VRKM – Reasons to do a PhD and Questions to ask yourself

A research degree is similar to any other type of education in that the benefits you obtain from it are entirely determined by your goals for the programme as a whole. When you are considering your alternatives, there are a few significant questions you need to ask yourself to determine whether or not it is the best choice for you.

1. Is this a topic that I feel strongly about and want to learn more about?

The pursuit of a research degree requires a time commitment spanning multiple years. If the prospect of devoting a considerable amount of your time and energy to a single topic fills you with enthusiasm, this is a positive indicator that you are prepared.

Research degrees typically require a significant amount of independent work; hence, if your interest in the topic is only moderate at most, you run the risk of losing interest in the field altogether. Because of this, it may be more challenging to meet your own standards.

Is it something that you can envision yourself doing over the next five to ten years, both in terms of learning about and working in this field? And what do you hope to accomplish throughout that span of time? It is essential to refrain from studying for the sole purpose of delaying key life choices.

2. In order to pursue my interest in research, do I need a degree?

In every industry, there are a huge variety of various occupations and paths to choose. A research master’s degree or doctoral degree isn’t required for all of them, though.

Do you already possess certain skills and knowledge that you may employ in a particular business or field if you wish to make a contribution to that industry or field? If this is not the case, what kinds of abilities or information will you gain from getting a degree in research?

3. Am I ready to continue my university studies?

If you have already completed your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and are considering your alternatives for the next step in your education, a research degree is one choice that will maintain things in a similar vein. If you are a student who has spent the last three to four years studying, you could decide that it is time to try something new.

It is dependent upon who you are, the things that are important to you, and the goals that you have for your life. If you recently completed your degree and you’re largely pleased that it’s over, then going back to school may not be the greatest choice for you at this point in your life.

Keep in mind that you will always have the option to attend university again in the future. There are a lot of graduates who get jobs for a while and then go back to school to get more experience, switch careers, or pursue their passion. When you go back to school, the things you’ve picked up while working will, in many instances, help you perform better on the academic side of things.

4. Have I located the appropriate supervisor for me?

At least one advisor is assigned to each and every research student. They are there to provide assistance and direction to you as you work on formulating your ideas and organising your research.

Finding the correct supervisor for your research project might make all the difference in whether it turns out to be decent, great, or amazing. You might have better access to networks and resources if they are operating a research centre or group, or if they are a part of such a facility or group.

It is in your best interest to search for potential supervisors with whom you can collaborate; this may need you to visit a number of different colleges and make direct contact with them. In most cases, their profile will indicate whether or not they are accepting new students, and if so, they will gladly respond to your email.

5. Is it within my budget?

It is critical that you give some consideration to the financial implications of pursuing a research degree before making your final decision.

You may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master’s Loan if you are a UK national who is applying for an MPhil or MRes study. This loan can be used to support your tuition fees, living costs, and other costs associated with a Master’s programme. If you are interested in applying, click here.

If you are an overseas student, you will need to make preparations in advance to figure out how you will pay for your expenses and support yourself while you are in school.

There are paid and non-funded options to consider when thinking about getting a PhD:

You can make direct contact with an academic if you have an idea that fits inside their area of expertise if you choose to do so.

Consider applying for grants from organisations such as the government or non-profit research organisations.

There are some financed PhD options available through universities, however these may be limited.

Begin work on a doctoral degree without financial assistance.

If you are currently employed, you could require a change in your working hours or the possibility of finding work in a part-time capacity. If you are attending school full-time and also holding down a job, you could find that you have less discretionary income.

If you are moving to a new city or country, there are additional charges that you will need to take into consideration. If you are renting a place, you will need to make sure that you account for items like the initial cost of relocating and your security deposit.