PhD students at Queen Mary University of London share practical advice for future applicants on choosing a research topic, finding the right supervisor, improving language skills and understanding the research environment. Their experiences suggest that a PhD requires not only academic ability, but also long-term planning, discipline and the right support network.

Students particularly recommend researching both the project and the people you may work with before applying.

Treat Your PhD Like a Regular Job

One student recommends approaching a PhD with a consistent Monday-to-Friday working routine. Creating regular working hours can help make a long research project feel more structured and manageable. Consistency can be particularly important when working independently over several years.

Choose a Topic You Genuinely Care About

Your PhD topic should be something that can hold your interest over the long term. Students say genuine interest in the subject can help maintain motivation throughout a three- or four-year research project. Applicants should also think about how the project might develop over time.

Think About How the Project May Progress

A PhD project can change, but applicants should still have a clear idea of how they might manage it. Understanding the main stages of the research and how the project could develop can make the initial proposal stronger.

It can also help applicants show that they have considered the long-term demands of the research.

Contact Potential Supervisors Before Applying

One of the main pieces of advice is to contact a potential supervisor before submitting an application. This can help you understand whether the research area is suitable and whether the supervisor is someone you would feel comfortable working with. 

Because a PhD involves several years of close academic collaboration, choosing the right supervisor can be very important.

Speak to Current PhD Students

Talking to current PhD students or postdoctoral researchers can give applicants a more realistic impression of the research environment. They can share insights about the laboratory, team, supervision and everyday research experience.

This can help applicants decide whether the environment feels right for them.

Explore Opportunities Beyond Your Own Research

Students also recommend getting involved in activities outside the immediate PhD project. Science communication, charity work and other projects can help develop additional skills.

These experiences may also support future career opportunities beyond the PhD itself.

Research the Environment and Facilities

Queen Mary students highlight the university’s active research environment and opportunities to work with experienced scientists. Applicants are encouraged to research the facilities, laboratories and teams they may be joining.

The people and resources around the project can sometimes be just as important as the original research topic.

Improve Your English Skills

English language skills can be especially important for international PhD students. One international student from Morocco advised applicants to strengthen their English before beginning their studies.

Language courses and university support can also help students become more confident once they arrive.

The main advice from Queen Mary PhD students is to research carefully before applying. Your topic, supervisor, research environment, language preparation and wider opportunities should all be considered together.

A PhD project may change over time, but choosing the right people and environment can make a major difference to the experience.

How StudyNet Can Help?

StudyNet supports students exploring PhD and other international higher education opportunities. Our StudyNet team can help students compare universities, understand admission requirements and plan the key stages of the application process.

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