How to Email a Potential PhD Supervisor (+ Examples)
Write a concise first email to a potential PhD supervisor with subject lines, a copyable template, follow-up guidance and common mistakes.
PhD & Academic Life
Practical guidance for deciding on a PhD, applying, building a research routine, writing the thesis and finishing well. Choose the stage you are at, then follow the guides that answer your next question.
Decide and apply: Should you do a PhD?, find funding, choose a supervisor, email a potential supervisor, write a proposal and prepare for the interview.
Build the research: start your PhD, use the years 1–4 timeline, read journal articles, organise research papers, compare sources, write the literature review, find the research gap and narrow the research question.
Supervision and writing: prepare for supervision, turn feedback into an action plan, manage PhD time and work through dissertation writing difficulties.
Share, defend and finish: prepare a conference presentation, practise viva questions, prepare for the viva and mark the finish.
Free templates and printables · Study tools and planning guides
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How to Find a Research Gap: A Practical PhD Guide
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Literature Review Matrix: Template and Worked Example
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How to Find a PhD Supervisor in the UK
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How to Find a Funded PhD in the UK: 8 Places to Look
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Academic Conference Presentation: 12 Practical Tips
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