Choosing PhD Group + more (Astrophysics, UK)

In summary: If you have an undergraduate degree in physics, the odds of you getting a funded PhD are much better.
  • #1
industrygiant
15
0
Hi everyone,

I am thinking of applying for a PhD in Astrophysics to start in October 2012, at the moment I'm still researching different Unis both here and abroad but in doing my research I've seen that for your long term career prospects it doesn't matter so much what Uni you go to, but more who your supervisor is and your group you are part of.

I am honestly not sure the best way to go about choosing groups, obviously each dept. website will try and sell itself as best it can, and the RAE is only of limited value since it can't tell us which groups within the departments are good and which are bad it just gives an overview of the department as a whole. I would take a guess and say that the bigger Unis (Oxford, Mancs, Birmingham) will most likely have very active and highly regarded groups but I want to get as complete a picture as possible before starting to apply to places, so this includes the smaller places too.

Haha did intend this to be quite a short post but I might as well post some more questions that came to mind when I wrote this too :) -
1) generally how competitive are places for ESPRC funding in astro groups? I am leaning more towards theoretical work instead of computational since I did a lot more theory at undergrad. This is especially important since I didn't do any Astro at undergrad (except I guess particle physics and GR), but I have and still do study it in my spare time.

2) Related to 1) am I at a significant disadvantage to someone coming straight from their masters? I believe I have a strong academic background, I graduated in summer 2010 with a 1st Class Masters, writing my dissertation on Graphene. I also did an IAESTE internship abroad between my 3rd and 4th years. My reason for the gap after graduating was to go traveling which subsequently required getting a job, so hopefully this won't be frowned upon but the gap is a bit of a concern for references.
 
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  • #2
The gap is no problem. The problem is Graphene - what does that have to do with theoretical astrophysics? You also did no astrophysics at undergraduate level - that shows a real interest in the subject :)

Imagine you are competing with someone with a first class honours in astrophysics, who has had astronomy as his all consuming hobby since age 7. There are plenty of them, and few of them will land a place doing a theoretical astrophysics PhD. So why should you?

If you are *really* serious you should fund yourself for a second masters degree in astrophysics and make sure you come top - working all the hours you can, including Christmas day. Do the best MSc project that anyone's ever done for the top professor in the place and you *might* get to do a funded astrophysics PhD.

Graphene is a really interesting substance with lots of applications. Can't you find something to do in that area? Should be a lot easier. And why do you want to move? Any potential supervisor will suspect you have an inconstant mind and are suffering from a "grass is greener" complex.

I did an MSc in astrophysics that killed my interest in the subject I'd been obsessed with since age 7. The grass isn't greener.
 
  • #3
I think you're shooting yourself in the foot here. If graphene is really to have the impact on technology that many are predicting, surely you would be doing yourself a great favour by setting yourself up as an expert in a field where there could potentially, be great opportunity for interesting and rewarding work in the coming years. I'd rather have employers banging down my door instead of grovelling for a low paying research job which may never be anyway.
 
  • #4
George Osbourne just announced an additional £195 million in science funding for research into graphene and super computing.
 
  • #5
mal4mac said:
Imagine you are competing with someone with a first class honours in astrophysics, who has had astronomy as his all consuming hobby since age 7. There are plenty of them, and few of them will land a place doing a theoretical astrophysics PhD. So why should you?

Really? I disagree: I also don't see having astronomy as a hobby as being a pre-requisite for doing a PhD in astrophysics.

If you are *really* serious you should fund yourself for a second masters degree in astrophysics and make sure you come top - working all the hours you can, including Christmas day. Do the best MSc project that anyone's ever done for the top professor in the place and you *might* get to do a funded astrophysics PhD.

This is terrible advice, and a waste of money. If the OP has an undergrad degree in physics, then the necessary astrophysics can be taught in the first year of the PhD.


To the OP: the choice of university really depends upon the specific area in which you want to conduct research. Whilst you're correct that the larger universities tend to have larger groups, there are lots of smaller universities out there with good groups in specific areas.

Do you know what sort of theoretical asotrphysics you are interested in researching: planets, galaxies, cosmology?
 
  • #6
Thanks for the replies everyone, I have been considering studying for a PhD in Nanoscience/Graphene/Condensed Matter also and I think I am certainly leaning more that way now after a bit more thought.
cristo said:
Do you know what sort of theoretical asotrphysics you are interested in researching: planets, galaxies, cosmology?

I think cosmology is the area I'd be most interested in, what would be the best way to find the groups which are best in this area?

Also, I think I will make a new thread since I have some more questions about the general PhD application procedure that might not get the best coverage in this one.
 
  • #7
industrygiant said:
I think cosmology is the area I'd be most interested in, what would be the best way to find the groups which are best in this area?

I can give you a list of departments with decent cosmology groups (in a rough north-south order, no other ranking intended):

Durham, Lancaster, Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham, Oxford, Cambridge, Cardiff, Imperial, UCL, Queen Mary London, Sussex, Portsmouth.

(I hope I've not missed anything out!).

Each of these specialise in different types of cosmology (from the more theoretical physics side, to more observation orientated), so try googling them and take a look at the research strengths in their groups.
 

1. How do I choose the right PhD group for my research interests?

When choosing a PhD group for your research interests in astrophysics, it is important to consider the specific areas of research that the group specializes in. Look for groups that have publications or ongoing projects in the same field as your research interests. You should also consider the expertise of the group members and the resources available to support your research.

2. What should I look for in a PhD advisor?

A PhD advisor should be someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in your field of research, and who has a good track record of successfully guiding students through their PhD programs. It is also important to find an advisor who is approachable, supportive, and willing to provide guidance and mentorship throughout your PhD journey.

3. How important is the location of the university for my PhD?

The location of the university may play a role in your overall experience during your PhD program, but it should not be the sole determining factor. Instead, focus on the research opportunities and resources available at the university, as well as the reputation and expertise of the faculty and research groups in your field of study.

4. Can I switch PhD groups during my program?

In some cases, it may be possible to switch PhD groups during your program, but this should only be done if necessary. It is important to carefully consider your reasons for wanting to switch and to discuss it with your advisor and the new group before making a decision. Switching groups can potentially delay your progress and may require additional coursework or research to catch up.

5. What are the benefits of joining a research group as a PhD student?

Joining a research group as a PhD student allows for a more focused and specialized approach to your research. You will have the support and guidance of experienced researchers and access to resources and facilities that may not be available to individual students. It also provides opportunities for collaboration and networking with other students and researchers in your field.

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