How to get a PhD in 5 easy steps (UK)

Ok so maybe the steps aren't that easy, but they are what you need to do to get a PhD!

1. Get a degree in a relevant subject. Most people also study a masters.
2. Find a supervisor and project (and funding...)
3. You must perform original research (easier said than done)
4. Write a thesis
5. Defend your thesis in a viva

Obviously this is all very hand wavy and approximate as I'm trying to cover all kinds of subjects, but these are the approximate steps that every PhD student goes through. Also some of the steps are someone more complex than others, with step 3 basically being the entire degree! If you'd like to learn more about my PhD then please check out videos on my channel where I talk about it in great detail, and if you have further questions about the process of applying for a PhD ask in the comments (though remember I am NOT an expert at this).

I also apologise if I got stuff wrong about humanities PhDs - my understanding is based on talking to a few friends and so is not comprehensive. I was trying my best as a mere scientist guys!

Editing done in Premiere.

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I am Simon, a fourth year PhD candidate at the University of Exeter. I upload videos on bits of science which are relevant to what I do, and sometimes just because they're really cool.

Thanks to Vlogbrothers for their sponsorship of this video. Money from the Foundation to Decrease Worldsuck contributed to equipment used in this video.

[Danyman]

So, essentially, the External Examiner for your PhD is the final boss of your education.

[zainabfaiz]

Don't cancel out this channel once you have completed you PhD.
Please

[DrawCuriosity]

My PhD dragged me into work at 6am this morning. Already not an easy step. :p
Also my supervisor walked in on me watching "How to get your PhD in 5 easy steps" and that was a mixture of funny and sad.
Hope your thesis progress is going well. :)

Solid advice in the video though. :) I don't think I caught you mentioning it, but now there are also "doctoral training centres", where stipend, somewhat freedom in project choice and some training courses are packages altogether (this is the PhD model I'm doing).

[smileyourock]

I love his subtle sarcasm in the title👏🏼

[dylanrees-lucan]

'step 1', just get yourself a degree in physics from oxford uni. how easy. thanks for this advice

[FrankStajanoExplains]

I think your step number 2, choosing the right supervisor, is by far the most important. In Japanese martial arts we say you should invest at least 3 years to find your sensei; the PhD is not quite the same thing but still... The PhD is an apprenticeship in research and you are going to be this person’s apprentice for a number of years. You need to find a competent scholar, you need to admire and trust this person, but it must also be someone with whom you get along well, and who can bring out your best talents. I always tell my students that finding the right supervisor is one of the most important decisions for the success of their PhD and for their happiness while doing it.

[bhhhh]

I've recently been offered a PhD studentship, and the viva is most definitely the most terrifying part for me right now (despite it being over 3 years away)! Looking forward to watching more of these videos! Embarking on a PhD is such a massive commitment and hearing how others have found it and worked with it is essential. Thanks!

[mishapurser]

I like what James Hayton says about a PhD. A PhD is structured very differently to other courses and is meant to prepare you for a career in academia. So, "[i]nstead of thinking of a PhD as the pinnacle of the education system, it's better to think of it as the bottom layer of the professional academic system." - James Hayton, author of 'PhD - an uncommon guide to research, writing & PhD life'

[jamalkoiyess]

I really love how you make the experience nice and lovely and not just technical like most people. I want to do a PhD in physics because i love the subject and have some good feelings about it ... but most people tear the love out of it. So sad that most are not like you.

[probro]

I got my PhD 24 years ago, and I still haven't asked the bank to change my title to Dr.

[adamsmith]

So so pleased I found this channel! Been watching for 6 months and I'm starting to enjoy science a lot more. My father has a PHD in Nanotechnological Chemistry and I always used to find Chemistry and Physics really boring but you make it so much more interesting! I'm going to college next year and hope to study Law, History, French and now Physics too thanks to you! Thanks again Simon!!

[pseudophd]

I think it's also good to point out that finding a supervisor you get on with and that you can see yourself working with for 3 or 4 years is extremely important!

[ayushroy]

Starting a PHD this fall. I am going for a PhD right after my Bachelor's. Having a mixed feelings of going so far away from home and meeting new people in a completely new environment. I hope I can succeed like other PhDs. Nice to get info from videos like this.

[luketang]

Step 1:
Be really fucking smart
Step 2:
Repeat step 1

[turkishdisco]

I'm a final year PhD student. I don't know why I watched this...I #shouldbewriting

[bbnCRLB]

This is good. I plan to do something similar towards the end of my PhD. I believe casually talking about PhD might some how encourage people to consider embarking on the adventure. My supervisor's approach is quite demanding as we each have to work on different topics that are related in some ways. So now I am conduction a research in machine learning, signal processing, and directional acoustic sensors. There are obviously a way of having the three in one system, but in PhD you are not just required to apply. Proposing a new method or improving on already existing ones in each areas I mentioned can get you a paper in top journals. So my life is quite a mess as every minute of the day is dedicated to coding in C# (since MATLAB is quite slow for my simulation), preparing slides for one presentation or another, peer reviewing papers, etc. But I do find time at night to go on Youtube and get updated with current happenings.

[TheAquaticBeef]

My current undergraduate tutor recommends that I shouldn't go for a PhD, as my grades are poor. I'm going to prove them wrong! I know a PhD is incredibly hard work, but I'm more than capable! Passion and persistence to learn/work hard, CHECK.

[SallyLePage]

00:43 You know a girl personally, eh? ;P

[menghongpor]

Thank you, Simon! You have been my inspiration for me to follow my passion in study for higher degree, especially in PhD program.

[Smidgon]

im currently in undergrad for software Development planning on going into computer science for masters and trying to aim for a PHD in AI Research you basically inspired me to go for it after watching your videos so i would like to thank you for that