Candidate Support Webinar September 2024

Candidate Support Webinar 2024

1. Candidate support webinar Professor Emma Kidd [email protected]

2. Today An overview of what a PhD is What is DTP and how does the GW4 BioMed2 DTP work? The application process Hints and tips FAQs

3. What is a PhD and what can you gain from it? Undertaking higher level academic study Answering a novel question, adding a novel contribution to existing knowledge Becoming a specialist in a subject area Pursuing a coherent project for 4 years often in phases Guided by a supervisory team Develop growing independence in research Confidence with experimental approach Create a thesis and defend it at viva

4. What is a PhD and what can you gain from it? A range of skills Practical Academic Confidence in writing up data/analysis In depth knowledge of a subject … A publication or 2 … Experience of other labs and opportunities Awareness of other discipline areas and their techniques

5. What are a thesis and viva? A literature review of the background and the research question What did you want to know and why? Your methodology What did you find out and what does it mean? (results and discussion) Often several results chapters Final discussion to contextualise in a bigger picture Discussed with two experts in an oral exam

6. The PhD – a learning cycle Build the core skills you need

7. What is a DTP? Doctoral training programme, funded by UKRI Provides a stipend for 4 years (to cover PhD up to final submission) Pays your fees Provides training and support Provides a training grant Cohort to journey through a PhD with Provide maternity/paternity cover Sick pay Up to 40 days annual leave Bench fees (costs of the study) met by supervisory team

8. How does the GW4 BioMed2 MRC DTP work? If successful at interview you will be offered a project Successful candidates will start on 1st October 2025 A 3-month prep period will allow you to review the project, suggest changes and refinements, visit other labs You will undertake common annual inductions, core training, annual congress, regular events with theme leads and institution leads. You will have a peer mentor You work on the PhD and then will undertake a Broadening Horizons placements to gain experience of other industries and career opportunities Continue working on the PhD, write your thesis (up to 80,000 words) Undertake a viva examination (2 examiners)

9. What is the application process? Review the project list Select 1 or 2 projects Contact potential supervisors for clarification (if you wish) Complete the online application form following instructions You MUST answer all questions Please ensure you accurately use the table to convert international qualifications, we will check these Top ranked candidates will be invited for an online panel interview and to discuss the project with the supervisors Support will be offered ahead of interview Successful candidates will be offered their first-choice project, second choice if no longer available PLEASE READ THE WEBSITE – How to apply

10. What are we looking for in the application form? Proven academic quality:   excellent performance to first degree and/or Master’s level OR an equivalent, high-quality provision of evidence related to professional practice; required to meet the eligibility requirements of the institutions. Independent Problem-Solving Ability:  examples of achievement within academia/research related projects and outside of academia, evidencing relevant skills. Personal motivation & commitment:   supporting statement of understanding, motivation and suitability for their first-choice project and by a wider enthusiasm, interest and commitment to the MRC DTP programme. Non-biomedical disciplines:   In line with supporting interdisciplinary and quantitative skills, special consideration will be given by the interview panels to non-biomedical applicants. Such candidates should not feel the selection criteria are biased towards biomedical applicants as their unique skills will be taken into account.

11. Please outline 2 examples of your achievements in research related activities. (200 words). Please only mention 2, Do not list a series of techniques/papers/placements Think about what you have done, what demonstrates your relevant skills Provide a little explanation, what was the goal? Describe was your role/contribution? How long? What did you learn? Outputs (e.g. papers) Practical skills What was the overall outcome? Focus on what is important, You only have 200 words per example. Keep it succinct

12. Please outline 2 examples of your achievements in non-research related activities ( e.g . outside of academic study). (200 words).

13. Tell us why this subject is so interesting to you, what will keep you motivated to study it for 4 years? Do you have any background academic, workplace or personal experience that makes this relevant to you? Have you got any skills that this project needs that you have or would like to have? Please describe why you have chosen your first-choice project. (200 words) .

14. What do you hope to gain from doing a PhD with the GW4 BioMed2 MRC DTP? (200 words). Think about what you know of the DTP What is your personal goal? What do you need to get there? Are there specific skills/experiences/opportunities you hope to gain? What will getting a PhD enable you to do? How can the DTP help you get where you want to be? Don’t copy and paste from our website – use your own words.

15. Please provide any additional relevant information to support your application (maximum of 150 words ). Please note that completion of this section is not compulsory.

16. Hints and tips for the application Think about your written communication skills – how you write is important, take time to craft it Get someone else to read it through for you You can ONLY apply through the website form, please do NOT email a CV to the GW4, this will not be accepted READ the website information Choose projects you are passionate about, if that is only one, leave it at one. Complete all sections as fully as you can Use the word count to its fullest Provide different examples in each box Think about the structure of your questions, consider STAR (situation, task, action, result) Please check English language eligibility criteria on the University website You will need to meet these requirements to have an offer, not to apply

17. FAQ Do you want transcripts or references with the application form ? We only ask for these at the interview stage, not for initial application. Can I submit more than one application? No, we will only accept one application per candidate. What happens if someone else is offered my first-choice project? you are offered your second choice if you put one Should I speak to the potential supervisor about the project? You may approach them informally, but you will be contacted about meeting them formally if you are invited to interview stage (but remember that first email approach is important) I have international qualifications; do you accept these? Yes, but please ensure you have converted your qualifications to the UK equivalent using the international equivalency table Do I need to apply to the University as well as complete the GW4 form? Not at this stage, but you will need apply for an ‘offer to study’ if you are successful at interview, more info will be provided to you then.

18. FAQ I haven’t completed my MSc yet, what do I put? You can enter a predicted grade, your offer may be conditional on this grade I am an international student; will I have to pay more in fees? No, the DTP will cover this I have disabilities and need support to complete a PhD If you have specific needs around the interview process, please let us know All 4 institutes have student support services who can support you and apply for disability support allowance to fund any adjustments that are required Can I do a PhD part time? Yes, for the same % stipend and this extends the time commensurate with the reduced hours Is there support for students from LGBTQ+ or minority ethnic backgrounds? Yes, all institutes have support groups, and we are keen to ensure everyone has the opportunity to access the DTP, in particular those from minoritized groups.

19. Thank you Reminder: Applications close on  Monday, 4th November 2024  at 5pm This webinar is repeated on Tuesday 17 th September, Friday 27 th September and Tuesday 8 th October. The slides are also available on our website Please read the information on our website and apply using the online application form.