Is there a way to bring more diversity to doctoral recruitment?
It can be difficult to know whether or not a PhD is right for you. The journey to a PhD, and what it actually involves, can seem like an unsolvable puzzle. On top of this, the multitude of barriers and obstacles that many groups of people face can make a PhD feel out of reach.
University College London (UCL) and the Bloomsbury Learning Exchange (BLE) have developed a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), “Is a PhD Right for Me?” on FutureLearn. This is a free, three-week online course designed for prospective PhD applicants, especially for those from an underrepresented background. The course is designed to explore the realities, preparation, funding, and commitment involved in doctoral study through authentic student experiences. Swapping myths and misconceptions for useful tips and resources, this course will help you prepare for PhD applications and beyond. The course aims to help potential students make an informed decision about pursuing a doctorate.
Read the full article for yourself here. Links to the MOOC and information on how to sign up can be found by following the links to “Is a PhD Right for Me?“.
IGNITE offers a guaranteed interview scheme for UK applicants from racially minoritised backgrounds. To opt in, contact nerc-dla@soton.ac.uk once you have applied.
Freeman, R. (2025) WonkHE, “How to level the PhD playing field”. Available at: https://wonkhe.com/blogs/how-to-level-the-phd-playing-field/