Applying for Physics PhD in the UK 10 years after leaving Uni

[iamnotgood]

Hey all, hope you are doing well!

I did my BSc in theoretical physics at a Russell Group uni and achieved a first class honours. I also did a MSc in theoretical physics from another Russell Group uni.

I got an offer for a PhD to begin right after I finished my MSc but the funding fell through or something and so they had to pull it. I have applied for 1 or 2 each year (some years I haven't applied at all) - most of my applications have passed on to interview stage but that is where I really struggle.

I did pass another interview in 2020 - it was a weird one, they started by saying there were no more places but this could be deferred. But then Covid and the programme no longer ran.

I guess most of the interviews consist of why I want to do a PhD and testing on my subject knowledge. I am probably pretty weak around the subject knowledge.

I am now at a point where I am aggresively applying per some advice. I know I want to do a PhD due to the research aspect, getting stuck on difficult problems and just a general enjoyment of the subject (this sounds cliche, I don't usually write this in a personal statement). My average score in my undergrad and master's was about 80% and 67%.


As a applicant that is 10 years out of uni and weaker references than I previously have, what can I be doing to make a strong application?
1. What sort of questions should I be asking the supervisor before applying?
2. Is it fine that I am 10 years out of Uni? My physics knowledge is considerably more weak but truthfully I don't have the time with work and family commitments (if i got the offer I would no longer be working).
3. What are interviewers looking for in an applicant? What is expected in an interview? Looking back at 1 for feedback (rarely given), they said I was ranked second and were very impressed with my computing skills but another candidate had a stronger cosmology background (comso and data PhD).

It is a bit demoralising having failed so many interviews but I am keen to get that 1 and right now is the best time.

Appreciate any advice.

Thanks in advance

 

[Choppy]

1. Ask about specific projects. What kinds of projects are they working on or hope to work on? What methods will they be using? What skills will be helpful for someone looking to get into that field? What kinds of skills can you hope to develop under their supervision?
   Also ask about their mentorship style--What do they expect from graduate students? How often will you meet? How independent do they expect the student to be? How will you be supported? What are their plans over the next five years or so (i.e. are they going on sabbatical or moving to a new position?)
   Ask about current students. (And talk to their current students.) Where are their most recent graduates going when they finish?
   
   
2. Well, being a decade out probably isn't doing you any favors.
   One to three years... in most cases is nothing to worry about. Life happens. Some people need a year to figure out whether graduate school is the right path for them, deal with life issues, earn some money, etc.
   Once you get over about five years or so, there will be questions in regards to how much you've retained... particularly if you haven't been doing much to stay active in the field. At ten years, there are likely even questions about how obsolete the knowledge you have retained is. I know in my field a lot has changed in the last decade.
   It might also pay to read through admission policies thoroughly. Some schools may not give you credit for prerequisite courses taken more than 10 years ago, which would mean they'll expect some remedial work.
   I wouldn't let this stop you from applying, but take the time to research the places you're applying to.
   
   
3. My answers are more specific to the Canadian system, but things that admission committees and potential supervisors tend to look for in interviews include:
   - Specific details about the school and the program you're applying to.
   - Ultimately they want to see those students they admit do well. So they're looking for indications you're likely to be successful during the degree and after it. This can be different for different people, but concrete examples are quite helpful so things like: publications, conference abstracts and presentations, awards, major projects you've completed, teams you've been on, adversities you've overcome, etc.
   - The amount of background knowledge expected is likely to vary from interviewer to interviewer, but at minimum they'll want someone who can have an intelligent conversation about the field they're interested in.
   - They can also be interested in how you'll fit into the existing group. So they might be interested in the extra-curricular things you like to do, your genuine personality etc.

 

[iamnotgood]

I wanted to give an update for anyone in a similar position who feel anxious/demoralised about the process.

For one of my applications, I had good initial Comms with the supervisor. He helped me with writing the research proposal (gave me an outline).

Once the applications closed, I was given an interview for 3 days later.

It was a half an hour interview but overran about 10 mins. The interviewers, the supervisors of the project, were really nice and we had a good discussion about my research experience and the project itself.

After the call, I received an offer an hour later.

Things that helped me were reviewing my undergrad and grad projects thoroughly - interviewers are always able to pick up and ask questions about things I haven't thought about or didn't come across while doing my project.

It helps to understand the project as well and read the supervisors' research papers. I didn't actually get asked anything here but I prompted as I did do quite a bit of work here understand their recent findings.