Hi,

Apologies if this seems like an obvious question (or if it has already been answered elsewhere on the website), but I would like to know when the best time is to start sending off e-mails to researchers (not to mention application forms) with a view to starting a PhD in October of next year. At present, I'm working in industry but intend to do a PhD next year; having had my fingers burnt going through the application process last year, I'm determined not to let the same mistakes happen again next time. Any information/assistance you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,
Liam

Hi Liam,

From your e-mail, I couldn't tell if you are looking for a studentship or you intend to pay for it yourself. In the former case, I would say that there is no general rule regarding the timeliness of a PhD application. There are PhD studentships available all year around. However, it depends on your chosen topic, when and if a good opportunity will come up.
If you desire to contact a particular university/suoervisor,then... the sooner the better.