What to do before the interview.

How you present yourself and your ideas matters, so dress as you would for a job
interview and bring two printed copies of your application form and either your
research proposal or your notes on how you will fit into the existing research project.
Organise materials neatly so that you can quickly access any information requested,
but also commit crucial details to memoryand rehearse.

Do background research on the university, the department, and the academics who
will interview you. Prepare several informed questions about the research they do and
the overall research culture in the department.

Make sure you know where and when the interview will occur, and arrive ahead of
time. If possible, visit the building in advance. You will feel more at ease if the
surroundings are not completely unfamiliar.

To avoid embarrassment, try to find out how to pronounce the names of staff
members you will meet.

Top 10 interview questions.

The right answers to these are personal, and depend greatly on what the specific
staff members and their programme or department want. Scour the PhD studentship
advert, the departments mission statement, and information about current staff
research to learn about research priorities, interests, and positions in theoretical
debates. Showcase your personal skills and attributes, and how well they fit.

1. Tell us about yourself.

Include not only your academic background, but your personal motivationand
particularly what motivates you to do in-depth research in this particular field.

2. Why have you applied to do a PhD here?

This is where research can give you an edge. Show that you have chosen this
programme/department/university for strong reasons, such as your high regard for
named researchers work, the availability of specific collections, equipment, or lab
resources, and overall reputation. Give actual examples, not banal generalities.

3. What can you do for us?

Academics will have to give up a great deal of time to supervise you, most of which
they will receive no scheduled hours or recognition for. So, what research skills,
personal attributes, connections, theoretical ideas and so on do you have that will
make it worth their while?

4. What do you think pursuing a PhD will do for you?

If you plan to become an academic, say so, but not in terms of just getting a jobtalk
about your long-term research plans. If applying to a professional doctorate
programme, show that you understand the realistic career impact. Applicants pursuing
a PhD towards the end of their career may want to talk about gaining recognition for
innovative practice or solving complex issues through research.

5. What skills do you have that make you a good fit for the
PhD place you have applied for or for the department?
Tailor your response very specifically: Play up your strengths, including any prior
research training and experience. Discuss project management skills, interpersonal
skills, and international experience or understanding.

6. Tell us about your research project.

If proposing your own topic, over-prepare. Refer to current scholarship and explain
how your work will break new ground. If applying to join a project, show that you
understand its value and demonstrate that you are the right person to make it happen.
Be enthusiastic!

7. What would you say are your greatest strengths and

weaknesses?
Yes, that tired job-interview question will appear here as well. Make sure the
strengths you list include examples, and your weaknesses are also strengthsfor
example, sometimes Im a terrible perfectionist.

8. Tell us about a challenge you have overcome in the past.

Its best to choose a research challenge as your answer: for example, how you handled
an issue during your Masters dissertation. If you use a career or personal challenge,
show how you used research or project-management skills to solve it.
9. What do you see as the most important issue/problem in
this field today?
This question gives you space to show your knowledge of current research, theory and
practice.

10. Is there anything you would like to ask us?

This is your chance to show how informed you are and position yourself as an
intellectual equal. Be ready.

While not all PhD programs require interviews, some do (including many overseas). If
youre invited to interview, take full advantage of the opportunity youve been given by
preparing effectivelyreview your research on the department, prepare to talk about
your PhD research goals, etc. (a mock interview can be helpful!).

Heres some advice to help you prepare:

1. Be prepared to discuss why you want to pursue your PhD, what your long term goals
are, etc.

2. Why did you choose this program? Review your notes on the department, the
research agendas of the faculty youre interested in working with, etc. What unique
opportunities would you have as a student in this department?

3. Be prepared to discuss your research interestsboth your broad field and your
specific research plans. What are your goals for your PhD? Whom do you want to work
with? How will your work make a contribution to your field? What questions are most
exciting to you?

4. Be prepared to talk intelligently about the important issues/questions in your field. (If
the interviewer mentions a book or article youre not familiar with, dont pretend to have
read itacknowledge you havent gotten to that article yet, but show that youre
interested in seeing how it relates to your work. If you can, refer to related articles or
books that you have read.)

5. Review your CV and SOP. Be prepared to discuss the experiences that have
prepared you for doctoral study (especially research workyour masters thesis,
undergrad thesis, any assistantships or significant fieldwork/labwork). If your CV has
gapsespecially with regard to the specialized skills that are important in your fieldbe
ready to explain how you have gained those skills (or will gain them prior to starting your
degree).

6. If youre interviewing for a position on a grant-funded project (this is especially

pertinent overseas, where you may have applied for a PhD spot as part of a specific
project), explain how your research goals relate to the goals of the project.

7. If the program expects PhD students to serve as teaching assistants, be prepared to

talk about the teaching/mentoring experiences youve had and why you want to be a
teacher/scholar).

8. By interviewing you, the department is also trying to get a sense of who you are as a
person (and a potential colleague). They might ask general questions about your
experiences, your taste in books, your undergrad experience, etcjust to start a
conversation. Be yourself.

9. Remember that the interview is a conversationbe ready to ask intelligent questions

about the department. Dont ask about things that you should already know from
researching the program, such as basic requirements.

10. If your interview is on campus, visiting is also a great opportunity to meet current
students and get a feel for the campus and department community. Youll be able to get
a sense of how happy students seem, how stressed they are, how respected they seem
to feelfactors you cant learn without being there. You can also learn something about
day-to-day life for a student in the program: where do people live? What are their
schedules like? Does the department seem like an environment you could flourish in for
the next several years?

An interview is a great opportunity for the PhD program to learn more about youand
for you to learn more about them. Take advantage of it!
PhD Interview Questions
Your PhD interview will be an important part of your postgraduate research application.
This is your chance to meet your prospective department, discuss your project and
show your potential as an academic researcher.
Of course, its also when that potential is going to be assessed.
Youll need to show an awareness of whats involved in a PhD project and prove that
you have the right aspirations and approach to work on one for three (or more) years.
Youll also need to make it clear that this is the right university, department, research
group or laboratory for you.
None of this has to be especially intimidating. Putting some thought into your project
and your choice of institution can make answering PhD interview questions quite
simple.
On this page weve put together a list of the questions you might be asked at an
interview. Weve also explained why the university might be asking each question, with
some tips on what to cover in your answer.
You wont necessarily be asked all of these questions and you almost certainly wont
be asked them in the order here. Some of them also overlap with each other. But
theyre all topics that you should be prepared to discuss at a PhD interview.

Contents
Interview questions about youInterview questions about your PhD projectInterview
questions about your choice of universityAsking your own questions at a PhD interview

Interview questions about you

Your own personal qualities as a student, team-member and individual are some of the
most important factors in a universitys decision to accept you for a PhD.
Regardless of your subject area, you need to be the kind of person who can dedicate
themselves to a three-year project. You also need to be able to work alongside other
students and academics in a positive and successful research environment.
The interview is the best way for a university to assess this. Just as theres more to
doing a PhD than research and writing, theres more to a prospective student than their
academic record.

Tell us about yourself

This popular opener can feel like an awkwardly open question.
Youll be prepared to explain your project, to say what a great fit it is for the university,
perhaps even reference some current research. But how do you answer an invitation to
just introduce yourself?
By introducing yourself.
Your interview panel isnt trying to catch you out here. Theyre offering an icebreaker to
help ease you into the rest of the interview.
Obviously your response should be relevant to the occasion. But it doesnt just have to
be a run-down of your academic achievements, interests and goals (the interview will
get to those in time!).
Say a little about your background, where youre from and what your interests are. Dont
be afraid to relate these to your academic specialism and your choice of university.
If something specifically inspired you to consider a PhD, mention it. If theres something
thats attracted you to this city as well as the university, say so. (Therell be plenty of
time to talk up the institution and its research later).
Do say:

Ive always been interested in discovering how things work, but my time as an
undergraduate opened my eyes to the excitement and wider benefit of science. I
had the chance to do some original research on my Masters and thats inspired
me to take up the challenge of a PhD. Im also a keen hiker and amateur
naturalist, so Id love to combine my studies here with the chance to visit the local
area.

Don't say:

I was born in a house next to the local post-office. My first cat was called Timothy
and he liked chasing string. At school my best friend was Kevin. My favourite
colour is blue and my favourite flavour of ice-cream is raspberry ripple*

*Please note: The PhD application process is not biased against people with cats called Timothy and
friends called Kevin. Or those who like blue things and ice cream.

What made you choose to do a PhD?

At some point in your interview your panel is going to want to know whats behind your
decision to undertake a doctorate.
This may seem like a simple question, but be wary of giving an overly simplistic answer.
Just pointing out that youre good at your subject and a PhD seemed like the logical
next step wont impress anyone at this stage particularly if theres a funding decision
to be made.
The panel is already satisfied that youre academically capable and interested. Youve
demonstrated that by getting an interview (and turning up for it).
Now they want to assure themselves that youve got the motivation and drive to see you
through three or more years of hard work on a PhD project.
You need to convince them that youre doing the PhD for the right reasons and that
youll still care about it in two years, when its just you, a cat, a cup of coffee that went
cold half an hour ago and a huge pile of results to write up. And the cat is asleep on top
of the papers.
Do say:

Ive enjoyed my academic work so far, but I really feel Ive got more to offer as an
independent researcher. Im also passionate about this subject and dont feel
enough attention has been paid to the questions Im looking to address.

Don't say:

I cant think of anything to do with my Masters, but my current tutor says Im clever
enough for a PhD.

What do you plan to do after you complete your PhD?

It might seem strange for your panel to ask about what your post-PhD plans. After all,
those dont have any really impact on your ability to do a PhD, do they? And graduation
is at least three years away in any case; should you really have thought that far ahead?
The answers to which are yes and of course you should.
Universities want to make sure youre doing a PhD for the right reasons (as above).
Asking about your future plans is a great way to check this.
Students who sleepwalk into a research project are much more likely to come unstuck
or lose motivation when the going gets tough later on.
Its also the case that not everyone who gains a doctorate will go on to an academic job.
Universities want to recruit PhD students responsibly and provide the kinds of skills and
training they actually need.
This doesnt mean you have to have everything worked out, or that your ambitions have
to be unique. If your post-doctoral plans are to apply for a post-doc, say so. But
demonstrate an understanding of academic career paths and show that youve put
some thought into alternatives.
Equally, dont feel that you have to want to be a scholar to be accepted for a PhD.
Research training can prepare you for a range of career paths. An appreciation of these
will impress your interview panel. (Particularly if youre applying for a professional
doctorate).
Do say:

I feel my PhD project can open up new lines of inquiry for this field and want to
use it as the foundation for a fruitful research career. But, Im also interested in the
wider development opportunities included in this doctoral programme. I want to be
an academic, but Im happy to keep other options open.

Don't say:

I expect someone will give me a job doing more research. Thats what PhDs do,
right?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

A well-worn question, but a great opportunity to reflect on your abilities - and
opportunities for further development during your PhD.
The important thing to remember about this question is that the panel isnt as interested
in judging your actual strengths and weaknesses as they are in your ability to identify
and reflect upon them.
In practice, this means giving solid examples for strengths and showing how they relate
to the PhD project you have in mind.
Dont just say youre a good time-keeper. Point out when youve had to be well
organised and show that you understand the importance of self-directed study to a
successful PhD.
When it comes to weaknesses, maintain the right balance.
A PhD interview probably isnt the best time to wallow in existential self-doubt (unless
youre applying for a very specific topic in Philosophy*). Equally though, answers like
my only downfall is excessive perfectionism can sound a bit contrived. If the panel is
asking you about strengths and weaknesses, they want you to identify and reflect on
both.
Be honest about the things you find challenging, but identify them as training needs and
say how you expect to improve upon them as part of your PhD.
*Actually, its probably still a bad idea.

Do say:

I feel that Im a good written communicator. My existing academic and

professional work demonstrates an ability to put forward ideas clearly and
concisely. I think this will help me manage the weight of information my PhD
 research needs to cover and the challenge of producing an effective thesis. But,
Im not always as organised as Id like to be. I want to address this as part of my
postgraduate training and hope to take advantage of classes and development
opportunities early in my doctorate.

Don't say:

My greatest strength is that I have no weaknesses! And my only weakness is that

I have no strengths. Hang on...

Are there any training needs you can identify ahead of your PhD?
This question (and its answer) can be part of an invitation to reflect on your strengths
and weaknesses (as above).
But, you may be asked about training needs more specifically. This is likely if youre
applying to a more structured programme, within a Doctoral Training Partnership or
similar.
Either way, this is a great opportunity to reflect on your aims and aspirations as a
researcher and show that youve read up on the project and programme youre applying
to. If the university offers a series of training modules, mention them. Say what you
hope to gain from them and how you think theyll help you succeed in your PhD.
You might also want to refer to any discussion of your aims and aspirations with a
doctorate. If youre keeping an open mind about non-academic career paths, show an
awareness of the transferrable skills this PhD can give you.
And dont worry about revealing a few gaps in the core skills required by your discipline.
A PhD is a training process, not a three-year exam.
Do say:

Im really interested in communicating my research to a wider audience, but dont

know how best to go about doing this. I think the training module on public
engagement will be a big help to me, both academically and more generally.

Don't say:

Im really bad at interviews. Do you have a class for that?

Interview questions about your PhD project

This is the universitys chance to further assess your suitability for an advertised PhD
position, or the likely fit between your planned project and the expertise it has available.
Its also your chance to expand on your research proposal and show that you have the
skills, experience and understanding to complete a doctorate. For funded places (or
other competitive projects), this is the time for you to really prove that you are the best
student for this PhD.
Its a good idea to reference your research proposal (or other appropriate parts of your
application) when answering these questions. But expand upon what the panel has
already read. (And make sure there isnt anything in that proposal that you arent
confident enough to back up in your interview!)

Why this project?

The focus of this question will shift slightly depending on whether youre applying for
an advertised PhD project (more common in Science, Engineering and Medicine) or
proposing your own research within a department's PhD programme (more common in
Arts, Humanities and some branches of the Social Sciences).
If youre being considered for a pre-defined project, make sure you know it inside out.
Say what it is that interests you about it. Compare it to similar opportunities (if
appropriate) and explain your particular choice.
If youre proposing your own project, this is your chance to show some passion and
enthusiasm for it. Refer to your research proposal and take the opportunity to discuss
and expand upon it.
In both cases you should point to some existing scholarship and show an awareness of
the field youll be entering. Youll also want to re-iterate what makes your project
distinctive. After all, the PhD is defined as offering an original contribution to
knowledge.
This doesnt mean preparing a comprehensive list of key works or current research
projects (that literature review will be one of the first things you do on the actual PhD).
At this stage the panel just wants to see that youve made an informed choice,
understand your proposed project and are enthusiastic enough to see it through.
Depending on how the question is phrased you may also find yourself talking about your
choice of university at this stage or explaining why your previous work makes you a
good fit for this particular PhD (see below).
Do say:

This PhD appeals to my existing research interests. But Im also attracted by the
opportunity to specialise and develop new expertise. Other projects didnt seem to
offer the same possibilities to pursue the questions that really interest me.

Don't say:

To be honest, Ill do anything if its funded.

What makes you the right candidate for this PhD?

If youre applying for a pre-defined PhD project, youll almost certainly be asked why
you are the best candidate to undertake it (particularly if theres funding available).
Remember too that some of these projects arent automatically funded. Their financing
can depend on the quality of the student they attract, so your panel will be very keen to
make sure youre going to be Dr Right.
You might still be asked about your suitability for a self-proposed PhD (in Arts or
Humanities, for example). This is another way for your interviewers to assess those all-
important motivation and commitment factors.
Whatever your situation, this is a good place to talk a bit about your previous work at
undergraduate or Masters level. The panel already knows the grades you received, but
now you have the chance to talk about what you actually did on those degrees. Show
passion and give examples.
If an undergraduate module on gothic literature inspired you to propose a PhD on an
under-researched aspect of eighteenth-century culture, say so. If your Masters has
given you skills in exactly the kind of statistical analysis required by this doctorate,
mention that.
Do say:

Ive been interested in this topic since the final year of my undergraduate degree.
This lead to my choice of Masters and helped me pick my dissertation topic, which
I really enjoyed. Im really excited to now go on and do some sustained research
in this area as a PhD student.

Don't say:

Well, I really like books

What difficulties do you expect to encounter during this project?

This is another fairly popular question topic. It might form part of a discussion of your
strengths, weaknesses and training needs. Or you might be invited to speak more
specifically about the challenges involved in your project.
The panel isnt trying to catch you out here, so dont be afraid to speak frankly. All
projects involve their own potential pitfalls and complications.
Overcoming them will be part of completing a PhD; recognising them will show that
you're ready to begin one.
Show that youve put some thought into the approach necessary for your research and
the methodology you might use.
Dont be afraid to identify problems you arent yet certain how to solve (the best way to
organise some data, the authors to include in your initial survey of texts, etc) but
suggest how you might go about investigating them.
This is also a good time to mention any training needs (if you havent already) and
speak about how you plan to take advantage of development opportunities within your
programme.
Do say:

I can see that some of the archival material Ill need to examine for this project
may be difficult to access. My first task will be to request permissions, arrange
visits and develop a system for recording my findings. Im hoping to undertake
training in archival practices and seek advice from my supervisor as I develop
these key skills early in my project.

Don't say:

Yeah, I know a PhD is hard, but Im just going to see how I get on.

What would you like the impact of this project to be?

Impact is an increasingly important factor in academic work and this applies to PhD
research too especially if youre funded.
Even if your panel doesnt explicitly ask about impact, its a good idea to mention what
you hope the wider outcome of your project might be. If you are asked this question
and are prepared for it this is a great chance to get a leg up on the competition.
Impact essentially refers to the measurable effects of research outside academia. Its a
given that your PhD will have an effect on future work in your field. But universities are
increasingly focussed on the benefits of their work beyond the ivory tower of higher
education and research.
This is particularly important if your project is funded. The money supporting your
studies will probably have come from public revenues (via a Research Council
studentship) or from a large charity or trust. Those organisations will want to make sure
their investment is worthwhile.
Examples of impact differ a bit between fields.
If youre in the Social Sciences you may already have some idea of the outputs from
your project. These could be educational workshops, policy guidance, etc.
If youre in Science, Medicine or Engineering youll hope to provide economic benefits to
industry or to healthcare.
Arts and Humanities PhDs can have impact too. Think about the ways in which you
could take part in public engagement (teaching people about local history or archival
resources they might not be aware of) and ways you could partner with local schools, or
even media companies producing documentary work.
Do say:

Im keen to share my passion for this subject with a wider audience. Im hoping to
maintain a public-facing blog documenting my research and would also be keen to
approach local schools and museums to discuss educational events.
Don't say:

To be honest, I cant really see how my work on medieval manuscript preservation

has any benefit outside the university. Id still like some funding though.

How will you fund this project?

This question is obviously more likely in interviews for non-funded PhDs. (It would be
somewhat strange for a university to ask you about funding for a project that carries a
full studentship).
However, you might still be asked about contingency plans if funding falls through
(particularly if funding hasnt been secured at this stage) or if your project over-runs.
Self-funding students will obviously need to go into more detail here. Its not the
responsibility of your university to ask for a complete breakdown of your finances (or for
you to provide one). Yet the panel will want to be sure that you understand the cost
involved in doing a PhD and have some kind of plans in place.
Its fine to say that youll be looking for extra funding and part-time work as you start the
project. But make it clear that youll still have enough time to apply yourself to the actual
research.
Do say:

Ive shortlisted external funders and would be keen to investigate any small
bursaries or other forms of support through the university. Ive also made
arrangements to work part-time, with the option to adjust this if my funding
situation improves.

Don't say:

I have no idea how Im going to afford this. Are you sure I cant have a
scholarship?

Interview questions about your choice of university

Unsurprisingly, your interview panel will be interested to know why youve chosen their
university for your PhD.
If proposing your own project youll be asked about the fit between your research aims
and the expertise of the department youd be entering.
If applying to a pre-defined PhD, youll be invited to say why this laboratory or research
group particularly appeals to you and what you yourself can contribute to them.
Preparing for these kinds of questions is actually quite easy. Read up on your
prospective university, department and supervisors. Show that youre aware of the kind
of work they do and give examples.
Feel free to mention other aspects of the university that appeal to you its reputation,
its alumni, even its location but keep the main focus on the fit between your work and
their research environment.

Why have you chosen to study a PhD at this university?

Whatever else your panel asks, you can be pretty sure a question about your choice of
university and department will crop up at some point in a PhD interview.
Your answer gives you the opportunity to do several important things.
Most obviously you can talk about the university and its research. Say why youd like to
study with these supervisors in particular, when youve used their work during your
Bachelors or Masters (if relevant) and how you can contribute to their future projects.
This is also an opportunity to reiterate your awareness of the wider research context for
your project. If other departments or laboratories are undertaking related work, mention
that. Say what attracted you to this university in particular and what you hope to achieve
as one of its students.
If your PhD is part of a structured Doctoral Programme (as is increasingly likely) you
can touch on any training and development opportunities it includes. You may mention
these elsewhere in your interview, but make sure to include them when speaking about
the universitys appeal to you.
Finally, show an awareness of any relevant research facilities, resources or collections.
Does the university hold a unique archive? Say how it might support your investigations.
Has the laboratory youre working in been equipped with any new facilities? Show that
you know about them and are interested in using them (as relevant).
Universities spend a lot of money on facilities and resources. They want students
particularly postgraduate researchers who will make use of them.
Do say:

Ive looked at lots of opportunities in this area. I feel that this project is the best of
its kind, combining a unique research angle with a training programme that will
meet my professional needs. I was already familiar with the work of my
prospective supervisor and their research has greatly informed my own
development as a scholar. Im eager to combine my work with theirs and make
use of the facilities the university has put together for this project.

Don't say:

I did my Masters here and already have a flat in the city.

What can you bring to this research group?

PhD candidates are more than just students. Youll function, in many ways, as a junior
academic working within a wider research environment.
Youll network with other students and academics. Youll probably teach
undergraduates. You may even publish some of your research (independently, or
alongside your supervisor).
This means that your potential contribution to a department or laboratory is, in many
ways, just as important as what it can offer you.
If youre asked a question about this, take the opportunity to sell yourself a little.
Talk about your experience (academic or professional) and outline your ambitions.
Make it clear that youre the kind of person who will look to make the most of the
proposed project and provide a return on the time, money and resources that the
university is considering investing in your potential.
Do say:

Im eager to take advantage of the facilities and expertise this university has to
offer. But I also want to contribute with my own expertise and enthusiasm. My
previous work has given me the skills to make the most of the material involved in
this project and Im motivated to take up new training opportunities as relevant. Ill
be proud to be a part of this department and would actively seek to represent it
through my own publications and other research outputs.

Don't say:

I have a Bachelors and a Masters in this subject so Im quite clever.

Asking your own questions at a PhD interview

Your PhD interview will probably end with an invitation for you to ask your own
questions of the panel. This part of the interview is as important as the answers you'll
have already given.
Asking good questions demonstrates your motivation. It also shows that youve given
some genuine consideration to the project and / or programme youre applying to.
Dont just ask questions for effect though. This is your chance to find out more about
the project youll be doing, the people youll be working with and the expectations of you
as a PhD student.
Remember: youre a good student, with lots of potential. Youre considering at least
three years of hard work with this university. You need to know that youll get on with
your supervisor, that your work will be appreciated and that there are good prospects for
your project.
Youre here to be interviewed for a PhD, but nothings stopping you from doing a little
interviewing of your own.

Good questions to ask your PhD interview panel

Here are a few good questions to considering asking at your PhD interview. They
include ways to express enthusiasm for your project, as well as some useful inquiries to
make for yourself:

What will the supervision arrangements be for the project? - This shows that
youre thinking practically and looking ahead to the process of actually doing the
PhD. Its also something youll probably want to check for yourself.
What kind of training and skills sessions are offered as part of the PhD
programme? This shows that youre interested in the development
opportunities that form part of a modern PhD. Its also a good way to address any
concerns you have about your own skills. Be careful though. Avoid asking simple
questions about material thats already covered in the PhD project description, or
in the universitys postgraduate prospectus.
Will I have opportunities to teach / present / publish? This is something else
youll want to know for yourself, but it also demonstrates a practical approach to
your PhD (and future career). A good PhD programme should offer some
opportunity to teach or demonstrate towards the end of your project. Equally, you
should be encouraged to communicate your research and supported in doing so.
How many other PhD students has this supervisor seen to completion?
Dont be afraid to ask about previous students and what theyve gone on to do.
You may also want to know if youll be working with or alongside other students
and what the arrangements for that will be.
Are there likely to be any changes to the funding arrangements for the
project? A good practical question. If youre applying for a funded place, make
sure you understand the terms of that funding (its duration, whether you can
combine it with any other income, etc). If youre currently self-funding, it wont hurt
to ask if the university anticipates having any support available for you in future.
Is the university or department likely to run any events or other associated
projects during the period of my PhD? This might not seem like an obvious
question, but its worth asking. The university might be in the early stages of
planning a major hosted conference, external partnership or outreach project.
Asking about these shows a genuine interest in your university and its research
and suggests that youll be the right sort of PhD student to help deliver them.
Needless to say, these kinds of projects are also excellent opportunities to gain
experience and build your CV.

Other questions will probably occur to you according to your specific circumstances and
the nature of the project youre applying to.
Focus on the things that would concern you as a student actually doing the PhD in
question, but avoid trivial topics. Your panel will be happy to talk about library resources
and lab facilities. Theyll be less keen to advise on the best local pubs or say how often
the bus runs between campus and town.
Also try to avoid asking for information thats readily available elsewhere. This suggests
you havent done your research which is never a good sign when applying to do
research.