Applying for PhDs

Applying for PhDs Series

In line with the 2026 PhD application cycle we are running a talk series to guide you through the labyrinth of UK university admissions. Over the six sessions of this series we, current PhD students, will cover the basics of applying to a UK based PhD programme providing insider tips and tricks on writing a successful application. 

These sessions are open to anyone thinking about applying to a PhD including but not limited to current undergraduates, current/incoming masters students, graduates. If you are thinking of applying in a couple of years time sessions 1 and 3 might give you some ideas of action you can take now to maximise your chance of success later down the line!

Sessions will be from 1630 - 1730 UK time on Teams with the joining link added on this page. 

These sessions will not be recorded but you can access our slides below after each session and don't forget to check out "The Linguist's Guide to PhD Applications", which covers all the main points from the sessions. You can join the series at any point and dip in and out, so please don't worry if you miss a session. 

Schedule

1. 7th August So you think you want to do a PhD? slides

2. 11th September Writing your research proposal Fae's RP  Zara's RPs  general guide

3. 9th October Making your application stand out 

4. 6th November Applying for funding
   (Please note that the UK will be running on GMT instead of BST from November to March; if you are joining outside the UK this may affect the session start time.) 

5. 8th January  Preparing for interview

6. 5th February Weighing your options 

The joining link will appear above in time for the talk, but sometimes not until the same day as the talk. There is no need to register in advance.

Resources 

To supplement the synchronous series we have collated our advice into "The Linguist's Guide to PhD Applications" which provides an overview of the process of applying to a PhD in the UK.