What to expect from your PhD

Making a decision about undertaking a PhD

Will studying for a PhD be right for me?

Embarking on a PhD is a huge decision. There are time and resource commitments to consider, for example, as well as your current experience in academia or industry, financing and life-balance.

In this video, a selection of UKRI-funded students and supervisors share some ideas on their own experience that might help others weigh up their options.

"If you've got an area that you're absolutely fascinated by... it can be a wonderful opportunity..." Dr Annebella Pollen, supervisor, University of Brighton.

What journey leads to a PhD application?

There are dozens of routes into taking a PhD. Many students have life and industry experience, others apply directly after taught study.

We talk to some UKRI-funded students and experienced supervisors about their own journeys to taking a PhD, how they received help from prospective supervisors in choosing the focus and topic of their research and what the particular challenges were at the proposal stage.

To make contact with University of Brighton supervisors about a PhD proposal, please first visit our programmes and disciplines to find more about the opportunities.

The common challenges for those taking a PhD research degree

How will I build a relationship with my PhD supervisor?

Supervisory relationships can lead to life-long academic connections and collaborations.

With the right supervisory team you will not only have experienced understanding of your project and its potential, you will gain an introduction to the world of academia and a companion for your intellectual development.

We talk to a selection of supervisors and students about their experience of the PhD supervisory relationship, what it can do and how it is built.

"I think it's really useful if prospective PhD students approach supervisors beforehand." Dr Annebella Pollen, supervisor, University of Brighton.

So, what is the PhD viva like?

The viva comes at the end of your studies, but you can start preparing for it right at the start. 

A selection of UKRI-funded students and supervisors consider how to prepare for the experience and why you should, moreover, be very confident by the time you reach that stage.

"The supervisors wouldn't have put you through to that level if they didn't think you were ready." Dr Jenny Richardson, University of Brighton PhD graduate in Dress History.

What academic challenges will I face as a PhD student?

Studying for a PhD is a step up from any level of study you will have experienced before.

What academic challenges might you face during your studies and how might you deal with them? UKRI-funded PhD students consider the surprises and familiarities of academic research work, including the challenges around issues like self-motivation, confidence, time-management, academic writing and returning to education. 

Featuring University of Brighton students alongside students from universities nationwide.

What personal and social challenges will I face as a PhD student?

Studying for a PhD is a major commitment, whether part-time or full-time.

What personal and social challenges might you face during your studies? UKRI-funded PhD students consider the difficulties of juggling family and friendships with student life, health concerns, workloads, confidence, self-knowledge and other issues.

"One of the things a supervisor can do is enable students to build up a really good network so they don't feel isolated..." Dr Annebella Pollen, supervisor, University of Brighton.

How will I get to know other academics while studying for a PhD?

For many, tackling PhD work can be a solitary experience or take place within small research teams.

However, there are opportunities to build both professional and academic networks during your time at university. There will also be help from supervisors and research clusters in building contacts that will help the trajectory of your research and develop you as an individual researcher.

"A fundamental component of the success of a student is finding the network of people who share their passion and their enthusiasm for the subject." Dr Tom Ainsworth, supervisor, University of Brighton.

How can I tell other people about my PhD research?

When you're undertaking cutting edge research, at some stage you'll want to communicate your discoveries.

For most disciplines there are also opportunities to build a profile for yourself and your work, promoting the important truths and solutions that the world needs to know. 

A selection of UKRI-funded students and experienced supervisors talk about their experience with public relations, social media and conferences. 

Collaborative Doctoral Awards and the National Productivity Investment Fund

Can a PhD involve partners outside academia?

Most disciplines have scope for a collaborative doctoral study to include industry partners who may then benefit directly from the research.

This video engages with students and supervisors in the arts and humanities disciplines, who reflect on the value of including industry in the trajectory of their research and even being supervised across institutions. 

Can my PhD be productive outside academia?

Collaborative doctoral awards and funding through the National Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF) have allowed many students to profit from supervision by non-Higher Educational Institution partners in collaboration with their university.

The University of Brighton is a founding partner in the Techne Doctoral Training Partnership, which brings opportunities for collaborative doctoral funding in the arts and humanities.

In this video, one of the Techne and NPIF-funded students talks about the many benefits of undertaking a collaborative PhD. 

Studying for a PhD in the Arts and Humanities

What is PhD research study in the arts and humanities?

Research in the arts and humanities can take many forms, many of them investigate humanity itself, while others are based on the practices undertaken by, for example, artists, designers and writers.

Selected UKRI-funded students talk about the arts and humanities, the importance of these disciplines to understanding ourselves, as well as the past, present and future of human culture.

"I always think art is the heart of the nation, and it really is." Kadija George, University of Brighton.

Who does an arts and humanities PhD?

People come to research study in the arts and humanities through many different routes.

While many students are continuing their work from taught courses directly, it is common to build PhD research upon industry skills and experience. Universities welcome those who can bring practical experiences to bear on the studies and then take academic expertise back into the creative and cultural industries.

AHRC-funded students from the UK (including University of Brighton students) talk about their very different backgrounds and approaches to the arts and humanities research degree.

What careers might my PhD in arts and humanities lead to?

Opportunities for PhD-qualified people in the arts and humanities are diverse and interesting. 

While the qualification is necessary or advantageous for work within academia and can lead to academically-involved areas of the cultural and creative industries, there are also many avenues of work where the skills of PhD discipline - researching, writing and project managing - are ideal preparation.

"Having a doctorate gives you an extra gravitas." Alex Fitch, PhD student, University of Brighton.

"PhD students pick up a wide range of transferable skills through their studies and not just the subject knowledge..."

Dr Annebella Pollen, supervisor, University of Brighton.

Is it hard to finance a PhD in the arts and humanities?

When you are approaching the university to study for your PhD in the arts and humanities, you are likely to also want to apply for funding from one of the options available.

The University of Brighton has an excellent record of achieving funding for its students across its arts and humanities disciplines and we recommend speaking to a potential supervisor about the opportunities.

In this film, University of Brighton students and supervisors, along with AHRC-funded students and supervisors from other institutions, discuss their experiences of managing finances during their PhD,  the applications for funding, and the extra funding they have obtained during their studies.    

What is a practice-led PhD in the arts and humanities?

Knowledge is sometimes ineffectively or incompletely expressed through words. Other means may create, deliver and communicate research better.

Practitioners in the arts, from fine art and architecture to film-making and musicology, can develop and disseminate knowledge through their practices. As PhD students, they have the option of submitting practice for examination alongside a shorter thesis component. 

The University of Brighton has a long, pioneering history of success in research through the arts and humanities and welcomes supervision across its creative schools and programmes.

Doctoral study information films, details and acknowledgements