Hi everyone. I would like to do a Phd in 2006. Someone suggested that i contact potential supervisors directly but i have no idea what to say. I have come up with a list and email adresses however I am afraid of blowing it in the first email. Any suggestions. Thank you

write a proposition of a project that would interest them.

science or arts? sciences won't expect you to write a proposal at this point but I believe you need to for arts. I started by reading some of their papers, but i'm guessing as you have an idea of who you are interested in you've done that. Then I emailed them told them a bit about my background and my interests and that i didn't currently have a specific project in mind but was interested in their work and wondered if they were going to be taking on phd students and could we discuss possible topics.

oh yeah and write specific emails to them don't send a general mass email, they want to know you have a genuine interest in their topic not that you are applying to everywhere (hopefully your list isn't too long and this wont take forever :)

tindo, try giving them a brief intro about yourself like your basic degree, work experience etc and tell them your interested in pursuing research under their supervision and ask them whether they would be interested to connsider your cv..once they reply to your mail you could forward them your cv and discuss about research areas and research proposals

Thanks everyone i think i will start by giving them my background and what i am currently doing (my Msc project is in the field i want to persue in a Phd). B> the project is in applied maths iwill check out some papers by the supervisors. My list has 3 names thats not so bad is it?

The best people to give you advice will be your current course tutors. They know the usual procedures within your subject area.