities?
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?

The PhD interviewer will ask you questions about your motivation to study a PhD, which you should find straightforward to answer as you clearly have a keen interest and knowledge in a particular research topic to be considering studying it at PhD level. Now all you need to do is illustrate to the interviewer why you are the right person for this PhD at their university.

The first way to do this is to go into detail about your personal motivations for studying a PhD. Do you have a historical or family link with this topic? Was it an area you covered in your bachelors degree that you now want to explore further? Are you destined for a career in academia?

Another thing you should demonstrate in your PhD interview is what experience you’ve had either academically, personally or in the workplace that has strengthened your passions for your research.

It is also important to show that you have researched the university, the supervisor and your project. If many universities offer this particular PhD course, then why did you choose this specific one? Do they have resources that will be useful? Is there a supervisor you’d like to work with?

Example questions that you can expect to receive at this stage in your PhD interview could include:

Why are you motivated to pursue a PhD and why in this specific field?
Why did you choose this university?
Why did you choose this program?
Tell us about a time you experienced a setback

Relevant experience

Your PhD interviewer will be interested in any relevant experience you have to qualify you to study this PhD. Use your answers to draw attention to your specific qualifications that may not be obvious from your CV or project. Discuss other courses that you’ve taken, past research, etc. Use this time to reassure your prospective supervisor that you have the skills and experience needed to undertake a doctorate.

Consider what is the critical knowledge and skills needed for this project and explain to the interviewer how you meet these.

Don’t just summarise your CV as the interviewer has already seen this. They will want to see your passion and motivation for your research project.

Example questions they may ask at this stage could be:

What experience do you have that makes you suitable for this particular PhD and in what ways?’
Why should we choose you?

Your PhD project

Interviewers will want to know that students understand their project and the research involved in successfully studying a PhD.

You should be prepared to discuss your project idea in detail and demonstrate to the interviewer that you are the ideal candidate. For example, you should explain that you understand the current gaps in knowledge around your topic and how you propose to fill these gaps. Show that you know what your aims and objectives are and how your efforts will contribute to the research field.

Here are some example questions to help you discuss your PhD project:

How are you planning to deliver your project on time?
What will you do if you do not find the expected results?
What difficulties would you expect to encounter during this project?
How did you develop this proposal?

Future ambitions

It’s important for students to know where their work may lead them. Knowing how a PhD will help achieve this, and articulating these aspirations to the interviewer, will give the interviewer a better picture of the student’s goals.

If the goal is to have an academic career, use this as an opportunity to show the interviewer that you understand the academic career path.

An example question at this stage could be:

How will this PhD open the door for future ambitions and aspirations?

Your own questions

As well as being properly prepared to answer questions about your PhD proposal, it is also important to ask your own questions to the interviewer to make sure that this is the university and PhD program that you’re looking for.

Example questions that you could ask a potential supervisor could include:

Are you likely to remain at the university for the duration of my PhD program?
Are there good links within a specific industry/work field for your post-PhD career?
How many PhD students to you supervise at one time?
How much contact time am I likely to get?

PhD interview questions: DOs

"Brand" yourself. Show your personality . We must remember you for something besides your academic skills.
Be confident and sure of your abilities, but don’t be overconfident. You are not the best in everything that you do, so don't pretend you are!
If we ask you a witty question, reply with a witty answer.
All PhD interviews are different. Be flexible when preparing for your interview and don’t take anyone’s advice as definite, instead use it to build upon.
Avoid simple yes or no answers.
Show that you are an independent and original thinker by engaging in debate and supporting your arguments with reasonable statements. However, always be polite and argue without insulting us.
Be professional. Professionals can find the right measure between being serious and being informal.
Show that you care about what you want to study and about what we do, and don’t be interested in our PhD program just to get the title.
Research what we do. We don’t want to talk to someone who knows nothing about our work.

PhD interview questions: DON’Ts

Don’t undermine the importance of ‘soft’ general questions like “Where do you see yourself in future?” or “What is motivating you to do the PhD?”
Don’t be passive in communication. We are interviewing you, but you are also interviewing us.
Don’t give too general answers. Be specific and to the point because that will show us that you are not feigning but you know what you are talking about.
Don’t get nervous if you think the interview is not going well. In many cases this is just your personal impression, which may be wrong.
Don’t come dressed as if you just woke up – make an effort!
Don’t talk jargon. It is not very likely that we were born in the same place or have the same background, so we may not understand what you are saying.
Don’t try to pretend that you are someone you're not. We don’t like pretentiousness and can usually see straight through it.
Don’t try to be too funny. We may have a different sense of humour than you do, especially if you come from a different culture.
Don’t become too emotional during the PhD interview. Enthusiasm is good but not if it’s exaggerated, then it becomes quite off-putting.

Summary of PhD interview questions

This table shows some examples of different categories of questions you might enounter at a PhD interview.

	Your academic background, personal qualities, what sets you apart from the other candidates, etc.
	Why are you motivated to pursue a PhD and why in this specific field? Why did you choose the university?
	What experience do you have that makes you suitable for this particular PhD and in what way?
	How are you planning to deliver your project on time? What if you don’t find the expected results?
	How will this PhD open the door for your future ambitions and aspirations?
	At the end of each interview your interviewers will usually encourage you to ask them questions of interest to you.

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How To Get The Most From Your PhD Supervisor

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What Is a PhD Interview?

How to prepare for phd interviews, final thoughts, the 10 phd interview questions you might be asked.

Updated January 9, 2024

To secure a PhD position at a university you will first have to attend a PhD interview . This interview will take place once the admission committee has decided that your research proposal and academic ability reaches their required standards, and they are interested in hearing more about you and your proposed research topic.

An interview is an opportunity to share your interests with the committee and reveal your drive and suitability for the institution. It is also a chance for you to learn more about the particulars of the programme and determine if it is the correct fit for you.

In this article, we will share the top 10 PhD interview questions with advice on how to prepare.

The format of the PhD interview will vary from institution to institution, and so will the degree of formality. You should expect to answer general questions about your yourself, your motivations and future intentions, as well as discussing your PhD research proposal in greater depth.

You may be asked to attend an interview with your prospective PhD supervisor, or have a panel interview with admissions and the head of the department you wish to join.

It is most likely that you will be required to speak to several interviewers, one of them being your potential supervisor.

The interview may be formal and require a presentation of your proposed project, or it may be a more informal chat about your research, its nuances and potential legacy.

Depending on your location, your interview may either be face-to-face or via Skype (or an alternative video conferencing service). Video interviews are common when applying for a PhD, especially if you are located far away or internationally, so be prepared for this eventuality.

Do not be afraid of enquiring as to the interview structure when you receive your invitation to interview. Your interviewers will want you to feel as comfortable and prepared as possible, to be able to gauge your potential and fit accurately, so will likely be happy to answer any queries you may have.

When preparing for your interview, make sure you know your proposed research topic/question and its academic relevance, scope, limits and future potential in great detail. You are applying for a rigorous research position so you must know your stuff.

Also, research the institution and your potential supervisors to see what work they have done in this field and be prepared to talk about it in depth.

Your interviewer(s) will be looking for an indication that you have carefully thought through your proposal and have the required background knowledge to excel in conducting further research. You should have a comprehensive idea of existing research in your field and of the methodologies you will use to conduct your project.

You must be able to convey your proposal clearly, which, in the case of heavily scientific or niche research, is not always easy. Bear in mind that some of the interviewers in your panel will likely not have the same depth of knowledge as you (and some will have more).

Make sure that you are prepared to both simplify your explanation of your research, as well as discuss it in greater, more technical detail. Adept simplification is the mark of a candidate who has a command of their research area.

1. Tell Me About Yourself

This open question is sometimes used to begin a PhD interview, the idea being that it gets you comfortably talking about a topic that is not too daunting or technical.

It provides the opportunity for you to tell the interviewer(s) about your academic background and personal motivation for following this path. Feel free to explain why you came to be interested in your chosen topic through personal anecdotes, but keep these relevant and appropriate.

It is best to link all personal information back to your academic studies if possible, keeping the conversation on topic. Interviewers want to get to know more about you, but this information should be relevant and add to your suitability for the PhD position you are applying for.

2. Describe Your Research Project

The context of this question will differ depending on whether you have applied for an advertised PhD project or have devised your own research proposal.

The rule of thumb is to ensure you prepare comprehensively for a question that asks you about the specifics of the research project you will be working on during your PhD – whether it was self-crafted or pre-defined.

You will be expected to have mastery of the proposal and be able to discuss its direction , academic contribution and potential limitations in detail. You should also be prepared to convey how you will deal with setbacks or complications that may arise when conducting your research.

Describing your research project will invite further questions on your topic, methodology and approach. You must be able to answer any questions about your proposed research comprehensively and defend your decisions.

It is also crucial that your genuine interest and drive for conducting this project is relayed to your interviewers, so let your enthusiasm for your research topic show.

3. Why Are You Interested in This Particular Project/PhD?

For this question, it is good to talk about the specific features of the programme that attracted you. This shows that you know what the programme offers in detail, have thought carefully about your application and value the nuances and specificities this PhD structure offers.

Be prepared to discuss your motivations for conducting further research in this field . Interviewers are looking for a genuine passion for your academic topic. Reflecting upon and explaining what led you to create, or apply to complete, this particular project will help to convey your enthusiasm.

It is also an opportunity to discuss what drew you to the university and faculty , as well as to the specific programme. Think back over what features and benefits encouraged you to apply and convey your positivity towards them.

Maybe there are certain professors you are particularly interested in working with, or the faculty approach to the programme differs from others you considered and you feel it is best suited to your research goals and learning style.

Conveying a level of engagement with the department and its existing and current research will likely serve you well, so do your research.

Also, when answering a question of this kind, convey not only your motivation behind applying for the programme but show that you have the drive required to complete it. PhDs are significant undertakings and will take determination and devotion, so communicate that you have a passion for the programme that will see you through.

4. What Are Your Future Plans, Once This PhD Is Complete?

Interviewers will be looking to see that you have thought about where you are heading after completing your doctorate. This helps them determine your motivations and if you are applying for a PhD for the right reasons.

If you have clear goals, you are more likely to be committed to the programme. Ensure you can discuss these openly and confidently.

If you intend to stay and progress in academia, as many undertaking PhDs do, this question is a chance to show that you are well informed and understand the demands of an academic career path.

If you have a different path in mind, don’t be afraid to share it. PhDs can lead to a variety of different career paths.

The university will want to ensure that they can provide you with the correct skills and training for your chosen path, so share your aims and impress your interviewers with your aspirations of practical application.

5. What Qualities Make You a Good Candidate for This Project?

Questions like this one are good opportunities to reflect upon your strengths and abilities. Make sure you have fully researched the types of competency that the university will be looking for and relate your answer back to these.

Ensure that you can explain how the qualities you outline relate to the successful delivery of your PhD project. The ability to be self-reflective is a valuable quality so be sure to elaborate and back up your examples of strengths with solid examples .

Be honest about your strengths and also what you find challenging. You can use this space to talk about how you expect to grow and develop through the programme, and identify what you are hoping to learn.

You may well be asked a more specific question about your personal training needs, so ensure you have considered what would be beneficial.

6. What Difficulties Might You Encounter and How Would You Overcome Them?

Your interviewers will want to know that you are being realistic going into their PhD programme, as there will inevitably be challenges encountered when carrying out your research.

Think carefully about potential issues, whether these are related to work-life balance or research specificities. When preparing to talk about your proposal at interview, think about these possible problems and devise how you would overcome them , so you can convey this confidently to your interviewer.

Interviewers will be impressed by the fact that you have carefully thought through the challenges and will be reassured by your determination and commitment to succeeding in completing your PhD.

7. What Might the Wider Impact of Your Project Be?

This question addresses project legacy and contribution and it is highly likely a question in this vein will be encountered at interview. Ensure you have thought through the wider implications of your project and any branch research that it may inspire.

Impact is particularly important if you are applying for a funded PhD. This will have particular conditions and those who devised the project will have certain aspirations for the impact the work will deliver.

For both a self-created or pre-defined project, ensure you understand the importance of the contribution the research is making and the impacts practical application of the research could have going forward.

The extent of the tangible impact a project may have will differ depending on discipline and topic but all projects will have their own academic contribution. Ensure you can sell the relevance and importance of your proposed research strand.

8. How Will You Fund This Project?

If you are being interviewed for a non-funded position , you may well be asked this question. It may also arise in interviews for funded positions where the funding has not yet been secured or may not fully cover the project expenses.

Funding will also need to be a consideration if the proposed project timescale overruns.

Your interviewers are not prying into the details of your personal finances. They want to know that you can take on this commitment without it being a financial burden that will negatively interfere with your life and studies.

Display that you fully understand the commitment in terms of both time and finances, and have a clear plan to meet the requirements.

9. What Contribution Will You Make to This Research Group/Faculty?

When undertaking a PhD you are not just a student but a junior academic and contributing member of the faculty. You may well have teaching responsibilities , though these may be in an assistant capacity to begin with, depending upon your level of experience.

You will likely have an opportunity to publish your research or be involved in other relevant publications with your supervisor. Think about what you can offer the department and promote your abilities.

If you have had research published previously or presented your work at academic conferences, this is the time to mention and be proud of your achievements .

When asked a question of this kind, it is also beneficial to display that you know other research that is currently being conducted in the department. When preparing, think about any potential crossovers or ways in which your research may contribute to already established strands or projects.

10. Is There Anything You Would like to Ask?

A PhD interview is an opportunity for your interviewers to get to know you, but it is also a chance for you to determine if this programme is the right fit for you. Viewing it as a two-way exchange will ensure you gather all the information you require to make an informed decision and help to calm any nerves you may have.

Use this space to ask any questions you may have regarding:

Your supervisor
Programme structure
Publishing or presentation opportunities
Chances to work alongside other academics in the department
Training opportunities

Examples of thoughtful and useful questions may include:

“How will my supervision be structured?” – If your supervisor is already assigned and present for the interview, this is a great opportunity to address this question to them and find out more about how they work as a supervisor. You may also want to ask about other projects they are supervising or will be supervising in tandem.
“What opportunities for publishing/presenting my research may arise?” – Questions like this will show your enthusiasm for producing publishable work and contributing to the department.
“How stable are the funding arrangements for the project?” – If the PhD you are applying for is funded, you may want to double-check the conditions of these arrangements.
“Does the department currently host or supervise any other projects that are related to mine?” – Try to find out the answer to this before your interview so it can inform your answers around impact and relevance. If you are unable to discover the content of other projects or supervisions currently taking place, feel free to inquire.

It is important that the PhD is the correct choice for you, so don’t be afraid of asking questions that will help you feel assured of this.

By the time you have made it to the PhD interview stage, you will have likely already done much of the project exploration and institutional/programme research needed to make you confident in answering the interviewers’ questions.

By practising the answers to a variety of potential PhD interview questions, you will be well prepared to tackle the interview.

Ensure you know your PhD project in detail and can defend your research approach and stand up for the relevance of your research question, displaying its academic contribution.

Be clear on your motivations and goals, letting your enthusiasm for conducting your research shine through.

You might also be interested in these other Wikijob articles:

Tips on How to Prepare for a Job Interview in August 2024

Or explore the Postgraduate / PHD sections.

Schools & departments

Prepare for an academic interview

What to expect at academic interviews and how to prepare effectively.

Most academic interviews will follow a similar format.

What to expect

Panel interviews are most common, where you are interviewed by a number of people together, usually between two and six. The panel is likely to include at least one person from the department (possibly the head of department or research group), a representative from Human Resources, and often someone from another department outside your discipline.

You will usually be asked to give a presentation either to the panel or to other members of the department or research group. This will commonly be on your research and could include plans for future research. You may also be asked to present on your teaching practice or give a mini-lecture.

You may also be given the opportunity to talk informally to other departmental staff to find out more about the department and teaching and research activities.

Preparation

Take time to develop a deeper understanding of the research group you're applying to. Use a variety of approaches to get to know the department or institution; you could ask your colleagues, explore the institution's website and read relevant papers related to their research.

Job adverts often include contact details of someone you can talk to informally about the vacancy before applying. It is a good idea to do this especially if you are not already known to the people recruiting.

Here are some examples of the things you will want to know:

what are the research interests of other staff and how can your research complement or add to the group?

(if it’s a teaching position) what courses are currently being taught? Where you can make a contribution?

are there any new courses you could develop as a result of your subject expertise?

what opportunities are there for collaborations, both intra- and inter-disciplinary?

In preparation for your presentation you should ask for advice from, and practise with, your supervisor and any other members of your department or research group who have knowledge of your research area.

Find advice on presentations for academic interviews on the jobs.ac.uk website:

jobs.ac.uk - tips for presentations

Part of your preparation should include thinking about the questions which might come up during the interview. Academic interviewers will focus on questions about your:

previous research, including research methodologies and skills

ideas for future research projects and funding proposals

track record in attracting funding

teaching experience and style

thoughts on how you can contribute to the teaching and research of the department

involvement in the wider academic community through committees

Examples of questions asked

Some examples of the type of questions asked at academic interviews are given below.

Motivation and Knowledge

Why are you attracted to this post?

What do you feel are the key skills of an effective lecturer?

Describe your working relationships? For example, tell me about your experience of collaborative projects, close working with colleagues in department, development of external relationships?

What are the current issues around teaching, learning and assessment in Higher Education?

What do you think are your particular strengths that would make you the ideal person for this job?

There is considerable administration involved in running courses. How do you think you would cope with this, as well as the teaching and research?

Research

How do you feel your particular research interests would allow you to contribute to and complement the research activities in this department?

What do you see as your major research achievements?

How can you demonstrate international excellence in research quality?

Describe your experience of generating research income. What plans do you have to generate research funding in the future?

What impact do you believe your research to date has made?

How have you disseminated your research findings?

What does “making an impact with your research” mean to you?

Tell me about your publication record? How would you judge this achievement and what are your future plans?

How much influence have you had on the direction of work undertaken? Tell me about something which you have initiated.

Tell me more about your future research plans.

Teaching and Supervision

How equipped do you feel to contribute to teaching within our degree programmes?

What teaching methods have you used?

What level of experience have you had in planning and developing teaching material for courses?

What do you think are the main challenges facing a lecturer when teaching a large group of undergraduates?

How would your teaching methods vary according to the size and level of groups you would be teaching – if at all?

How do you address different learning styles in your teaching?

What experience do you have of using e-learning systems?

How do you evaluate your teaching effectiveness?

Teaching is important but in your view should a department give it as much of a priority as research?

What experience have you had of supervising research projects or students?

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Questions to Ask During Your PhD Interview

By Zebastian D.
August 22, 2020

As someone applying for PhD positions, you’ll no doubt be thinking of and preparing for the interview with your potential supervisor(s). You’re absolutely right to be doing this and planning your answers to some of the PhD interview questions that they’ll probably ask you; make sure you’ve read our guide on this to help you prepare.

Remember though that the PhD student-supervisor relationship works both ways; as much as the potential supervisor is interviewing you for a PhD position within their lab, you should also have the mindset that you’re also interviewing the professor for the role of supervisor, and be ready to ask questions! Ultimately the key thing you want to know after your PhD interview is you are both a good fit for each other.

With that in mind, I’ve prepared a common list of questions that you should consider asking to help you decide if the supervisor and the research lab is the right fit for you. You don’t need to ask all these questions but instead use this list as a guide for picking what feels most important to you.

I should also note that some of the answers to these questions can usually be found through a quick Google search of the potential supervisor or looking at their university profile. So do think about which questions in particular you want to bring up in person at the PhD interview.

Now on to the questions….

How many PhD students have you supervised previously, and did they all gain their PhDs?

You’re asking this to firstly work out how experienced the professor is at supervising students, based purely on the numbers previously supervised. The reason to ask the second question of how many students gained PhDs is to get an idea of the supervisor’s track record of successful supervision. The lower the percentage of students that went onto complete their PhD under his or her supervision (and not leave the program early ), the more alarm bells that should be ringing for you. This of course shouldn’t be your only data point in the decision-making process, and you should try and find out more about why those that left their PhD program before completion, did so. Equally it’s also a possibility that some students have been successful in their PhD research in spite of a supervisor’s lack of support. A good way to get a truer sense of this is by speaking to the supervisor’s current and past students.

Whilst a supervisor’s successful track record can be reassuring, don’t be put off if they haven’t supervised many (or even any) students before, particularly if they’re still fairly new in the job. There are many other ways in which you can get a sense of the supervisor-student fit.

How many years does a PhD project usually take in your lab?

If you’re in the UK, a full time PhD should normally take you 3-4 years to complete , as reflected by most funding grants for PhD research being for this time frame. You want to know and have some reassurance that most students in this lab do finish within this time frame. Asking this question will also help you better understand the supervisor’s attitude towards completion time frames; is this someone that would have no issue with a student that’s been working on their PhD for 6 years or are they driven to help students complete ‘on time’.

What are the key milestones for progression that you expect from students?

This is a good follow on from the previous question. Some supervisors can be very ‘hands off’ and set no expectations on their students about deliverables and if this is the type of student-supervisor relationship you’re after (which some are), then perfect!

However, whilst a PhD project is an independent body of work, that doesn’t mean you have to do it in isolation. Having a supervisor that also acts as a mentor is important; a key aspect of this is to help keep you on track to complete your project ‘in time’, which is most effectively done using regular milestones.

The actual milestones will vary between supervisors but what you’re looking for in their response is some indication that they’ve actually thought about them. Examples of milestones may be the completion of the literature review within the first 6 weeks of starting, first experimental data captured by month 3 and first paper published by the time you end year 1.

How many other students do you supervise?

You ideally don’t want your supervisor to have too many (>5) other PhD students under his or her supervision at any one time, simply because of the dilution of their time that will naturally occur. Being part of an active research lab is a big advantage however, so you don’t necessarily want to be the only student under their supervision either. Remember that the professor may also be responsible for several Master’s and undergraduate students too so you just need to know what to realistically expect from him in terms of available time to meet with you regularly.

How often do you meet with your PhD students?

You don’t want a supervisor that’s too prescriptive in how you run your project, but you do want someone who you know you can rely on to meet with regularly. Some professors set weekly one-on-one or group research meetings that occur at the same time, day and venue; you know exactly what you’re getting here. Others tend to meet less frequently but still at regular intervals. A good balance would be to have catch up meetings every 2 weeks but it’s important to know upfront what the expectations are from both sides about how often to meet.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How flexible is the direction of the PhD project?

At the PhD level of higher education, the supervisor is there to provide mentorship and guidance to help you avoid going in a completely wrong direction with your research. You should however expect to have the freedom to take your project in any direction you want to (within reason). This should be the case even if it means deviating from the original research questions that were proposed at the start; you and your supervisor should be in agreement before you start about how much flexibility there can be. Remember too that sometimes the project may have to stay closely aligned to the original plan if it’s required by the industry funder, so this decision may be out of the supervisor’s hands to some extent.

What funding is available for this project?

You should know by the time you come to interview if the project is to be self-funded or if there is specific funding associated with it. It may feel like an awkward question to ask but you need to be very clear on how much of a living stipend you should expect and if there is any additional funding for things such as conference travel, paying for journal publication fees or other bench fees; you don’t want any unpleasant surprises about finances when you’ve already started the PhD.

Do you expect there to be any changes in funding during the course of the project?

Specifically, you want to find out if there’s any risk that the funding associated with the project could be removed. Most often, funding bodies don’t transfer the entire monetary amount of the agreed funding up front in one lumpsum (which can be in excess of £75,000 for a 3-year studentship). Instead, payments are made in instalments and may be done so on the basis that certain milestones are met. For industry funded projects, for example, there may be a service work element (such as specialist analysis using university-based equipment) associated with the funding which will need to be delivered on time for the university to continue to receive money. In reality a complete loss of funding is unlikely to happen, but you should find out if this is at all a possibility of happening.

What is the source of the funding?

It’s important for you to understand how your project will be funded. As discussed in the previous question, the specific funder may place certain requirements on the university that need to be fulfilled to receive the funds. Don’t let this put you off applying or even impact your decision to take on the specific project, but it’s an important factor to be aware of.

Are there any opportunities to earn additional money as a PhD student?

Even if you will receive a stipend during the course of your research project, it comparatively won’t be a lot of money to live on. If you want it, the opportunity to earn extra money can make a big difference in managing your finances. This may in the form of one day/week working as a research technician or paid work preparing and delivering lectures to undergraduate students. It’s useful to know if these opportunities will exist to help you manage your expectations about your finances. Make sure you don’t let yourself feel obligated to take on this additional work however, even if it is paid; the priority will be ensuring your research progresses on schedule.

Will I have the opportunity and be expected to publish papers?

In the UK there is no requirement for you to have published any journal papers before you are awarded a PhD. Doing so however can go some way towards making your final viva that much easier, and also giving you a ‘head-start’ on your publication track record if you continue on into academia after your PhD.

You should get a sense of if your potential supervisor sees an opportunity for you to publish your research, if this is something that you want to do. Equally you should be aware of the supervisor’s expectations about publishing to avoid any potential conflict between your supervisor wanting you to publish work during your PhD and you wanting to wait until you’re in the post-doc stage before writing papers.

How many papers have previous PhD students published with you?

Knowing the answer to this should give you a good idea about the expectations and opportunities of publishing papers during your PhD. It’s certainly a positive sign to know that previous students have successfully published their research and is often a sign of a good supervisory system being in place.

How often does your research group present at academic conferences?

Having the opportunity to present your research at an academic conference is a key experience to have obtained during your time as a PhD student. Some supervisors actively encourage this and ensure that all funding applications include allocations for paying for conference related fees. Others are less convinced about the value of students going to conferences, particularly due to the additional expense of doing so, and may therefore not be as supportive of conference participation.

It’s useful to know what the norm is within the supervisor’s research group so that there are no surprises further down the line.

Is there funding support available for attending conferences?

Again, to be clear on expectations of funding and support for conference attendance, you should find out if there are funds specifically allocated for this purpose. If there aren’t, does the supervisor actively provide support to their students in applying for additional funding for this?

Are there courses and training sessions available for PhD students?

Find out if there are extra resources available to you should you want to use them. For example, do the supervisors students go on paper writing courses, or workshops on how to perform literature reviews? There are lots of new things that you’ll be doing during your PhD, especially at the beginning so it’s good to know that there’s external help available if and when you need it.

What are your past PhD graduates doing now?

This is an interesting one to find out from the supervisor. Are most of their graduates continuing their career development within academia or have many moved into industry work or even to a field completely different to their area of research? Ideally, you’d want this to align with your own career options. If most PhD holders have gone into industry whereas you want to pursue an academic career, you should try and find out why they ended up leaving academia. For example, did these graduates initially have aspirations of becoming professors themselves but were not able to do so or does your particular field normally open up more opportunities within industry?

What kind of support do you or the university provide for helping with jobs after?

In particular, what role does the supervisor play in helping their recent PhD graduates find their next job role? Do they have any connections within industry that they’d be able to help you network with? Or have any of their past PhD students stayed on in the lab as post-docs and are there resources in place for you to potentially do the same?

Will there be opportunities to teach undergraduate students?

The opportunity to give lectures to undergraduate students or lead tutorials with them can be a good way to earn some extra money during your PhD (note though that not all universities/departments formally pay PhD students to do this). Getting teaching experience is also important if you’re planning on continuing on down an academic career path at a university so it’s useful if you can gain some of this during your PhD.

Do you as a lab do any team activities together?

This will help you get a sense of the environment you’ll be working in for at least the next three years. Is this a lab with several PhD students and post-docs that make up an active ‘research family’? Does the team ever go out for lunch together or day trips away together to unwind? This can be a great way to build a sense of comradery in a research job that can often feel like you’re working alone in. Some supervisors actively encourage and get involved in nurturing a team environment whilst others are more hands-off, leaving the students to do their own thing.

What is the work environment like? Do students work in a shared office space?

Be clear on what your daily workspace will be like at the lab and university. Do all PhD students sit together in an open space or are there smaller office spaces for one or two students to work in? Some people prefer the buzz of an open space whilst others like the quiet of lone working. Either way, you should know what your work environment will look like for the next three years and plan accordingly (e.g. buy some noise cancelling headphones if you need some quite time in the open plan office).

I’ve given you a number of different questions to think about and ask your potential supervisor at your PhD interview. Not all of them may be relevant, or even appropriate to ask, so do think carefully about which ones you do want to bring up at the interview and which answers you could find out independently by either speaking to other students or looking online. Your research project and your experiences at the university will be so much more enjoyable if you can make sure you and your supervisor are a good fit for each other. The best way to do this is to ask questions!

An academic transcript gives a breakdown of each module you studied for your degree and the mark that you were awarded.

In Finland, all new PhD holders are given a traditional Doctoral Hat and Doctoral Sword during a Conferment Ceremony, symbolising the freedom of research.

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A science investigatory project is a science-based research project or study that is performed by school children in a classroom, exhibition or science fair.

The term research instrument refers to any tool that you may use to collect, measure and analyse research data.

Dr Pujada obtained her PhD in Molecular Cell Biology at Georgia State University in 2019. She is now a biomedical faculty member, mentor, and science communicator with a particular interest in promoting STEM education.

Rebecca recently finished her PhD at the University of York. Her research investigated the adaptations that occur in the symbiosis between the tsetse fly and its bacterial microbiome.

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Interviews for Postgraduate study

Generally an interview for postgraduate study whether Masters or PhD will cover much of the information in your application, but in more detail:

Consider any specific questions you were asked to answer on the application.
Reasons for applying to that institution, what do you think of the town or city and the University.
Why do you want to study x?
Why did you choose your final year project?
Technical questions or in depth subject knowledge around the course you intend to study
Career plans after the course
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Strengths and weaknesses

PhD Interviews

There are a number of different interview formats for PhD interviews these are just some examples:

An informal chat with supervisor(s)
Interviews with potential supervisor(s) and with the postgraduate tutor
An interview day including talks, tours and activities
A panel interview

In addition to the questions above

Research the supervisor and academics in the school to understand their research interests.
Read relevant research papers ( especially theirs) and be able to discuss them.
Consider how you will cope with potential isolation and managing your own work.
What makes a good PhD student?
How can your final year product be upscaled to a PhD?

PhD interview for CDT

An increasing number of Research Council funded PhDs now take place in CDTs (Centres for Doctoral Training – often multidisciplinary and multi-university groups of researchers).

In many of these, particularly in science & engineering, students apply for a funded 4 year PhD but don’t commit to a specific project or supervisor. Their first 6-12 months include courses and taster research projects (a bit like a Masters), after which they choose their PhD topic.

What they’re looking for at interview

An understanding and interest in the framework and aim of the CDT. The CDT would normally have an overarching theme, links with industry and a multi-disciplinary ethos.
Understanding the added value that a CDT would offer a candidate, eg the wider perspective, a more holistic view of the problems and possible solutions in that area of research, whilst still allowing you to do specialist novel research in a particular area.
The quality of what you have done so far. They’re looking for an excellent track record, and are particularly interested if you have done a 4 year programme or Masters; ability to talk about your research projects to date.
It’s fine (but not essential) to have an idea of the PhD project you might like to do, but important to be open to modifying those ideas as you encounter new topics over the first few months.

To illustrate your real interest in research, you could say something like...

“At this stage, my interest is centred around X. For example, I’m excited by the work of Dr A and Prof B” (or the topics the CDT has given as possible example PhDs)

You should then be able to talk about that research. It might also be helpful to acknowledge and enthuse about the innovative work being done in the sponsoring companies. This would show you are taking an holistic view, even if your project ends up being purely lab based.

Other than that, the usual PhD interview advice applies – be able to talk about your research projects, understanding why you’ve chosen to use certain techniques, what you’ve learnt, problems overcome etc, showing you’ve got the curiosity, initiative, self-motivation and resilience to tackle a PhD, plus in the case of a CDT, the ability to work with and learn from others in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Talking to people is an important tactic in interview preparation:

Talk to current masters or PhD students. What were their interviews like? How did they prepare for them? What would they do differently?
Talk to academic staff who are involved in interviewing postgraduates, e.g., academic advisors, dissertation supervisor, etc. What do they look for in a successful candidate? Talk through your application with them & reflect on evidence you could use in the interview or how to approach any areas of potential weakness.

More advice

FindAPhD: The PhD Interview - What to expect and how to prepare
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5 steps to nailing your PhD interview

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First things first - well done and congratulations! Be proud of yourself for getting this far. You’ve done the hard part - now let’s make sure you get over the final hurdle. Here are 5 steps to nailing your PhD interview.

Like a job interview, a successful PhD interview takes preparation. Even the most brilliant research proposal may fall short if what the panel sees on paper, does not match what they see in person. What’s more, successful PhD completion - which your chosen university will care about as much as you - takes more than your academic capability.

Your interview is your chance to show you have the focus, motivation and tenacity to complete a large research project on your own. It’s also an opportunity for you and your potential supervisors to confirm if you’re a good fit for each other . After all, the strength of this relationship is one of the key factors to ensure your successful PhD completion.

So how should you prepare for your PhD Interview?

Step 1: Demonstrate your knowledge of your research area

Ensure you are familiar with - and knowledgeable about - your PhD proposal. That means that you can demonstrate knowledge around any PhD interview questions that come your way. Make sure you can contextualise your area of research focus. Why have you developed an interest in this research topic in particular? Why are you proposing the methodology presented? What makes this research project unique and why?

In order to really shine, be prepared to show the panel your knowledge beyond your proposal. In order to achieve this you are going to need a good understanding of how your research proposal differs from the body of work currently in existence, along with knowledge of who the research experts are in this field and their key studies.

Step 2: Sharpen your knowledge of your research supervisor(s) work and that of the wider department

Showing your interview panel about your knowledge of your potential supervisors’ research and that of the wider department is not only a great way to demonstrate your interest in this research area, but to also hint that you may be a good fit within the department longer-term. Forming good relationships with other researchers will stand you in good stead for Post Doc positions and any co-authorship opportunities which may arise in future - should academic research be your longer-term goal. Even if your career aspirations are outside of academia, being able to explain why this university and potential supervisor(s) are your first choice will only help to reinforce your suitability.

Step 3 Show your interview panel why they should invest time and energy in you

Academic researchers and lecturers are incredibly busy people with multiple demands on their time. They may have enthusiasm for supporting your research, but they need to see the same on your side. In addition to your passion, show them that you are a good listener and willing to learn, but that the idea of working autonomously does not faze you.

Step 4: Come up with some interview questions

Like a job interview, it’s a good idea for you to come up with some prepared questions to ask the panel. The 5 steps to nailing a PhD interview is a series of tasks, so having questions to ask is important . This provides an additional opportunity for you to not only check that this university and supervisor(s) are the right fit for you, but is a further opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of what a PhD involves. Here are some possible questions to consider:

How many other PhD students are there in the department/school and are there any opportunities to socialise with them?
What support is available to help you with your career?
Is training available to help you with the necessary skills to successfully complete your PhD? (eg time management; writing)
Is funding available for things like conferences or travel?
Are there any opportunities to teach?
Who funds some of the key research within the department?
What resources will you have access to? eg library, labs etc
How quickly will you be expected to complete your PhD and are there options to switch to part-time study/distance learning if relevant?
What wellbeing support is available?
Do they encourage a work/life balance?
What have similar PhD students gone on to do?
What does the panel see as the key challenges to you successfully answering your research question?

Step 5: Preparation for the face to face moment

So you’ve prepared what you’re going to talk about. The last step is about taking as much pressure off you on the day by thinking about the details in advance. None of this is rocket science - but considering these points sooner rather than later may just help you stay calm and focused.

Firstly, what are you going to wear? Dress as you would for a job interview. If that shirt’s not ironed, don’t leave it until the interview day to do so. Where is your interview taking place? Make sure you’ve planned your route/parking/booked your tickets, and if possible, familiarise yourself with where you have to go when you arrive. Also familiarise yourself with who is interviewing you, their role/specialism (and name pronunciation!)

Many interviews are now through video call, so ensure you have downloaded - and are familiar with - the software being used. This is particularly true if you are required to present or share further information during your interview. If you’re not based in the UK, make sure you check the time difference based on the time of year.

Nerves can cause real problems for some, so consider downloading a mindfulness app such as Calm or Headspace if this is you. Some even offer specific ‘before an interview’ sessions. Finally, imposter syndrome is more common than a cold with many PhD students. Remember, you are worthy and you can do this!! Just follow these 5 steps to nailing your PhD interview and you will be fine. Good luck.

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Interview for Prospective Research students

All academic departments are expected to interview applicants before making an offer of a place on mphil/phd and some mres/phd degree programmes. you will only be interviewed if you are shortlisted by the academic department you have applied to..

This webpage provides you with general information about the interview and what to expect. Interviews are intended to be an opportunity for information exchange between you and the academic department.

Purpose of interviews

The purpose of interviewing potential research students is likely to vary between different academic departments. However, the primary aim is for you to give further information to selectors/potential supervisors about your motivation, commitment and potential for study at the doctoral level.

Before interviewing a potential research student, the department will have already assessed a number of criteria from information you provided in your application:

academic qualifications and history;
English Language ability;
academic references;
research proposal;
personal statement; and
sample of assessed work.

The application form is used as a short-listing mechanism. The interview forms the next stage of the application process.

Who will arrange my interview?

If your application passes the first review stage, you will be invited to an interview. The academic department to which you have applied for a place will make the arrangements for your interview by email. The email will contain the details of the interview, including the interview format. If you need any special arrangements to be made for your interview – for example, if you have a disability – you should raise this when the department contacts you.

Who will conduct my interview?

The academic department will confirm who will be interviewing you. This can include one or more members of academic staff and might include your potential supervisor.

What will my interview include?

Doctoral students are expected to have certain attributes and the interview will be an opportunity for departments to get further information about the candidate’s:

ability to process complex concepts, reason analytically and critically;

ability to evaluate their own work and the work of others;

capacity to conduct independent research as well as to accept guidance from others;

enthusiasm for research;

motivation and perseverance in achieving objectives;

organisational skills;

capacity to establish good working relationships;

personal and academic integrity.

What should I do to prepare for my interview?

Most interviewers are looking at your ideas, attitudes and opinions; they are not looking at getting the "right answer". They will be looking for evidence of a strong interest in the subject as well as enthusiasm for it. It will be important to be well prepared for your interview and there are a number of sources of information you might find useful including:

information about MPhil/PhD programmes at the LSE – the programme pages and programme regulations www.lse.ac.uk/resources/calendar/research.htm . You may also like to look at previous students' PhD theses which you can access online etheses.lse.ac.uk/
sample of interview questions - see below
your application form – you might wish to re-read this in case you are asked any questions in relation to what you said in it
the research interests of academic staff in the Department you have applied to - LSE Experts Directory
information about the academic department - www2.lse.ac.uk/home.aspx (from where you can navigate to all academic department pages)

If you are attending an interview in person, casual dress is acceptable.

When will I be told the outcome?

Decisions about whether or not you will be offered a place is not provided at the interview itself. The Graduate Admissions Office will notify you of the department's decision once the selection process has been completed; this may be some time after the interview.

The interview is part of the selection process and therefore does not form any part of the 'contract' between the School and a student once they are registered.

The department who interviewed you will keep a short record of the interview and its outcome. This will be kept in a secure and confidential place. The Department will make sure that only relevant people use this information for the relevant purposes, in accordance with obligations under the Data Protection Act.

Sample interview questions: general

This list provides a sample of interview questions and has been provided to all academic departments at the School. Whilst your interview may contain additional questions, the following should help you in preparing for it.

Motivation for doctoral study (at the LSE)

Please tell me something about you, what you have been doing/studying/working on during the past year?
What made you apply for this programme at this particular time? Why did you choose the LSE? What made you choose this department?
Where do you anticipate/hope a PhD will lead in terms of your career development?
What contribution do you think you will be making to your chosen field of research?

Readiness for doctoral study

What academic skills do you possess?
What is the relevance of your previous study to your proposed research?
What potential areas of research have you identified? How did you arrive at these? What interests you about them?
Have you previously led seminars/taught undergraduates?
How do you intend to fund your study?

Understanding of doctoral study

This is likely to be an area in which information is being exchanged between you and the interviewer(s). The interviewer(s) might provide information on:

The programme/department/School
What past doctoral students have gone on to after completing their PhD
What opportunities there are to develop transferable skills, within the department/School

You might be asked questions such as:

Are you aware of the requirements of the programme (including taught courses)?
What are you expecting by way of supervisory arrangements?
How do you anticipate combining the demands of doctoral study/completing a PhD with other commitments you might have? What do you expect those demands to be?

Special consideration for part-time study

If you are applying to study on a part-time basis, you will be asked the same questions as for full-time applicants. However, it is likely that your interviewer(s) may wish to focus on particular aspects such as how you expect to balance your other commitments with doctoral study. You might be asked:

What do you expect by way of arrangements as a part-time student i.e. what access to your supervisor(s), services and facilities are you expecting?
What do you expect your attendance at the School (for taught courses) to be?
Have you considered a forward-plan of how commitments to employers will harmonise with the intensive requirements of doctoral study?
Have you reached a formal agreement with your employer?
What time/travel demands do you think will be necessary to undertake fieldwork? How will this be managed with your employment?

How to apply Information on the application process, and our video guide

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PhD Interview Questions and Answers (13 Questions + Answers)

Most PhD applications include an interview. This allows your university (and perhaps even your prospective supervisor) to discuss the PhD with you in more detail.

This article lists some of the most common PhD interview questions along with their answers. The goal is to help you prepare for a PhD interview and pass with flying colors.

1) How did you develop this proposal?

When responding to this question, demonstrate your thought process, research skills, and the evolution of your ideas. Let's choose the subject of "Renewable Energy Integration in Urban Planning" as an example.

Sample answer:

"My proposal on 'Renewable Energy Integration in Urban Planning' originated from my undergraduate thesis on sustainable cities. Intrigued by the potential of renewable energy in urban environments, I conducted a literature review to identify gaps in current research. This review highlighted a lack of comprehensive strategies for integrating renewable technologies at a city-wide level. I then consulted with experts in urban planning and renewable energy, which provided practical insights into the challenges and opportunities in this field. I designed a methodology that combines spatial analysis with energy modeling to explore optimal renewable energy integration in urban landscapes. This proposal represents an amalgamation of academic research, expert consultation, and innovative methodology development."

This answer is effective because it mentions a literature review demonstrates the ability to conduct thorough research and identify gaps in existing knowledge.

2) Why do you wish to pursue a PhD?

For this question, it's important to articulate your passion for the subject, your long-term career goals, and how the PhD program aligns with these aspects.

Let's choose the subject of "Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare" for this example.

"I am passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes, and pursuing a PhD in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare aligns perfectly with this passion. During my Master's, I was fascinated by the potential of AI to revolutionize diagnostic processes and personalized medicine. I believe a PhD will provide me with the deep technical knowledge and research skills necessary to contribute significantly to this field. My goal is to develop AI systems that enhance medical diagnostics, ultimately improving patient care and treatment efficiency. This PhD program, known for its pioneering research in AI and strong healthcare collaborations, is the ideal environment for me to develop these innovations and achieve my career aspirations in healthcare technology."

This is a great answer because you clearly state that the PhD will provide the necessary skills and knowledge, indicating a clear understanding of the purpose of the program.

3) Why do you think you are the right candidate for this PhD program?

Discuss how your research interests align with the program's strengths and the faculty's expertise. Explain how the program's resources, courses, and research opportunities can help you achieve your academic and career goals.

"I am deeply passionate about environmental science, particularly in the area of sustainable urban development. This passion was ignited during my master's program in Environmental Studies at XYZ University, where I completed a thesis on urban green spaces and their impact on city microclimates. This research not only honed my skills in data analysis and GIS mapping but also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental issues. I am drawn to your PhD program at ABC University because of its innovative research on sustainable urban planning and the renowned work of Professor Jane Smith in this field. Her research aligns with my interest in integrating green infrastructure into urban planning to mitigate climate change effects. My perseverance, attention to detail, and ability to synthesize complex data make me an ideal candidate for this challenging program. Pursuing this PhD is integral to my goal of becoming an environmental consultant, where I plan to develop strategies for cities to reduce their environmental footprint."

This response is effective because it mentions particular aspects of your experience and the program, avoiding generic statements. It also outlines how the PhD fits into your career path.

4) What do you plan to do after you have completed your PhD?

Be specific about the type of career you aspire to, whether it's in academia, industry, research, etc. Explain how the PhD will equip you with the skills and knowledge for your chosen career path.

"After completing my PhD in Computational Neuroscience, I plan to pursue a career in academia as a university professor. My doctoral research on neural network modeling will provide a strong foundation for teaching and conducting further research in this area. I aim to develop innovative courses that bridge computer science and neuroscience, addressing the growing demand for interdisciplinary knowledge in these fields. Additionally, I intend to continue my research on applying machine learning techniques to understand brain function, which has potential implications for developing new treatments for neurological disorders. This academic pathway allows me to contribute significantly to both education and research in Computational Neuroscience."

This is a great answer because it connects the PhD research directly to future career plans.

It also articulates how your work can impact both academia and the broader field of Computational Neuroscience.

5) Why have you chosen this specific PhD program?

Mention specific aspects of the program that attracted you, such as the curriculum, research facilities, faculty expertise, or reputation.

Explain how the program aligns with your research interests or academic background.

"I chose the PhD program in Artificial Intelligence at MIT because of its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approach, which perfectly aligns with my academic background in computer science and my passion for machine learning. The program's emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical applications in AI is particularly appealing. Additionally, the opportunity to work under the guidance of Professor [Name], whose work in [specific area, e.g., neural networks or AI ethics] has deeply influenced my own research interests, is a significant draw. This program is an ideal fit for me to further develop my skills and contribute to the field of AI, ultimately aiming for a career in AI research and development in the tech industry."

This answer connects your background and goals to the program's offerings.

Including a specific professor's name shows detailed knowledge about the program and faculty.

6) What impact would you like your PhD project to have?

When answering this question, convey both the academic significance and the potential real-world applications of your research. Let's choose a project focused on developing eco-friendly battery technologies for electric vehicles for this example.

"My PhD project aims to develop new eco-friendly battery technologies for electric vehicles (EVs), addressing both the environmental impact of battery production and the efficiency of energy storage. I hope my research will contribute to the academic field by advancing our understanding of sustainable materials for energy storage, potentially leading to publications and patents. Beyond academia, I envision this project significantly impacting the EV industry by providing a more sustainable and efficient battery alternative. This innovation could play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of transportation and supporting global efforts towards a greener future. Ultimately, I aspire for my work to not only advance scientific knowledge but also drive real-world changes in how we approach energy sustainability in transportation."

This is an excellent answer because it connects the project to larger environmental goals and societal benefits. It also reflects a forward-thinking approach, demonstrating your understanding of the project's potential long-term implications.

7) What difficulties would you expect to encounter during this project?

It's important to demonstrate awareness of potential challenges and convey a proactive mindset toward problem-solving. Let's choose a project focused on the development of a novel AI-driven diagnostic tool for early detection of neurological diseases for this example.

"In developing an AI-driven diagnostic tool for early detection of neurological diseases, I anticipate several challenges. Firstly, the accuracy and reliability of the tool depend heavily on the quality and diversity of the data used for training the AI algorithms. Obtaining a comprehensive dataset that adequately represents the population can be difficult due to privacy concerns and data availability. Secondly, ensuring the AI model's interpretability to be clinically useful while maintaining high performance is another challenge, given the complexity of neurological diseases. To address these, I plan to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including data privacy experts and neurologists, to source and utilize data ethically and effectively. I also intend to continuously refine the AI model, focusing on both its predictive accuracy and clinical applicability. These challenges, while significant, present valuable opportunities for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration."

This response is effective because it clearly outlines realistic challenges specific to the AI diagnostic tool project. It also presents a proactive approach to overcoming these challenges, showing problem-solving skills.

8) How will you fund this project?

When answering this question, show that you've thought about the financial aspects of your research and are aware of funding sources that are available and applicable to your project.

"I have identified multiple funding sources to support my renewable energy research project at Stanford University. Firstly, I plan to apply for the DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program, which offers substantial support for projects focusing on sustainable energy. My proposal for this grant is already in progress, highlighting how my project aligns with the DOE's priorities in advancing clean energy technologies. Additionally, I'm exploring departmental fellowships at Stanford, particularly those aimed at renewable energy research. I am also keen on establishing industry partnerships, given the project's relevance to current energy challenges and the potential for collaborative funding and technological exchange. Last but not least, I will seek conference grants to present my research findings, which can lead to further academic collaborations and additional funding opportunities."

Notice how this answer mentions funding sources that align with the renewable energy focus of the project and the resources available at Stanford University.

9) Tell us about a time you experienced a setback

Focus on a situation relevant to your academic or research experience. Let's use a real-world example where a research experiment failed due to unexpected variables.

"During my Master’s thesis on the effects of soil composition on plant growth, I faced a major setback. My initial experiments, which involved growing plants in different soil types, failed to produce consistent results due to unanticipated environmental variations in the greenhouse. This was disheartening, especially as the deadline approached. However, I responded by reassessing my experimental setup. I consulted with my supervisor and decided to control more variables, such as humidity and temperature. I also refined my data collection methods to include more frequent soil and plant measurements. These adjustments led to more reliable results, and I successfully completed my thesis. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability in research and reinforced the value of meticulous experimental design."

This is a great answer because it shows how you’ve encountered and overcame a specific problem, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

10) What are your strengths and weaknesses?

When answering this question, it's important to present a balanced view of yourself, showing self-awareness and a commitment to personal development. Choose strengths that are relevant to a PhD program and weaknesses that you're actively working to improve.

"One of my key strengths is my analytical thinking, which I demonstrated during my Master's project where I developed a novel algorithm for data analysis. This required me to not only understand complex theories but also apply them creatively to solve real-world problems. As for weaknesses, I sometimes struggle with overcommitment, taking on too many projects at once. This occasionally led to stress during my undergraduate studies. However, I am actively working on this by improving my time management skills and learning to prioritize tasks more effectively. I've started using project management tools and setting clear boundaries, which has already shown improvements in my workflow and stress levels."

This answer maintains a good balance between strengths and weaknesses. It also shows self-awareness, demonstrating a proactive approach to personal development.

11) Why have you chosen to study for a PhD at this university?

Mention specific aspects of the PhD program that attracted you. Explain how your research interests align with the work being done at the university.

"I am drawn to the PhD program in Astrophysics at Caltech due to its outstanding reputation in space research and the unparalleled resources available at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory. My research interest lies in the study of exoplanets, and Caltech's active projects in this area, such as the Zwicky Transient Facility, align perfectly with my academic goals. The opportunity to work under the guidance of Professor [Name], known for pioneering work in exoplanetary atmospheres, is particularly exciting. Additionally, Caltech's collaborative environment and emphasis on interdisciplinary research are conducive to my professional growth, providing a platform to engage with experts from various fields in astrophysics."

This response directly connects your research interests with ongoing projects and facilities at Caltech. It also shows you’ve done your research on faculty members and their work.

12) What can you bring to this research group?

Focus on your unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that will contribute to the research group's success. Let's choose the field of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University for this example.

"As a prospective member of the Biomedical Engineering research group at Johns Hopkins University, I bring a unique combination of skills and experiences. My expertise in microfluidics, honed during my Master’s research, aligns well with the group’s focus on developing lab-on-a-chip devices for medical diagnostics. I have also co-authored two papers in this field, demonstrating my ability to contribute to high-impact research. Additionally, my experience in a start-up environment, where I worked on developing portable diagnostic tools, has equipped me with a practical understanding of translating research into applications. I thrive in collaborative settings, often bringing interdisciplinary insights that foster innovative problem-solving. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the group’s ongoing projects and introducing fresh perspectives to advance our understanding and application of biomedical technology."

This response shows your relevant expertise, ability to work in a team, and the unique perspectives you can offer, positioning you as a valuable addition to the research group.

13) Do you have any questions for us?

Asking good questions demonstrates your motivation. It also shows that you’ve given some genuine consideration to the project and/or program you’re applying to.

Some questions you can ask the interviewer include:

What will the supervision arrangements be for the project?
What kind of training and skills sessions are offered as part of the PhD program?
How many other PhD students has this supervisor seen to completion?
Are there any major developments or partnerships planned for the department?
Are there likely to be any changes to the funding arrangements for the project?
What opportunities will I have for presenting my research?

Remember: you’re a good student, with lots of potential. You’re considering at least three years of hard work with this university. You need to know that you’ll get on with your supervisor, that your work will be appreciated and that there are good prospects for your project.

What to wear to a PhD interview

Wear formal attire for a PhD interview. Your best bet is to wear a suit. A navy blue suit is the best and most versatile option. No matter your gender, a suit is always very professional.

For men, wear a suit with a tie, dress shirt, and dress shoes. For women, wear a suit (pantsuit or skirt suit) with a blouse, or conservative dress, and closed-toe shoes.

When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. The goal is to make a professional impression and feel confident, without your attire distracting from the conversation.

What to expect from a PhD interview

At its core, a PhD interview will consist of questions that allow your potential supervisors to get to know you better and have an understanding of what you’d like to study, why you’ve chosen your field of study, and whether you’d be a good fit for the PhD program.

You should expect general questions to help the interviewer get a sense of your likes and dislikes, and your overall personality.

Next, expect questions about your personal motivations for studying a PhD. Your interviewer will also be interested in any relevant experience you have to qualify you to study this PhD.

In the next section, expect questions about your PhD project. You should be prepared to discuss your project idea in detail and demonstrate to the interviewer that you are the ideal candidate.

Last but not least, the interviewer will discuss your future ambitions and give you an opportunity to ask questions. Remember that this interview goes both ways.

It’s important to ask the interviewer relevant questions to show your engagement and the serious consideration you are giving their program.

You are preparing to spend several years of your life at this school. Think about what is important to you and what would make or break your decision to attend this university.

Prepare a list of questions ahead of the interview.

Understanding the interviewer’s point of view

During a PhD interview, interviewers are typically looking for a range of traits that indicate whether you are well-suited for the rigors of a doctoral program and a research career.

These traits include:

Intellectual Curiosity and Passion: A strong enthusiasm for the subject area and a desire to contribute to and expand knowledge in the field.

Research Skills and Experience: Demonstrable skills in conducting research, including designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results. Prior research experience relevant to the PhD topic is often a plus.

Resilience and Perseverance: The capacity to handle setbacks and challenges, which are common in research, and to persist in the face of difficulties.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Although PhD research can be quite independent, the ability to work well with others, including advisors, faculty, and other students, is crucial.

Self-Motivation and Independence: The drive to work independently, manage one's own project, and stay motivated over the long term.

Fit with the Program: Alignment of the candidate’s research interests and goals with the strengths and focus of the PhD program and faculty.

These traits not only indicate your readiness for a PhD program but also your potential to contribute meaningfully to their field of study and succeed in a research-oriented career.

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How to Prepare for a PhD Interview

So, you’ve been invited for a PhD interview. Congratulations! This means that the admission committee considers you appropriately qualified and academically capable of doing a PhD in their program. This next step will allow them to determine if you’re a good fit, and you have the motivation and drive to complete a PhD. The interview is your opportunity to show the committee who you are, what your interests are, why their program is the right place for you to explore them.

There are many different formats for a PhD interview and varying degrees of formality. You may have a one-on-one interview with your potential supervisor over Skype, a formal interview in front of a panel, be asked to give a presentation to the department, or an informal chat with your potential supervisor and their students over lunch. Regardless of the level of formality, you should still do your homework and prepare for the interview. You cannot predict the specifics of the questions that they will ask you, but certain topics are almost inevitable.

Here are some ways to prepare for your interview:

Review your research proposal or statement of purpose. The interviewer will likely make reference to it during the interview. Go over the experiences that have prepared you for a PhD and be ready to give specific examples during the interview. Be able to explain the reasons why you applied to this program in particular.
Be prepared to talk about your research interests in detail. You likely gave an overview in your proposal or statement of purpose, but the interview is your chance to show that you have put some thought into what you wrote. Show that you have the required background knowledge, including knowledge of the key people in your research area, methodologies you plan to use, or studies you want to reference.
Think about your motivation for pursuing a PhD. The interviewers want to know you have put some thought into the decision to pursue a PhD. They also want to gauge your commitment to the project before they invest time and money in you. Think about how a PhD will help you achieve your career goals.
Read your potential supervisor’s work. This shows you are serious about working with them. Demonstrate why you want to work with them in particular and how their expertise will be essential to your research. If you are interviewing for a small program, familiarize yourself with the work (or at least the fields of expertise) of the other faculty members.
Familiarize yourself with current scholarship in the field. This is another way to demonstrate your engagement with field and that you can think critically about the current debates. You should know how your proposed research will fit into the current scholarship and what makes it unique.

Remember that this interview goes both ways. You are preparing to spend at least three years (likely more) of your life here. Think about what is important to you and what would make or break your decision to attend this university. Come to the interview prepared with some questions for the interviewer. Potential questions could include:

What do they do to promote work/life balance?
What can your potential mentor/supervisor do to advance your career?
How does your potential supervisor mentor students?
What is the program’s job placement record?
What sort of resources does the university have? (Libraries, lab equipment etc.)
What are their funding sources?
What is the program’s average time to degree?
Will I have the opportunity to teach/present/patent/publish?

If your interview is taking place on-campus or you are invited to visit the campus after being accepted, take the opportunity to talk to some of the current grad students. They will offer you a frank take on the program and the inside scoop on what it’s like to work with your potential supervisor. Also, consider the fact that you will be spending a considerable amount of time around these people for the next few years. Will you fit in with them as a friend and colleague? How social is the department? Do they do activities together outside of the university? Do they seem supportive of each other, or are they competitive? This information will help inform your decision.

A Note on the Skype Interview

Skype interviews are becoming increasingly common, especially for international students. There are a few practical tips to keep in mind when setting up for an online interview. Do your interview somewhere where you have a strong internet connection, usually at home or in a quiet office. If you have roommates, make sure they are aware of when your interview is and understand not to disturb you during the interview. Choose your location carefully. You want a well-lit area with a tidy, neutral background. If possible, face a natural light source. Place your computer on top of a pile of books so that the camera is almost at eye level (a more natural angle). Look at the camera when you speak to make “eye contact” with the interviewer.

The interview is your time to shine, and being prepared will allow you to do just that.

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COMMENTS

Top Ten PhD Interview Questions and Answers
Top 10 interview questions. The "right" answers to these are personal and depend greatly on what the specific staff members and their department is looking for.Scour the PhD studentship advert, the department's mission statement, vision, aims and objectives and information about current staff research to learn about research priorities, interests, and positions in theoretical debates.
The PhD Interview
A formal question and answer session in front of a postgraduate recruitment panel. A presentation, based on your research proposal or area of expertise. A one-to-one discussion with your prospective supervisor. An informal lunch with your prospective supervisor, other members of your interview panel and / or current PhD students.
PhD Interview Questions and Answers
Be honest about the things you find challenging, but identify them as training needs and discuss how you expect to improve upon them as part of your PhD. Do answer: I feel that I'm a good written communicator. My existing academic and professional work demonstrates an ability to put forward ideas clearly and concisely.
14 Common PhD Interview Questions
The sample PhD interview questions and tips below will help you to prepare thoughtful answers that tell interviews exactly what they're looking for: 1. Tell us about yourself This popular opening question is an invitation to introduce yourself. While you might be tempted to delve straight into details about your project, instead take the ...
Common PhD Interview Questions
Common PhD Interview Questions. In this guide, we'll share 11 common PhD interview questions and our suggestions on how to answer them. A PhD interview is an essential step in securing a doctorate position. This is because it enables the prospective supervisor to get to know you better and determine whether you'd be a good fit for the project.
Invited to the PhD Interview? Here's how to prepare
Here's how to prepare. Estimated reading time: 10 minutes. Firstly, congratulations! If you've been invited to a PhD interview, it means that your application was solid enough to make the shortlist. That's a small win. Now, onto the preparation for your interview.
How to prepare for your PhD interview
I'm Maria, FindAPhD's student ambassador and i'm in my first year at King's College London. PhD interviews can seem scary, so here's some advice to help you ...
Phd Interview Tips
Think outside the box: Before the interview, research the PhD topic as much as you can. Try and find an existing gap in knowledge. Prior to the interview, plan ways in which this gap in knowledge could be filled. Another way of showing that you are "thinking outside the box" could be to approach the project from a new and unique perspective.
How To Prepare for a PhD Interview
September 26, 2023. Home » PhD » How To Prepare for a PhD Interview. So, you've written your personal statement, you've sent through your application and now you've been invited to a PhD interview, the first step is to congratulate yourself; only 30 - 50% of PhD applicants make it through to the initial interview stage.
Applying for a PhD in the UK
Interviews. Not all UK PhD applications require a formal interview, but this is more common for funded positions or programmes with limited space. Interviews can often be conducted online. You may be asked to answer some questions about your application and / or give a short presentation on your intended research.
PhD Interview Questions & Answers
PhD interview questions can be very tricky to answer and this is for a good reason. Studying for a PhD is an amazing academic achievement, as well as serious time commitment, and it's certainly not one for the faint-hearted.Once you've decided to embark on this academic path, your PhD interviewer needs to be sure that you are able to rise to the challenge and are academically capable of ...
Top 10 PhD Interview Questions You Might Be Asked
The best way to fully prepare for a PhD interview is to run through the questions you are likely to be asked and think about your responses. Below are ten of the most critical questions, with tips on how to answer them successfully. 1. Tell Me About Yourself.
Prepare for an academic interview
Find advice on presentations for academic interviews on the jobs.ac.uk website: Part of your preparation should include thinking about the questions which might come up during the interview. Academic interviewers will focus on questions about your: previous research, including research methodologies and skills.
Questions to Ask During Your PhD Interview
This post gives you the best questions to ask at a PhD interview, to help you work out if your potential supervisor and lab is a good fit for you. Search PhDs; PhD Experiences; Blog; PhD Advice. Types of Doctorates; ... If you're in the UK, a full time PhD should normally take you 3-4 years to complete, as reflected by most funding grants for ...
Top 10 PhD Interview Questions
1. Tell us about yourself. This is a popular opener for just about any type of interview. It's meant to be an easy icebreaker, but that doesn't mean there isn't a wrong answer. Make sure to your response is relevant to the context of a PhD interview. Talk about your academic background, motivation, and interests.
Interviews for postgraduate study (The University of Manchester)
There are a number of different interview formats for PhD interviews these are just some examples: An informal chat with supervisor (s) Interviews with potential supervisor (s) and with the postgraduate tutor. An interview day including talks, tours and activities. A panel interview. In addition to the questions above.
PDF Typical academic interview questions
Typical Academic Interview Questions These questions have been collected from feedback about real-life academic job interviews. Bear in mind that these are from a range of disciplines and types of job, so not all of these will be suitable for you, but hopefully they will provide some idea of the type of questions you may be asked. FIT/DEPARTMENT
5 steps to nailing your PhD interview
Step 4: Come up with some interview questions. Like a job interview, it's a good idea for you to come up with some prepared questions to ask the panel. The 5 steps to nailing a PhD interview is a series of tasks, so having questions to ask is important . This provides an additional opportunity for you to not only check that this university ...
Interview for Prospective Research students
Interview for Prospective Research students. All academic departments are expected to interview applicants before making an offer of a place on MPhil/PhD and some MRes/PhD degree programmes. You will only be interviewed if you are shortlisted by the academic department you have applied to. This webpage provides you with general information ...
Example PhD Interview Questions
Those on an F1 Visa, are not going to be treated any differently, so there aren't specific F1 Visa interview questions for PhD students. One thing to do is make sure that your F1 Visa, or your J1 Visa or even your Tier 4 Student Visa, allows you to study a PhD in the UK - you'd be surprised how many students haven't checked this!
PDF PhD students: Interviews
positive and be genuine! It's only natural to feel nervous at interviews, but there are things you can do to come across as more confiden. and more competent too.• Be aware of body language, the way in which you communicate often says more than th. actual words you speak. So, for example, smile now and again, speak enthusiastically ...
PhD Interview Questions and Answers (13 Questions + Answers)
Most PhD applications include an interview. This allows your university (and perhaps even your prospective supervisor) to discuss the PhD with you in more detail. This article lists some of the most common PhD interview questions along with their answers. The goal is to help you prepare for a PhD interview and pass with flying colors.
How to Prepare for a PhD Interview
Here are some ways to prepare for your interview: Review your research proposal or statement of purpose. The interviewer will likely make reference to it during the interview. Go over the experiences that have prepared you for a PhD and be ready to give specific examples during the interview. Be able to explain the reasons why you applied to ...

Top Ten PhD Interview Questions and Answers

What to do before the interview.

Top 10 interview questions.

Tell us about yourself.

Why have you applied to do a PhD here?

What can you do for us?

What do you think pursuing a PhD will do for you?

What skills do you have that make you a good fit for the PhD place you have applied for or for the department?

Tell us about your research project.

What would you say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Tell us about a challenge you have overcome in the past.

What do you see as the most important issue/problem in this field today?

Is there anything you would like to ask us?

Find your PhD here

Dr Denise White FRSA

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PhD interview questions to help you prepare

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What Is a PhD Interview?

Top 10 PhD Interview Questions

1. Tell Me About Yourself

2. Describe Your Research Project

3. Why Are You Interested in This Particular Project/PhD?

4. What Are Your Future Plans, Once This PhD Is Complete?

5. What Qualities Make You a Good Candidate for This Project?

6. What Difficulties Might You Encounter and How Would You Overcome Them?

7. What Might the Wider Impact of Your Project Be?

8. How Will You Fund This Project?

9. What Contribution Will You Make to This Research Group/Faculty?

10. Is There Anything You Would like to Ask?

Prepare for an academic interview

What to expect

Preparation

Examples of questions asked

Motivation and Knowledge