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PhD Interview Questions

Your PhD interview (/advice/nding/phd-interview.aspx) will be an important part of your postgraduate research
application. This is your chance to meet your prospective department, discuss your project and show your potential
as an academic researcher.
Of course, its also when that potential is going to be assessed.
Youll need to show an awareness of whats involved in a PhD project (/advice/nding/what-is-a-phd.aspx) and prove
that you have the right aspirations and approach to work on one for three (or more) years. Youll also need to make it
clear that this is the right university (/advice/nding/where-to-study-your-phd.aspx), department, research group or
laboratory for you.
None of this has to be especially intimidating. Putting some thought into your project and your choice of institution
can make answering PhD interview questions quite simple.
On this page weve put together a list of the questions you might be asked at an interview. Weve also explained why
the university might be asking each question, with some tips on what to cover in your answer.
You wont necessarily be asked all of these questions and you almost certainly wont be asked them in the order
here. Some of them also overlap with each other. But theyre all topics that you should be prepared to discuss at a
PhD interview.

Contents
Interview questions about you
Interview questions about your PhD project
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Interview questions about your choice of university

Asking your own questions at a PhD interview

Interview questions about you

Your own personal qualities as a student, team-member and individual are some of the most important factors in a
universitys decision to accept you for a PhD.
Regardless of your subject area, you need to be the kind of person who can dedicate themselves to a three-year
project. You also need to be able to work alongside other students and academics in a positive and successful
research environment.
The interview is the best way for a university to assess this. Just as theres more to doing a PhD than research and
writing, theres more to a prospective student than their academic record.

Tell us about yourself

This popular opener can feel like an awkwardly open question.
Youll be prepared to explain your project, to say what a great t it is for the university, perhaps even reference some
current research. But how do you answer an invitation to just introduce yourself?
By introducing yourself.
Your interview panel isnt trying to catch you out here. Theyre offering an icebreaker to help ease you into the rest of
the interview.
Obviously your response should be relevant to the occasion. But it doesnt just have to be a run-down of your
academic achievements, interests and goals (the interview will get to those in time!).
Say a little about your background, where youre from and what your interests are. Dont be afraid to relate these to
your academic specialism and your choice of university.
If something specically inspired you to consider a PhD, mention it. If theres something thats attracted you to this
city as well as the university, say so. (Therell be plenty of time to talk up the institution and its research later).
Do say:

Ive always been interested in discovering how things work, but my time as an undergraduate opened my
eyes to the excitement and wider benet of science. I had the chance to do some original research on my
Masters and thats inspired me to take up the challenge of a PhD. Im also a keen hiker and amateur
naturalist, so Id love to combine my studies here with the chance to visit the local area.

Don't say:

I was born in a house next to the local post-ofce. My rst cat was called Timothy and he liked chasing
string. At school my best friend was Kevin. My favourite colour is blue and my favourite avour of ice-cream
is raspberry ripple*

*Please note: The PhD application process is not biased against people with cats called Timothy and friends called Kevin. Or those who
like blue things and ice cream.

What made you choose to do a PhD?

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At some point in your interview your panel is going to want to know whats behind your decision to undertake a
doctorate.
This may seem like a simple question, but be wary of giving an overly simplistic answer. Just pointing out that youre
good at your subject and a PhD seemed like the logical next step wont impress anyone at this stage particularly if
theres a funding (/funding/guides/phd-funding-guide.aspx) decision to be made.
The panel is already satised that youre academically capable and interested. Youve demonstrated that by getting
an interview (and turning up for it).
Now they want to assure themselves that youve got the motivation and drive to see you through three or more years
of hard work on a PhD project.
You need to convince them that youre doing the PhD for the right reasons and that youll still care about it in two
years, when its just you, a cat, a cup of coffee that went cold half an hour ago and a huge pile of results to write up.
And the cat is asleep on top of the papers.
Do say:

Ive enjoyed my academic work so far, but I really feel Ive got more to offer as an independent researcher. Im
also passionate about this subject and dont feel enough attention has been paid to the questions Im looking
to address.

Don't say:

I cant think of anything to do with my Masters, but my current tutor says Im clever enough for a PhD.

What do you plan to do after you complete your PhD?

It might seem strange for your panel to ask about what your post-PhD plans. After all, those dont have any really
impact on your ability to do a PhD, do they? And graduation is at least three years away in any case; should you really
have thought that far ahead?
The answers to which are yes and of course you should.
Universities want to make sure youre doing a PhD for the right reasons (as above). Asking about your future plans is
a great way to check this.
Students who sleepwalk into a research project are much more likely to come unstuck or lose motivation when the
going gets tough later on.
Its also the case that not everyone who gains a doctorate will go on to an academic job. Universities want to recruit
PhD students responsibly and provide the kinds of skills and training they actually need.
This doesnt mean you have to have everything worked out, or that your ambitions have to be unique. If your postdoctoral plans are to apply for a post-doc, say so. But demonstrate an understanding of academic career paths
and show that youve put some thought into alternatives.
Equally, dont feel that you have to want to be a scholar to be accepted for a PhD. Research training can prepare you
for a range of career paths (/advice/doing/phd-non-academic-careers.aspx). An appreciation of these will impress
your interview panel. (Particularly if youre applying for a professional doctorate
(http://www.ndaprofessionaldoctorate.com/)).
Do say:
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I feel my PhD project can open up new lines of inquiry for this eld and want to use it as the foundation for a
fruitful research career. But, Im also interested in the wider development opportunities included in this
doctoral programme. I want to be an academic, but Im happy to keep other options open.

Don't say:

I expect someone will give me a job doing more research. Thats what PhDs do, right?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

A well-worn question, but a great opportunity to reect on your abilities - and opportunities for further development
during your PhD.
The important thing to remember about this question is that the panel isnt as interested in judging your actual
strengths and weaknesses as they are in your ability to identify and reect upon them.
In practice, this means giving solid examples for strengths and showing how they relate to the PhD project you have
in mind.
Dont just say youre a good time-keeper. Point out when youve had to be well organised and show that you
understand the importance of self-directed study to a successful PhD.
When it comes to weaknesses, maintain the right balance.
A PhD interview probably isnt the best time to wallow in existential self-doubt (unless youre applying for a very
specic topic in Philosophy*). Equally though, answers like my only downfall is excessive perfectionism can sound
a bit contrived. If the panel is asking you about strengths and weaknesses, they want you to identify and reect on
both.
Be honest about the things you nd challenging, but identify them as training needs and say how you expect to
improve upon them as part of your PhD.
*Actually, its probably still a bad idea.

Do say:

I feel that Im a good written communicator. My existing academic and professional work demonstrates an
ability to put forward ideas clearly and concisely. I think this will help me manage the weight of information
my PhD research needs to cover and the challenge of producing an effective thesis. But, Im not always as
organised as Id like to be. I want to address this as part of my postgraduate training and hope to take
advantage of classes and development opportunities early in my doctorate.

Don't say:

My greatest strength is that I have no weaknesses! And my only weakness is that I have no strengths. Hang
on...

Are there any training needs you can identify ahead of your PhD?
This question (and its answer) can be part of an invitation to reect on your strengths and weaknesses (as above).

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But, you may be asked about training needs more specically. This is likely if youre applying to a more structured
programme, within a Doctoral Training Partnership or similar.
Either way, this is a great opportunity to reect on your aims and aspirations as a researcher and show that youve
read up on the project and programme youre applying to. If the university offers a series of training modules,
mention them. Say what you hope to gain from them and how you think theyll help you succeed in your PhD.
You might also want to refer to any discussion of your aims and aspirations with a doctorate. If youre keeping an
open mind about non-academic career paths, show an awareness of the transferrable skills this PhD can give you.
And dont worry about revealing a few gaps in the core skills required by your discipline. A PhD is a training process,
not a three-year exam.
Do say:

Im really interested in communicating my research to a wider audience, but dont know how best to go about
doing this. I think the training module on public engagement will be a big help to me, both academically and
more generally.

Don't say:

Im really bad at interviews. Do you have a class for that?

Interview questions about your PhD project

This is the universitys chance to further assess your suitability for an advertised PhD position, or the likely t
between your planned project and the expertise it has available.
Its also your chance to expand on your research proposal and show that you have the skills, experience and
understanding to complete a doctorate. For funded places (or other competitive projects), this is the time for you to
really prove that you are the best student for this PhD.
Its a good idea to reference your research proposal (or other appropriate parts of your application) when answering
these questions. But expand upon what the panel has already read. (And make sure there isnt anything in that
proposal that you arent condent enough to back up in your interview!)

Why this project?

The focus of this question will shift slightly depending on whether youre applying for an advertised PhD project
(/search/phd.aspx?TID=1) (more common in Science, Engineering and Medicine) or proposing your own research
within a department's PhD programme (/search/phd.aspx?TID=2) (more common in Arts, Humanities and some
branches of the Social Sciences).
If youre being considered for a pre-dened project, make sure you know it inside out. Say what it is that interests you
about it. Compare it to similar opportunities (if appropriate) and explain your particular choice.
If youre proposing your own project, this is your chance to show some passion and enthusiasm for it. Refer to your
research proposal and take the opportunity to discuss and expand upon it.
In both cases you should point to some existing scholarship and show an awareness of the eld youll be entering.
Youll also want to re-iterate what makes your project distinctive. After all, the PhD is dened as offering an original
contribution to knowledge.

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This doesnt mean preparing a comprehensive list of key works or current research projects (that literature review
will be one of the rst things you do on the actual PhD). At this stage the panel just wants to see that youve made
an informed choice, understand your proposed project and are enthusiastic enough to see it through.
Depending on how the question is phrased you may also nd yourself talking about your choice of university at this
stage or explaining why your previous work makes you a good t for this particular PhD (see below).

Do say:
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This PhD appeals to my existing research interests. But Im also attracted by the opportunity to specialise
and develop new expertise. Other projects didnt seem to offer the same possibilities to pursue the questions
that really interest me.

Don't say:

To be honest, Ill do anything if its funded.

What makes you the right candidate for this PhD?

If youre applying for a pre-dened PhD project (/search/phd.aspx?TID=1), youll almost certainly be asked why you
are the best candidate to undertake it (particularly if theres funding available).
Remember too that some of these projects arent automatically funded. Their nancing can depend on the quality of
the student they attract, so your panel will be very keen to make sure youre going to be Dr Right.
You might still be asked about your suitability for a self-proposed PhD (in Arts or Humanities, for example). This is
another way for your interviewers to assess those all-important motivation and commitment factors.
Whatever your situation, this is a good place to talk a bit about your previous work at undergraduate or Masters level.
The panel already knows the grades you received, but now you have the chance to talk about what you actually did
on those degrees. Show passion and give examples.
If an undergraduate module on gothic literature inspired you to propose a PhD on an under-researched aspect of
eighteenth-century culture, say so. If your Masters has given you skills in exactly the kind of statistical analysis
required by this doctorate, mention that.
Do say:

Ive been interested in this topic since the nal year of my undergraduate degree. This lead to my choice of
Masters and helped me pick my dissertation topic, which I really enjoyed. Im really excited to now go on and
do some sustained research in this area as a PhD student.

Don't say:

Well, I really like books

What difculties do you expect to encounter during this project?

This is another fairly popular question topic. It might form part of a discussion of your strengths, weaknesses and
training needs. Or you might be invited to speak more specically about the challenges involved in your project.

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The panel isnt trying to catch you out here, so dont be afraid to speak frankly. All projects involve their own potential
pitfalls and complications.
Overcoming them will be part of completing a PhD; recognising them will show that you're ready to begin one.
Show that youve put some thought into the approach necessary for your research and the methodology you might
use.
Dont be afraid to identify problems you arent yet certain how to solve (the best way to organise some data, the
authors to include in your initial survey of texts, etc) but suggest how you might go about investigating them.
This is also a good time to mention any training needs (if you havent already) and speak about how you plan to take
advantage of development opportunities within your programme.
Do say:

I can see that some of the archival material Ill need to examine for this project may be difcult to access. My
rst task will be to request permissions, arrange visits and develop a system for recording my ndings. Im
hoping to undertake training in archival practices and seek advice from my supervisor as I develop these key
skills early in my project.

Don't say:

Yeah, I know a PhD is hard, but Im just going to see how I get on.

What would you like the impact of this project to be?

Impact is an increasingly important factor in academic work and this applies to PhD research too especially if
youre funded.
Even if your panel doesnt explicitly ask about impact, its a good idea to mention what you hope the wider outcome
of your project might be. If you are asked this question and are prepared for it this is a great chance to get a leg
up on the competition.
Impact essentially refers to the measurable effects of research outside academia. Its a given that your PhD will have
an effect on future work in your eld. But universities are increasingly focussed on the benets of their work beyond
the ivory tower of higher education and research.
This is particularly important if your project is funded. The money supporting your studies will probably have come
from public revenues (via a Research Council studentship) or from a large charity or trust. Those organisations will
want to make sure their investment is worthwhile.
Examples of impact differ a bit between elds.
If youre in the Social Sciences you may already have some idea of the outputs from your project. These could be
educational workshops, policy guidance, etc.
If youre in Science, Medicine or Engineering youll hope to provide economic benets to industry or to healthcare.
Arts and Humanities PhDs can have impact too. Think about the ways in which you could take part in public
engagement (teaching people about local history or archival resources they might not be aware of) and ways you
could partner with local schools, or even media companies producing documentary work.
Do say:

Im keen to share my passion for this subject with a wider audience. Im hoping to maintain a public-facing
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blog documenting my research and would also be keen to approach local schools and museums to discuss
educational events.

Don't say:

To be honest, I cant really see how my work on medieval manuscript preservation has any benet outside
the university. Id still like some funding though.

How will you fund this project?

This question is obviously more likely in interviews for non-funded PhDs. (It would be somewhat strange for a
university to ask you about funding (/funding/guides/phd-funding-guide.aspx) for a project that carries a full
studentship).
However, you might still be asked about contingency plans if funding falls through (particularly if funding hasnt been
secured at this stage) or if your project over-runs.
Self-funding students will obviously need to go into more detail here. Its not the responsibility of your university to
ask for a complete breakdown of your nances (or for you to provide one). Yet the panel will want to be sure that you
understand the cost involved in doing a PhD and have some kind of plans in place.
Its ne to say that youll be looking for extra funding and part-time work as you start the project. But make it clear
that youll still have enough time to apply yourself to the actual research.
Do say:

Ive shortlisted external funders and would be keen to investigate any small bursaries or other forms of
support through the university. Ive also made arrangements to work part-time, with the option to adjust this
if my funding situation improves.

Don't say:

I have no idea how Im going to afford this. Are you sure I cant have a scholarship?

Interview questions about your choice of university

Unsurprisingly, your interview panel will be interested to know why youve chosen their university for your PhD.
If proposing your own project youll be asked about the t between your research aims and the expertise of the
department youd be entering.
If applying to a pre-dened PhD, youll be invited to say why this laboratory or research group particularly appeals to
you and what you yourself can contribute to them.
Preparing for these kinds of questions is actually quite easy. Read up on your prospective university, department and
supervisors. Show that youre aware of the kind of work they do and give examples.
Feel free to mention other aspects of the university that appeal to you its reputation, its alumni, even its location
but keep the main focus on the t between your work and their research environment.

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

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Whatever else your panel asks, you can be pretty sure a question about your choice of university
(/advice/nding/where-to-study-your-phd.aspx) and department will crop up at some point in a PhD interview.
Your answer gives you the opportunity to do several important things.
Most obviously you can talk about the university and its research. Say why youd like to study with these supervisors
in particular, when youve used their work during your Bachelors or Masters (if relevant) and how you can contribute
to their future projects.
This is also an opportunity to reiterate your awareness of the wider research context for your project. If other
departments or laboratories are undertaking related work, mention that. Say what attracted you to this university in
particular and what you hope to achieve as one of its students.
If your PhD is part of a structured Doctoral Programme (as is increasingly likely) you can touch on any training and
development opportunities it includes. You may mention these elsewhere in your interview, but make sure to include
them when speaking about the universitys appeal to you.
Finally, show an awareness of any relevant research facilities, resources or collections.
Does the university hold a unique archive? Say how it might support your investigations. Has the laboratory youre
working in been equipped with any new facilities? Show that you know about them and are interested in using them
(as relevant).
Universities spend a lot of money on facilities and resources. They want students particularly postgraduate
researchers who will make use of them.
Do say:

Ive looked at lots of opportunities in this area. I feel that this project is the best of its kind, combining a
unique research angle with a training programme that will meet my professional needs. I was already familiar
with the work of my prospective supervisor and their research has greatly informed my own development as
a scholar. Im eager to combine my work with theirs and make use of the facilities the university has put
together for this project.

Don't say:

I did my Masters here and already have a at in the city.

What can you bring to this research group?

PhD candidates are more than just students. Youll function, in many ways, as a junior academic working within a
wider research environment.
Youll network with other students and academics. Youll probably teach undergraduates. You may even publish
some of your research (independently, or alongside your supervisor).
This means that your potential contribution to a department or laboratory is, in many ways, just as important as
what it can offer you.
If youre asked a question about this, take the opportunity to sell yourself a little.
Talk about your experience (academic or professional) and outline your ambitions. Make it clear that youre the kind
of person who will look to make the most of the proposed project and provide a return on the time, money and
resources that the university is considering investing in your potential.

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Do say:

Im eager to take advantage of the facilities and expertise this university has to offer. But I also want to
contribute with my own expertise and enthusiasm. My previous work has given me the skills to make the
most of the material involved in this project and Im motivated to take up new training opportunities as
relevant. Ill be proud to be a part of this department and would actively seek to represent it through my own
publications and other research outputs.

Don't say:

I have a Bachelors and a Masters in this subject so Im quite clever.

Asking your own questions at a PhD interview

Your PhD interview will probably end with an invitation for you to ask your own questions of the panel. This part of
the interview is as important as the answers you'll have already given.
Asking good questions demonstrates your motivation. It also shows that youve given some genuine consideration
to the project and / or programme youre applying to.
Dont just ask questions for effect though. This is your chance to nd out more about the project youll be doing, the
people youll be working with and the expectations of you as a PhD student.
Remember: youre a good student, with lots of potential. Youre considering at least three years of hard work with
this university. You need to know that youll get on with your supervisor, that your work will be appreciated and that
there are good prospects for your project.
Youre here to be interviewed for a PhD, but nothings stopping you from doing a little interviewing of your own.

Good questions to ask your PhD interview panel

Here are a few good questions to considering asking at your PhD interview. They include ways to express
enthusiasm for your project, as well as some useful inquiries to make for yourself:
What will the supervision arrangements be for the project? - This shows that youre thinking practically and
looking ahead to the process of actually doing the PhD. Its also something youll probably want to check for
yourself.
What kind of training and skills sessions are offered as part of the PhD programme? This shows that youre
interested in the development opportunities that form part of a modern PhD. Its also a good way to address any
concerns you have about your own skills. Be careful though. Avoid asking simple questions about material thats
already covered in the PhD project description, or in the universitys postgraduate prospectus.
Will I have opportunities to teach / present / publish? This is something else youll want to know for yourself,
but it also demonstrates a practical approach to your PhD (and future career). A good PhD programme should
offer some opportunity to teach or demonstrate towards the end of your project. Equally, you should be
encouraged to communicate your research and supported in doing so.
How many other PhD students has this supervisor seen to completion? Dont be afraid to ask about previous
students and what theyve gone on to do. You may also want to know if youll be working with or alongside other
students and what the arrangements for that will be.
Are there likely to be any changes to the funding arrangements for the project? A good practical question. If
youre applying for a funded place, make sure you understand the terms of that funding (its duration, whether
you can combine it with any other income, etc). If youre currently self-funding, it wont hurt to ask if the
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university anticipates having any support available for you in future.

Is the university or department likely to run any events or other associated projects during the period of my
PhD? This might not seem like an obvious question, but its worth asking. The university might be in the early
stages of planning a major hosted conference, external partnership or outreach project. Asking about these
shows a genuine interest in your university and its research and suggests that youll be the right sort of PhD
student to help deliver them. Needless to say, these kinds of projects are also excellent opportunities to gain
experience and build your CV.
Other questions will probably occur to you according to your specic circumstances and the nature of the project
youre applying to.
Focus on the things that would concern you as a student actually doing the PhD in question, but avoid trivial topics.
Your panel will be happy to talk about library resources and lab facilities. Theyll be less keen to advise on the best
local pubs or say how often the bus runs between campus and town.
Also try to avoid asking for information thats readily available elsewhere. This suggests you havent done your
research which is never a good sign when applying to do research.

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