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PhD Interview

H

Hi,

I submitted an application for a PhD and found out the other day that I've got an interview in 2 weeks time, obviously am very nervous and trying to get as much advice as possible! I've spoken to a few current PhD students who have said that to know my proposal really well is probably the most important thing, and to be able to answer standard questions like 'why do you want to do a PhD/why are you suitable' etc... but any other suggestions would be gratefully received!

Also, there will be 3 people interviewing me and although I've never met any of them (none of them are the potential supervisor who I've had quite a lot of contact with) I've been able to find out quite a lot about their research interests. However the interview is only likely to last 30 minutes apparently - surely this wouldn't be long enough for 3 people to ask the in-depth questions about my proposal that I would expect?!?

S

hi haribo
I also had a 30-min phd interview. They allotted only 30 min per applicant (their technician told me!).
Dont worry about it. During the 30 min, try to answer their questions to the best of your ability.
For example, they might ask u, "why do u want to do a phd"
answer it confidently and IMMEDIATELY, dont wait to mull or think because you only have 30 minutes.
Make the best of it.

for my interview, I was asked why I wanted to work on the project, what would my contributions be, a bit about my background and what further recommendations to that project (if it happened, after that etc.).

all in 30 minutes.

you can do it too.
good luck
satchi

E

I've been asked about previous project work I've done, so in my case that was my BSc final year project, but if you've done a Master's project or any other relevant experience, then be prepared to talk about that.

They'll probably ask you if you have any questions for them about the department/programme/uni etc, so it's good to have a question or two prepared in case you can't think of anything on the spot :)

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