[Zoe-Hello UK!]

University of Sussex
Doctoral School
跨學院博士專屬研究院 ‧ 優異的跨領域研究環境 ‧ 博士研究生求職發展準備
http://www.sussex.ac...ntry/country/TW

Questions answered by
James Birkett, Head of the Doctoral School at Sussex

James answered all the queries and doubts you might have when considering doing a PhD. Read his sincere advice and suggestions below. It may just help you make a better decision!

Q Please give us a brief introduction of your doctoral school / programmes.
請簡介博士研究院/課程。
A The Doctoral School is an exciting new development at Sussex which complements our 12 academic school of studies and brings all research students together from across the university. Sussex is well-known for its inter-disciplinary research and the Doctoral School seeks to involve research students in the wider research community of the University. In fact, at Sussex we prefer the term ‘doctoral researchers’ to research students.
The School offers a:
• first point of call for advice on the application process and funding;
• distinctive interdisciplinary research environment;
• dedicated Doctoral Researcher Development Programme, called DR2;
• commitment to preparing our researchers for a range of careers.
Our main doctoral programme is the DPhil (same as PhD) but we do offer the New Route Doctorate, which combines a specific research project with a coherent programme of formal coursework. This seamless programme of research methods training, taught subject-specific courses and interdisciplinary studies aims to broaden and deepen subject knowledge and extends expertise in new directions. The programme takes four years.
博士研究院為薩塞克斯令人興奮的新發展，由12個學術研究所以及所有的研究生共同組成。薩塞克斯擁有知名的跨學院研究，而博士研究院尋求更多社群的研究生。事實上，我們通常稱研究生為博士研究生。
學校提供:
• 申請處理與獎學金的建議;
• 優異的跨學科研究環境;
• 全力投入的博士研究發展課程，稱之為DR2;
• 研究生做好求職準備。
我們主要的博士課程為DPhil(等同於PhD)，提供新制博士課程，結合特定的研究計劃及正式的連貫課程，天衣無縫的研究方法訓練、教學式課程及跨學科研究，以拓展並加深學科知識和新方向的專業為主，課程費時4年。

Q What is your specialisation?
貴校的專業為何？
A The University is a leading research university in the UK with strengths across the sciences, social sciences and arts. 18 subjects rank in the top 20 for research in the UK. Particular strengths might include:
• Science and Technology Policy
• Technology and Innovation Management
• Economics
• Media, Cultural and Film Studies
• International Relations, Development and Global Studies
• English Literature
• History of Art
• Neuroscience
• Astronomy
薩塞克斯大學為英國頂尖的研究型大學，獲得研究優勢的領域有科學、社會科學及藝術，18個學科名列前20名，特別優異的包括：
• 科學與技術政策
• 技術與創新管理
• 經濟學
• 媒體、文化與電影研究
• 國際關係、發展與全球研究
• 英國文學
• 藝術史
• 神經科學
• 天文學

Q Do you have any well-know alumni?
您有哪些知名的校友？
A Dr Lai Shin-Yuan, Minister at the Mainland Affairs Council, completed a MPhil and DPhil at Sussex within the world-renowned Institute for Development Studies.
陸委會主委賴幸媛，曾在薩塞克斯大學發展研究機構唸碩士MPhil與博士DPhil。

Q Why and who does a PhD?
為什麼要唸博士而誰能唸博士?
A Going on to study something in depth which has engaged or fascinated you as an undergraduate/graduate student can be immensely personally rewarding. Making an original contribution to your particular field of study is a major achievement, of which anyone can be rightly proud for life.
Through undertaking rigorous research training and then completing a research degree, you will also develop a range of transferable skills which you can take with you in your next move – which may not necessarily be an academic or further research career. The Doctoral School at Sussex helps students develop practical skills such as project management, communication, team working and networking skills to ensure you are able to meet your career aspirations, whatever they might be.
Who takes a research degree? Students who are determined and committed – it is tough! Even tougher if you are studying in a different country and working in a different language. Studying for a research degree means embarking upon a personal journey, which is as exciting as it is daunting.
深入研究您有興趣的科目，提昇個人價值，獲得極大的成就感，是一生中值得引以為傲的事。
透過嚴謹的研究訓練並完成研究學位，培養各種可轉換的技巧，在下一個無論是學術研究或就業階段加以應用。博士研究院協助學生培養實務技巧包括計劃管理、傳播、小組工作及網路技術以達成志向。
誰能唸研究學位？下定決心全力以赴的學生－研究學位不好唸！尤其對於離鄉背井的外國學生更難。研究學位代表著開始個人的探索旅程，過程中令人興奮也令人氣餒。

Q What’s the difference between a PhD and a DPhil?
PhD與DPhil的分別？
A There is no difference. Some universities, such as Oxford and Sussex, choose to call the PhD a DPhil.
沒有分別，有些大學如牛津與薩塞克斯稱PhD為DPhil。

Q Which are the most popular areas of study in your doctoral school for your international students, especially those from the greater China area including Taiwanese students?
博士研究院中受歡迎的研究領域為何，特別受大陸及台灣學生歡迎的又是哪些？
A We currently have students from Taiwan enrolled on DPhils in a wide range of areas, including:
Art History, English, Media and Film, International Relations and Science and Technology Policy / Innovation Management.
台灣學生唸的博士課程包括：藝術史、英語、醫學與電影、國際關係與科學與技術政策/創新管理。

Q What are the most common barriers of admission for Taiwanese students applying for these programmes?
台灣學生申請這些課程中最常遇到的困難為何？
A Unlike UK students, who may have existing contacts and networks following graduate study, some Taiwanese students may struggle to identify potential supervisors and choose the most appropriate university for their research. It may be helpful to consult an educational counselling service for support and guidance in these areas.
English language may also present a challenge for students from Taiwan. Students will normally be expected to achieve an IELTS score of between 6.0 and 7.0 before starting doctoral study. However, the University does offer pre-sessional language courses to help students improve their language and study skills.
英國學生可能有聯絡方式及校友網路，而台灣學生則在尋找指導教授及選擇最適合的大學方面遇到瓶頸，學生最好透過教育諮詢如代辦服務獲得支援與指導。
英語也是另外一項挑戰，學生要在博士課程開始前拿到IELTS 6.0到7.0之間，不過若未達到標準可上英語先修課來加強語言與學習技巧。

Q What can they do to improve their application?
如何讓申請文件更好？
A Basic advice would, again, be to start thinking early about their application, ensure you have all supporting transcripts and certificates and take time to get advice from others, such as:
• Professors at their current university
• Existing research students
• An education advisory service
At Sussex, the Doctoral School can also advise applicants and agents on the application process and finding an appropriate supervisor.
Advice on making a strong research proposal is available on the Doctoral School website????, including a useful checklist. Applicants should also remember that how they express themselves in the proposal is as important as the content of the proposal. Selectors will look more favourably on an application which is expressed in good English and which shows an understanding of what a doctorate means than one which has been poorly and obviously quickly prepared. Again, the Doctoral School can advise.
盡早開始申請，確保您擁有所有的支援文件，包括成績單及證書，並聽取他人的建議，例如：
• 目前大學的教授
• 在學的研究生
• 教育諮詢顧問
薩塞克斯博士研究院也可提供學生建議及代辦來處理申請事宜並尋找指導教授。
博士研究院網站上有撰寫研究計劃書的建議，包括實用的檢查表，而如何表達和內容同樣重要，審核人員會看計劃書是否以良好的英文完成，及對博士課程是否充份瞭解及準備，博士研究院亦可就此提供建議。

Q What are the most common problems for a Taiwanese student to encounter in the process of successfully completing their doctoral studies in your organisation?
台灣學生唸博士課程中最常遇到的困難為何？
A Undertaking a doctorate is emotionally as well as intellectually tough for all research students! Over 3-4 years required, there will inevitably be high and low points. At Sussex, we recognise the reality of the low points and we have put in place a support system, which ensures that research students do not stall in their studies. All research students have a main and second supervisor who will be responsible for ensuring that good academic progress is being made. All our 12 academic schools of study also have a Director of Doctoral Studies who can advise the student if they feel they are having difficulties.
The university-wide Doctoral School also offers a ‘Doctoral Researcher Programme’ to ensure students develop their personal effectiveness, project management, communication skills and are able to access the very best research training. The Doctoral School also provides academic and social opportunities for students to meet research students in other disciplines and to share ideas and experiences. Sussex is well-known for its distinctive interdisciplinary research environment and the Doctoral School aims to ensure that research students as well as staff can participate. Isolation can be demotivating and is an experience research students can often feel. Especially so for oversea students? We hope the Doctoral School, as well as our campus community at Sussex, ensures there is no danger of this.
唸博士課程需要過人的熱誠及智力，為時3-4年，當中會有高低潮，而遇到低潮時即仰賴支援系統，讓研究生不至於陷入泥沼。所有的研究生都有主要的指導教授以及一名副指導教授，以確保研究按照進度進行。而所有12所研究所都有主任可提供學生建議度過難關。
博士研究院也提供博士研究生課程來確保學生養成效率、計劃管理、溝通技巧，並能獲得最棒的研究訓練。博士研究院也提供學術與社交機會，讓不同系所研究生彼此認識、交換想法及經驗。薩塞克斯以優異的跨學科研究環境著稱，而博士研究院的目標就是確保研究生及人員都能積極參與。研究過程使人常感孤獨並喪失學習動機，希望博士研究院及校園的社團能讓研究生都保持正面的想法及活力。

Q What do you recommend people who are interested in studying for a doctorate at Sussex to do in preparation for their studying and application?
對想唸薩塞克斯博士課程的學生在準備學習及申請方面有何建議？
A Key recommendation: Start thinking about your application and funding early and concentrate on making a complete application, including all transcripts, references with an accompanying strong and well-written research proposal. Making an incomplete application will only make a poor impression to the supervisor and the University and ultimately slow down a decision. It is well worth making one complete strong application.
Take time before you start your application to look carefully at the University prospectus and website to identify an appropriate supervisor for your research area. The Doctoral School can advise you or your agent if necessary. When you think you have a coherent idea, not necessarily a full proposal, make contact with the supervisor on email. Treat the first email as part of the application process, even as an initial interview. Make sure you make a good impression. A well- worded email will much more likely gain a helpful and positive response and possibly a place.
最重要的建議：開始思考申請並尋找適合的指導教授，專注於完成申請，包括成績單、推薦信及強而有力的研究計劃書，提出不良申請會讓教授印象不佳而延遲決定。請提出一個完整的申請。
開始申請前請仔細看相關課程指南及網址，博士研究院會提供建議及代辦（如需要）。當您有了連貫的想法，不一定是完整的研究計劃書，即可與指導教授聯絡，第一封email即代表開始申請，將之視為第一場面試，需給對方一個好印象。措辭嚴謹的email會很有幫助且能獲得正面的回應，亦可能獲得入學許可。

Q Do you have any scholarship/funding scheme especially for Taiwanese / international PhD students? Can you let us know more about it?
您有任何特別針對台灣學生/國際博士生獎學金/補助計劃嗎？可否讓我們瞭解？
A We have just closed an international research student scholarship programme for 08/09 and are reviewing student financial support for the next academic cycle. For updated information, and any subject-specific scholarships, please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries postgraduate web pages at: www.sussex.ac.uk/scholarships_and_bursaries/pg/overseas/
我們已結束2008/09國際研究生獎學金活動，現正審核下一年度的活動，如需最新資訊，以及任何科系獎學金資訊，請上網看研究生獎學金網站:www.sussex.ac.uk/scholarships_and_bursaries/pg/overseas/

Q Are doctoral degrees from your university particularly favourable to some industries when it comes to job hunting?
貴校博士學位有特別受哪些企業機構喜愛嗎？
A A doctoral degree can be a distinct advantage in many industries and sectors, especially in pharmaceutical industries if you are a scientist, or elsewhere in policy, finance, management or consulting. However, completing a doctorate requires determination and commitment and these are powerful and immediately demonstrable personal attributes relevant to all careers.
The Sussex Doctoral School is distinctive in the UK in running a number of courses and events aimed to prepare research students for a number of a different careers, not just further research in academia. We want to ensure our doctoral graduates achieve their optimum career path and all our research students have the option of receiving regular one-to-one careers advice.
We wish students all the very best in their planning for research studies in the UK.
在許多企業機構博士學位都可為您加分。藥廠會特別歡迎科學博士，其他政策、金融、管理或諮詢機構也會歡迎所屬領域的博士。完成博士需要決心與毅力，而在相關的職業即能展現這些優點。
薩塞克斯博士研究院是英國一流的機構，經營許多課程與活動，讓研究生為未來職涯做好準備。我們希望博士研究生達成終極目標，並可獲得經常性一對一的求職建議。
我們期待學生計劃來英國唸研究所一切順利。


Send your Doctoral School email enquiry to
taiwan.enquires@sussex.ac.uk

Please include the following information if possible
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