Paths to a PhD at the IoN
Information about the ways to start a career in academia and to apply for doctoral research.
What is a PhD?
PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase 'philosophiae doctor' or Doctorate of Philosophy. It is a research degree and is the highest academic level awarded following a course of study.
A PhD degree typically involves students independently conducting original research that expands the boundaries of knowledge in a specific field, with the aim of producing publication-worthy work in a form of a thesis.
UK doctoral candidates are registered as students. Many undertake their doctoral work on a full-time basis based at a university, but many others do their research part-time alongside full-time or part-time work. The usual period of study for a UK doctoral degree is 3-4 years full-time or 6-8 years part-time.
source https://www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study/phd-study/what-is-a-phd and https://www.vitae.ac.uk/doing-research/are-you-thinking-of-doing-a-phd/what-is-a-doctorate-1
What are the requirements for PhD candidates?
The majority of institutions require PhD candidates to possess a Masters degree, plus a Bachelors degree at 2:1 or above. However, some universities demand only the latter, while self-funded PhD students or those with significant professional experience may also be accepted with lower grades.
source https://www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study/phd-study/what-is-a-phd
Possible routes to a PhD at the IoN
Bachelors/Integrated Masters > PhD: It is very common to go straight from your Bachelors into a PhD programme, but for those without integrated masters, or lacking lab experience it may be more challenging. For those students that excel academically and have previous lab experience, they can apply for competitive programmes at IoN.
Bachelors > Masters > PhD: For those who haven’t completed a relevant Bachelors or lack lab experience, a Masters represents a solid pathway to a PhD to introduce yourself into the lab environment and gain experience from researchers. While studying in a Masters degree, people get more exposure to PhD schemes. This also gives candidates an advantage compared to other Bachelor's students on getting into competitive PhD programmes.
Bachelors > Research Assistant/Technician > PhD: For those that feel a Masters is too costly, lack enough lab experience or are unsure if a PhD is for them, a Research Assistant/Technician role is an excellent way to familiarise yourself with research and get paid. Many Research Assistants/Technicians use this experience as a platform to gain more knowledge and an opportunity to develop relvant skill sets that will better prepare them to excel at their doctoral research. Many people are also able to secure a part-time PhD offering, while working as a Research Assistant / Technician.
Ways to improve your laboratory skillset before you approach your PhD
- Strongly promote industrial placements during your degree
- Volunteer for lab work at your University during your 2nd/3rd year.
- Work experience at industrial research facilities
In 2020, the IoN Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging (WCHN) launched a pilot programme, in partnership with in2scienceUK, to offer mentorship opportunities for students from underserved backgrounds. The in2research programme aims to help people from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds access PhDs and research careers through a year of development opportunities. In2research participants will have access to workshops, mentoring, away days and a funded summer research placement in a top university. For more information about the programme please visit the website.
What offerings are there available at the IoN?
- Learn more about the Postgraduate Research Degree offerings at the IoN.
- Learn about doing a Research Degree at UCL.
- The IoN offers a IoN Under-Represented Student Mentorship Scheme to support and advise Masters Students from underserved groups, who are considering applying for PhD studies in Neuroscience at UCL.
Why do a PhD at the IoN? - hear what our students had to say:
Learn more about Lorenzo Caciagli's journey into a PhD at the IoN
Read more about Claudia Cannavo PhD experience at the IoN
Learn more about Jeremy Johnson's journey into a PhD at the IoN
