I am starting an MSc course this September and I would like to go on to study for a PhD.

At the moment my interests in my chosen field are quite broad. I was hoping that as the course progressed it would give me more of an idea about the specific area of research I would like to follow.

However, I have been told that the best time to apply for a PhD starting next year is early on in this academic year, i.e. November/December.

How can I decide on a research topic? Can I apply later?

Well, PhDs can be very competitive and funding for them can be too. It's recommended that you apply in November December time. That way, the person you apply to work with has time to put you forward as a PhD candidate early on and has more chance of getting funding. You can apply later, but I'd recommend no later than March. By this time, a number of supervisors are unable to apply for funding, but you can apply for one all the way up until next september if there's funding available

Hey Katie, I agree really with what Lewis has said. Certainly no later than March as studentships often get filled by this point if you're looking for funding. But then again it depends on what area you are going for too. I applied in March as a masters student, had interview in April and was accepted in May so you have to be patient as well.

In terms of what to decide as a research topic, your masters could prove invaluable, mine certainly did. I changed my mind completely with what I wanted to do. And don't be afraid to ask your lecturers on your masters course if you learn something and want to know more about it as a possible direction - the more information you have, the better.