Top Tips for PhD Applicants – from the Francis Crick Institute

Hear from the Francis Crick Institute's PhD students and our head of student programmes as they answer your questions about applying to the Crick PhD programme.

Applications for our 2025 PhD programme are open until 5 November 2025. Start your application now: https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-study...

In this video
00:00 - Introductions
00:43 - What's the best way to know you like a project?
01:12 - What kinds of questions will you be asked at the interview?
01:41 - What's the best way to prepare for an interview?
02:36 - How did you prepare for your interview?
03:27 - Do you need an undergrad in a related field?
03:51 - What are the most important qualities and skills for a candidate?
04:41 - Should I contact the supervisor before applying?
05:00 - What do Crick supervisors look for?
06:05 - Do you have any guidance for overseas candidates?
06:23 - What options are there for students with a medical degree?
06:42 - Can I apply without a master's degree?
07:13 - How many people typically apply per space?
07:29 - How did you feel applying for your PhD?
08:49 - Any final words of advice?

The Francis Crick Institute
The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical research institute and independent charity. We bring together people from different fields and specialisms to tackle some of the biggest questions in health and disease.

Based in the heart of London’s Kings Cross, we’re the biggest biomedical research facility under a single roof in Europe and are home to a free public exhibition space.

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