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Contacting a supervisor

M

Hi guys,

I am thinking about starting a Phd. I have already defined my topic, my research questions an I have finished writing my research project.

I have in mind the name of eventual supervisors that I have known through their academic papers. However, I don't what to do next :(

What do you think guys? How should I get in a contact with an eventual supervisor?

Thanxxx

T

What do you mean by you have finished your research project?

You can email supervisors with a short introduction about you and a CV and see if they have any interest in working with you and have funding.

T

I guess you mean you've finished writing your proposal?

I think you should email the supervisor telling a bit about yourself, sharing your proposal, and also say that you are very open to their ideas and feedback about the proposal. Also, if you have ideas about funding (e.g., paying for it yourself, applying for x, y, z scheme) then I think it would be important to mention this in the email too.

Even better - if you know someone else who knows the potential supervisor, then you could ask them to introduce you (assuming you are on the same side of the world).

Final tip - if you could have someone in academia read your proposal before sending it to the supervisor, their comments could be helpful.

M

Thank you guys for your suggestions. Yes I meant research proposal.
Well actually, I have no idea about the funding. Do you think I should contact the supervisor first or look for funding first?
Thanx again

T

If you're based in the UK or another country where it isn't government funded then you will have to think about how you will pay the fees and support yourself during the course of the PhD. The potential supervisor will probably know of some funding opportunities that you might be able to apply for. But it would be good to show that you had taken the initiative and looked into what is available as well. Find a PhD is a good website for this kind of information:


Also, the website of the University you hope to attend may have some information about their own funding opportunities.

M

Thank you guys for your suggestions

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