I have access to both. PM me your email and I'll send the PDFs :)

I agree with what the others say also, you can copy some of the bits but be very careful you don't copy something that isn't relevant. I stick to the same structure for the cover letter, i.e. the first paragraph introducing yourself, saying where you saw the project advertised (if it is an advertised position you're going for) and why you would be good for the project.
The second paragraph talk about the university/institution and the project, why you want to work there etc. A third paragraph bigging yourself up basically, why you'd be amazing for the project. Then a brief summary at the end.
Good luck with your applications!

Hello! I just got offered a PhD starting at the beginning of October so I'm in the same boat too! I've read a lot on here about peoples problems etc, but I think it's a good thing as going into it knowing there are going to be difficulties means we'll be able to deal with them better when they come along? Maybe? Haha, hopefully at least!

Good luck starting in September and maybe we can share experiences when it starts!:-)

I think after a week, just send a polite email asking if he has received the application.  That way you can put your mind to ease but not seem too pushy, the professor may take a few weeks to get round to reading the proposal if he/she is busy, but at least you'll know that it has been received.

Thanks Ailicec,

Yeah I think before he was just hoping that it wouldn't really happen, when I first applied at the beginning of last year I didn't talk to him about it properly, but as it didn't get funding and I had to re-apply the next year I took the time to talk to him.  But he just said 'we'll deal with it if it happens' as I think he thought the same would happen again. Then when I said it looked like it was getting funding this year he started saying things like 'you just want to get away from me' but in a jokey kind of way.  But I think this might be how he is really feeling, even though I tried to reassure him that I didn't want that at all. I know it's a big ask for him to move hundreds of miles away from home, and I would consider a distance relationship but it would be difficult, we've been together 7 years and lived together for 3 so it would be a big change! 

I know it's six months before I need to move, but I'm a bit of an obsessive planner and get rather stressed when I can't make arrangements well in advance!

Hi Guys,
I have been accepted as PhD student starting in October, which is very exciting and all, (after waiting an extra year as the project didn't get funding last year). It's the perfect project for me and it's in a great institute.

However it means moving 500 miles from home (North Scotland to South England), and this is causing some problems with my partner. He works for a national company and can transfer but would need to take a demotion as there aren't any jobs at his level down there. He is saying that he doesn't want to talk about it at the moment, and it seems like he doesn't want to move at all... When we'd talked in the past he said he'd move and we'd just talk about it properly when it happened. And well it's happening now...and he still won't talk.

Have any of you had similar problems? I'm not sure whether to leave him to settle for a week or two then try and talk or get it out of the way now. I find it very stressful to have this hanging over me!

Sorry if this is rambling!

Thanks in advance!
Caro

Hi Fuchia,

Have you sent in an application to the professor or the University? And if so how long ago? It's hard to say whether you should email again or not if we don't know the time scale.

Caro

Hi Bird,

Competition funding usually means that the project is going up again other projects from the same institution for funding, all the projects advertised interview candidates and then the institution and the people giving the funding decide which projects/students are the best and give funding to those. It can be that they are advertising 10 and funding only one or two, or it can be that they are advertising 10 and funding 9 so it can be quite confusing! I just got accepted for a PhD with funding that was competition funding where they funded 7 out of 9, but applied/interviewed for the same one last year and it didn't get funded when they were funding 6 out of 12...

When it says funded it usually means that the university fees are paid and you get a stipend (wage) too. But check with the University to make sure.

Caro

Hi MelItaly,

A Phd in Britain usually takes 3-4 years, I believe most people take 4 to finish the write-up.

In Britain Degrees are graded as a First 1, An Upper Second 2:1, Lower Second 2 and a Third 3. 1st in the best and 3rd is the lowest before a fail. Most Universities need a First or Upper Second. I'm not sure how Italian Universities work but a 1st is 70% or more and a 2:1 is 60-70% of pass marks.

Applications vary according to the University you are applying to, some just require a CV and covering letter, others have specific application forms to fill in, they will usually tell you when you enquire about applying. Look at findaphd.com to look through some phd's available.

Hope this helps!

Feel free to ask anything else.

Caro

Hello.

My honours project isn't really related to to the PHd at all. Except that they are both zoological, so I guess it should be fine! I'll have to remind myself about it though as it was a few years ago!

Thanks
Caroline

Hello, I have an interview for a phd on Monday but can't find my copy of my honours project anywhere! I'm convinced it's at my parents somewhere but they couldn't find it. Do you need ot have it with you? The letter didn't mention anything and it said it was only going to be a 30 min interview so it doesn't seem like they'd have time to read it anyway. Let me know what you think.

Thanks!

I had the same problem myself, I did a lot of research but basically it all said to do a CV as standard but with more emphasis on previous research and any degree topics that are relevant. In the covering letter stick to the standard format of a paragraph to introduce yourself, a paragraph to say why you want to work with the uni/supervisor, a paragraph to sell yourself and a summary. But again just emphasise your previous research and why your interests relate to the project.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for all the info! It's been really useful. I think I'll go smart but maybe not wear my trouser suit!

My letter said that the interview would only be about 30 mins which I thought was a bit strange! My job interviews have usually been at least 45 mins and I thought a PhD interview would have a lot more to discuss!

Oh well I guess I'd better be prepared for anything!

Hi there, I have just heard that I have an interview for a PhD, it's in freshwater ecology. I just want to know what to expect, is it generally like a job interview? I know it can be variable depending on the person interviewing but are there common themes?

And are you expected to dress like you are for a job interview i.e in a suit/smart clothes?

Thank you!

Caroline