Hey guys,all am certain about at the moment is that i want to do a PhD for sure.But am somehow unable to find the univ offering the exact topic of my intrests.Am apprehensive may be its my search thats flawed.I tried out another way,instead of searching for ads on the net and then applying for a specific ad,I tried looking out for departments / labs working on topics same as my intrests and started contacting the profs and am yet waiting for some positive replies.All this leads me to think whether it is so difficult to match your exact intrests and that ultimately you gotto compromise on what you have to do? Please guide.

I guess it depends on you subject, but in the social sciences it probably doesnt pay to be too clear on your 'exact topic' at this stage - Im still not sure that i know my 'exact topic' even a year in! It might be more productive to focus on your 'general area' when approaching departments - you can refine it towards your exact topic during the course of the first year, as in my experience thats what the first year is all about.

True.I came across this notion as well.I am currently doing Msc final sem.Want to pursue a PhD in Aerodynamics.But,In my case,I am wanting to let the profs know what I am intrested in, the sort of work,the topic or topics that I would want to deal with.In mentioning the 'general area' while I am trying to convey my intrests would that suffice the needs ?

As you're in the realms of science, you have 2 options - compete for a blue sky PhD (and find a uni with facilities to support your research) or respond to a given topic.

If you go for the former, there are very few places and you'll need to prepare a very detailed proposal and it's unlikely you'll secure one this year. Also, a department will only fund you if your work is interesting to them as they will own the intellectual rights.

For the latter, your proposal need not be as detailed, but again highly competitive and you still have a chance of getting one in the autumn (although most have been filled already).

Thanks for simplifying the situation.I understand what u mean.I intend to do my PhD preferably in Germany/Netherlands/Swiss.Now there's something which I need to clarify.I always thought the start of the PhD depends on the univ (mostly they follow the normal routine of the semesters )But I also observed a few of 'em offering PhD's all thru the year,though less in number.(no particular deadline as such).Do the afore mentioned have any preferences in ur opinion? Coming back to my actual query,I have less success at finding the univs offering a PhD with the topic that enthuses me though it has a huge department dedicated to aerodynamics.For ex. 'Aerodyanamic Contour determination using experimantal techniques(wind tunnels)' juss to mention .....ever came across such situation or am I sounding stupid ?

Your topic sounds very specialist, so it depends on who has the facilities to support your research. This should narrow things down. If you want funding, your topic will need to be interesting to the uni department for them to take an interest in you.

In terms of start dates, PhDs can start at any time according to the sponsor's needs. In the UK, research council and university-funded PhDs usually start in the autumn in line with the academic year and also so that new students get the benefit of their peers starting at the same time.

I guess you've tried Imperial? http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/aeronautics

I knew a few guys there who did some wind tunnel research

Do you know anyone from your previous place (uni prob) who may have contacts with someone in your chosen field? I think it really would help if you know someone who can put in a good word for you.

I would say that at PhD level there is a certain amount of comprimise. Esp if you have such an exact topic in mind. The other potential problem is that if you do something different to what the lab/supervisor does you may find it a lot harder to get interest/support from them. Maybe wont need it, it helps. There is also only so much funding to go around. Only if your proposal is very good, better than what the supervisor can come up with, are you likely to find funding through the department. Unless you can convince one of them it is worthy of a grant proposal.....

It will also prob depend on your background. I think that if you are just out of undergrad/very young you will find it hard to get people to take you too seriously. If you have been working in the area for a a while (such as an MPhil) then it should be much easier.

@ Richmond,

Unfortunately I dont know any of me seniors doing a PhD may be due to the fact that I am graduating from a German Univ of applied sciences and the immidieate step in almost all the cases is a job in the industry instead of a PhD.

I indeed have already queried in my workplace (where I am currently doing my Master thesis) and I do get a few suggestions.Thats some help indeed.

It could also be a scenario that most of the profs feel I am too young(as in experience) to actaully decide on a topic as my cv does not boast big names and univs in it.possible.

@ coastman , Thanks for the 'imperial' link.

But what I want to know is : I have thoroughly gone through some of the posts in the forum.Considering the fact that I am compromising on the topic and am searching only for the general area as in 'aerodynamics',I am unable to find a topic currently which intrests me.I am searching in www.findaphd.com,www.dfg.de,www.jobs.ac.uk,www.science-jobs.de and a few more.What do i do as I know I am running short of time ? Could anyone suggest some more websites and search criterions ?

Is there a lack of positions? Or is it that none interest you? The only thing I can think of is to look at papers from your original proposal, find out where these people work and then see if they have positions available. It sounds like you have sort of done this already. But instead of sending your proposal you could ask them if they have one for you.

It may be that there are no projects that interest you this year. Esp if you are very specific. Then it is either wait and see if anything comes out over the next year, or apply to projects that you are not 100% sure of this year (the ones that appeal the most). Remember that a lot of supervisor will be willing to let you progress the project in your own way, and some will be farily open to new directions. You can try and judge this at interview (though I doubt they will let you change direction completely). Grant stipends less so i think.

Maybe pick a project or two and talk to the supervisor. They may be more interesting when you discuss it. What about the states?

hey richmond, sorry for a dealyed reply.

Is there a lack of positions? Or is it that none interest you?

I would opt for the second one.

And thats what I am doing right now, i.e. whether or not the concerned department has any topic for me to work on.unfortunately with less success yet but am optimistic.

Yeah,thats indeed a good suggestion of picking up a project and then trying to negotiate with the professor.I have rarely seen / heard professors deviating much from the actual topic but again it depends on the prof and the source of funding he has.

Is anyone doing a PhD in Aerodynamic Design optimization in our members at all ?!?! coz I waned to know I not the odd one out and also the states option is more or less ruled out for me due to some other constraints ans also i never fancied working or studying there.Dont know why..!