Can I make multiple applications? You may ask for consideration for multiple projects up to a maximum of three, but only need to send in a single application.  You should, however, state in your email header which project(s) you are interested in.  In your cover letter, you should explain why these are your preferred choices, and what makes you a good candidate for these projects. 

What happens to my application after the closing date? All completed applications (CVs and cover letters) are forwarded to the Doctoral Hub management team where they are screened for eligibility. The applications are scored by the management team and supervisory representatives. The top candidates will then be invited to a formal interview. The interview will take place via Zoom or Teams.

How many projects are funded each year? We have funding for six PhDs and it is our expectation that 3-4 will be awarded in 2022, the remainder the following year.

I have been out of academia for several years, will this be a problem? You will not be judged for having been out of academia, whether it is for work, caring duties, illness or anything else. Like everyone else, you will need a degree – however, there is no time limit on when this was awarded. We fully appreciate that experiences outside of academia can be a rich source of key skills that you would need for a PhD so be sure to think carefully about skills this experience has given you and make sure you tell us about this. It is likely that the supervisor or interview panel might want to know what drew you back to academia, so use this time to show how passionate you are about research.

What are my chances of getting a PhD if I have only done a BSc? You will not be penalised for not having a Master’s qualification. PhDs are highly competitive and the majority of successful applicants have a Master’s qualification. This is because of the experience a Master’s degree provides rather than the certificate. However, experience can equally come from many other sources, such as work, both academic and non-academic.

Making an application - How do the references work? A standard email will be sent from the Doctoral Hub team to your referee, requesting the reference prior to your interview, if you are offered one. We would advise that you contact your referees to advise them that they may receive a reference request.

What referees should I choose? You will require two referees, one of which must be an academic reference. This could be an undergraduate or Master’s project/dissertation supervisor or personal tutor, but could also be a module director/organizer, or someone you have worked for in an academic context from your University. If you are applying for a position with your current (or past) supervisors, it is not advisable to use them as a referee. Supervisors are also competing for funding, so there is a conflict of interest. If in doubt, your chosen supervisor can provide guidance on the most suitable referee to include.

How long should my CV be? A regular CV should be approximately 1-2 pages depending on how much experience you have (but please make sure to note all your experience).

How should I put together my personal statement? The personal statement should state your project choices, and should include whatever additional information you feel is important to your application. You may wish to add why you are interested in the project or projects you have selected, and why you are choosing Newcastle University. There are no formal word limits for your CV or cover letter.

Is it more important to have the interest/motivation/desire to study the specific programme, or outstanding experience and academic achievements? Every student and scientist has a different set of strengths and weaknesses. That said, a passion for the project is an essential part of being a successful PhD student and would be considered a basic requirement for any supervisor selecting their student. Do remember that there is some (but not endless) flexibility in what you actually do within the PhD project.

What does the interview process involve, if I am invited to interview? The interview will last approximately 30 minutes. The interview format will involve you giving a 5-minute presentation at the outset, using screen share mode on the online platform used (likely to be Zoom or Teams), followed by around 25 minutes of questions from a panel of three academics. The presentation should normally describe one previous research project that you have worked on, including a succinct description of what your contribution was to the research.

What happens after the interview? Following the interviews, the candidates are scored based on their performance at interview. Once all scores have been completed and collated (each member of the panel provides their own scores), candidates are ranked. Several factors are considered, including how many studentships are available, and candidates’ project preferences. Once the Hub Management team have considered these factors and the ranking list following interview, offers to candidates will be made accordingly.

Is flexible working supported? This will be dependent on the project supervisor. Our funding does not dictate any work schedule but requires that any difference from standard working patterns be agreed with your supervisor. It would be sensible to discuss this with them before you apply. The vast majority of supervisors will fully support a student's requirements but the project may have specific requirements, e.g. where lab work or fieldwork is necessary to complete the project.

Can I take a job while doing a PhD? Students may take on teaching or demonstration work, where this is compatible with their training and provided this is approved by their supervisors, in addition to a full-time studentship. Other paid work would require the consent of the supervisor and should not delay or interfere with your research training. You may ask primary supervisors about flexibility of the PhD; this varies depending on the PhD project. Part time study is usually available; we advise that you discuss this further with the project supervisor.

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