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Do you love learning? Do you enjoy being creative? Would you like to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and technology?

Have you ever considered pursuing a PhD as your first (or next) job?

Five of the leading Doctoral Training Centres at the University of Warwick (Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics for Real-World Systems, Modelling of Heterogeneous Systems) are coming together in a one-day event to give information, answer questions, shatter myths and break stereotypes about PhD programmes.

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We will address common questions, such as:

• Can I afford to do a PhD? How is it a 'job'?
  

  Doctoral Training Centres offer several scholarships, covering all tuition fees and providing an annual salary which can be enhanced through teaching. We will give more information on available scholarships and guidance on how to prepare a successful application.

• Am I ‘good enough’ to pursue a PhD?

  We will discuss what the requirements are for doing a PhD and different pathways to PhD programmes – having ‘astronomical’ grades from a top-ranking university is not the only path.

• Do I need to know exactly what I want to work on for my PhD?

  While Doctoral Training Centres are typically focused on a research theme, you are not expected to know exactly what you want to work on at the start. We will present the structure of the training programmes and the research themes represented by each of the centres.

• Will I fit in?
  

  Current PhD students from underrepresented groups will discuss their pathways to and experience of their studies.

• How will a PhD enhance my future career prospects?

  Professional skills development is at the core of PhD programmes. Our career consultants will discuss how these enhance your career prospects.

Who is it for?

While everyone is welcomed, this event is specifically designed for students from groups currently underrepresented in PhD programmes in Mathematical and Computing Sciences that could be suitable candidates for these programmes. The aim is to showcase the PhD as part of a career path, give information to help students decide whether it is right for them and provide guidance on how to succeed.

With this in mind, we strongly encourage attendance by undergraduate students in their second year or above and MSc students or graduates in any course with a significant component in Mathematics or Computing who identify with an underrepresented group, such as the following: female or non-binary; Black or other minority ethnic group; living with a disability; care-experienced; low-income family background; first generation in higher-education.

Registration

Places are limited. Please register your interest by Friday 2nd June by filling in this form.

If travelling to the University of Warwick, you can apply for a travel bursary (normally up to £100, with receipts). We will confirm your place and available funding, if requested, soon after registration closes.*

Registration is now closed and we are not able to offer further travel reimbursements, but students are still welcome to join the talks. Please email stats.pg.support@warwick.ac.uk if you would like to attend but have not registered.

^{* Reimbursements of travel costs will only be provided upon prior request and confirmation from us being provided (see registration form)}

Programme

9.30am	Registration & Tea/coffee.
10.00am	Welcome & Introduction to Centres of Doctoral Training. Representatives of all CDTs.
10.30am	CDTs: Funding opportunities and application process. Dr Becky Vipond (Doctoral College).
11.00am	Short break.
11.15am	Panel discussion: Pathways to and experience during PhD studies. Chaired by Patience Ablett (PhD student in Mathematics and member of the Warwick Piscopia committee).
12.30pm	Lunch break.
1.30pm	How does a PhD enhance one’s prospects? Career Paths after PhD study. Samantha Merrix (Senior Careers Consultant).
2.00pm	Pathways to PhD: Information about Summer Research Internship programmes & MSc bursaries. Dr Jere Koskela (Statistics).
2.20pm	How to write a personal statement, research project proposal & academic CV. Dr Florin Ciucu (Computer Science).
2.40pm	How to prepare for an interview for a PhD programme. Dr Björn Stinner (Mathematics).
3.00pm	Afternoon break and opportunities for questions & discussion.