How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter
- Applying to a PhD
A PhD motivation letter is a document that describes your personal motivation and competence for a particular research project. It is usually submitted together with your academic CV to provide admissions staff with more information about you as an individual, to help them decide whether or not you are the ideal candidate for a research project.
A motivation letter has many similarities to a cover letter and a personal statement, and institutions will not ask you to submit all of these. However, it is a unique document and you should treat it as such. In the context of supporting a PhD application, the difference is nuanced; all three documents outline your suitability for PhD study. However, compared to a cover letter and personal statement, a motivation letter places more emphasis on your motivation for wanting to pursue the particular PhD position you are applying for.
Academic cover letters are more common in UK universities, while motivation letters are more common abroad.
A motivation letter can play a key part in the application process . It allows the admission committee to review a group of PhD applicants with similar academic backgrounds and select the ideal candidate based on their motivations for applying.
For admission staff, academic qualifications alone are not enough to indicate whether a student will be successful in their doctorate. In this sense, a motivational letter will allow them to judge your passion for the field of study, commitment to research and suitability for the programme, all of which better enables them to evaluate your potential.
How Should I Structure My Motivation Letter?
A strong motivation letter for PhD applications will include:
- A concise introduction stating which programme you are applying for,
- Your academic background and professional work experience,
- Any key skills you possess and what makes you the ideal candidate,
- Your interest and motivation for applying,
- Concluding remarks and thanks.
This is a simplistic breakdown of what can be a very complicated document.
However, writing to the above structure will ensure you keep your letter of motivation concise and relevant to the position you are applying for. Remember, the aim of your letter is to show your enthusiasm and that you’re committed and well suited for the programme.
To help you write a motivation letter for a PhD application, we have outlined what to include in the start, main body, and closing sections.
How to Start a Motivation Letter
Introduction: Start with a brief introduction in which you clearly state your intention to apply for a particular programme. Think of this as describing what the document is to a stranger.
Education: State what you have studied and where. Your higher education will be your most important educational experience, so focus on this. Highlight any relevant modules you undertook as part of your studies that are relevant to the programme you are applying for. You should also mention how your studies have influenced your decision to pursue a PhD project, especially if it is in the same field you are currently applying to.
Work experience: Next summarise your professional work experience. Remember, you will likely be asked to submit your academic CV along with your motivation letter, so keep this section brief to avoid any unnecessary repetition. Include any other relevant experiences, such as teaching roles, non-academic experience, or charity work which demonstrates skills or shows your suitability for the research project and in becoming a PhD student.
Key skills: Outline your key skills. Remember the admissions committee is considering your suitability for the specific programme you are applying for, so mention skills relevant to the PhD course.
Motivation for applying: Show your enthusiasm and passion for the subject, and describe your long-term aspirations. Start with how you first became interested in the field, and how your interest has grown since. You should also mention anything else you have done which helps demonstrate your interest in your proposed research topic, for example:
- Have you attended any workshops or seminars?
- Do you have any research experience?
- Have you taught yourself any aspects of the subject?
- Have you read any literature within the research area?
Finally, describe what has convinced you to dedicate the next 3-4 years (assuming you are to study full time) of your life to research.
How to End a Motivation Letter
Concluding the motivation letter is where most people struggle. Typically, people can easily describe their academic background and why they want to study, but convincing the reader they are the best candidate for the PhD programme is often more challenging.
The concluding remarks of your motivation letter should highlight the impacts of your proposed research, in particular: the new contributions it will make to your field, the benefits it will have on society and how it fits in with your aspirations.
With this, conclude with your career goals. For example, do you want to pursue an academic career or become a researcher for a private organisation? Doing so will show you have put a lot of thought into your decision.
Remember, admissions into a PhD degree is very competitive, and supervisors invest a lot of time into mentoring their students. Therefore, supervisors naturally favour those who show the most dedication. Your conclusion should remind the reader that you are not only passionate about the research project, but that the university will benefit from having you.
Finally, thank the reader for considering your application.
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Motivation Letter Format
There are some basic rules to follow when writing a successful motivation letter. These will mimic the standard format for report writing that the supervisor will be familiar with:
- Use a sans serif font (e.g. Arial or Times New Roman),
- Use a standard font size (e.g. 12pt) and black font colour,
- Keep your writing professional throughout and avoid the use of informal language,
- Write in the first person,
- Address your motivation letter to a named person such as the project supervisor, however, this could also be the person in charge of research admissions,
- Structure your letter into paragraphs using the guidance above, such as introduction, academic history, motivation for research, and concluding remarks.
How Long Should a Motivation Letter Be?
A good rule of thumb for PhD motivation letters is to keep it to around one side of A4. A little longer than one page is acceptable, but two pages is generally considered too long. This equates to approximately 400-600 words.
Things to Avoid when Writing Your Motivational Letter
Your motivational letter will only be one of the several documents you’ll be asked to submit as part of your PhD application. You will almost certainly be asked to submit an Academic CV as well. Therefore, be careful not to duplicate any of the information.
It is acceptable to repeat the key points, such as what and where you have studied. However, while your CV should outline your academic background, your motivation letter should bring context to it by explaining why you have studied what you have, and where you hope to go with it. The simplest way to do this is to refer to the information in your CV and explain how it has led you to become interested in research.
Don’t try to include everything. A motivation letter should be short, so focus on the information most relevant to the programme and which best illustrates your passion for it. Remember, the academic committee will need to be critical in order to do their jobs effectively , so they will likely interpret an unnecessarily long letter as in indication that you have poor written skills and cannot communicate effectively.
You must be able to back up all of your statements with evidence, so don’t fabricate experiences or overstate your skills. This isn’t only unethical but is likely to be picked up by your proposed PhD supervisor or the admissions committee.
Whilst it is good to show you have an understanding of the field, don’t try to impress the reader with excessive use of technical terms or abbreviations.
PhD Motivation Letter Samples – A Word of Caution
There are many templates and samples of motivation letters for PhDs available online. A word of caution regarding these – although they can prove to be a great source of inspiration, you should refrain from using them as a template for your own motivation letter.
While there are no rules against them, supervisors will likely have seen a similar letter submitted to them in the past. This will not only prevent your application from standing out, but it will also reflect poorly on you by suggesting that you have put minimal effort into your application.
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How to Write a PhD Cover Letter (With an Example)
In this article, I’ll guide you through how to write a compelling PhD motivation letter, explain what it entails, and provide tips to help you stand out based on my experience.
- ⏳ 3-5 min read
- Applying to Study Abroad
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Pursuing a PhD is a significant step in your academic and professional career. It requires dedication, passion, and a strong commitment to research. One of the key documents that can set you apart from other candidates is a motivation letter for a PhD application.
What is a motivation letter for PhD?
A motivation letter for a PhD is preferably 1page document that you add to anapplication to a doctoral program or if you apply for a PhD position in a particular laboratory. Its main goal is to provide a narrative that connects your academic background, research interests, and career aspirations to the specific PhD program you are applying for. Unlike a CV, which lists your qualifications and experience, a motivation letter allows you to express why you are passionate about your field of study and how you align with the program’s goals.
In this letter, you need to demonstrate your knowledge of the subject, readiness for independent research, and how you fit within the department or laboratory. It's your chance to convince the admissions committee or a Principal Investigator (PI) that you are the ideal candidate for their program.
Why write a motivation letter for a PhD?
Writing a motivation letter is crucial for several reasons:
- It demonstrates your passion and commitment to the field. A well-writtenmotivation letter shows that you are deeply interested in the subject and have a clear vision for your research.
- It highlights your research interests and how they align with the program. Admissions committees or PIs look for candidates whose research goals and experience align with the expertise of their laboratory and the department’s focus areas.
Since many PhD positionsreceive hundreds of applications, a strong motivation letter can help you stand out by showing your unique perspective and enthusiasm for your chosen field.
How to write a motivation letter for PhD
Introduction: who you are and your academic background.
Start your letter with a brief introduction about yourself. Mention your name, current academic standing, and the degree you have obtained. Include any relevant details about your academic background, such as specific the name of you supervisor during the MCs program, research experience, significant academic achievements, or professional accomplishments that are directly related to your PhD field.
If you’re aiming to work with a particular PI, your chances of having your email read will be higher if you mention someone you’ve worked with before in the first line. In my experience, the best results came when I started a motivational letter by mentioning a mutual acquaintance.
Some PhD programs, particularly in Life Sciences, offer a salary. However, competition for scholarships that cover at least part of your salary is tough. If you’re fortunate enough to secure one, it’sa good idea to mention it in the first paragraph of your application to catch the attention of the PI.
Example: "I did my Master's thesis in the laboratory of Dr. Anderson at XYZ University, where I studied how mutations in gene Kled to development of orphan diseases in children. Working there, I obtained excellent skills in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology methods such as molecular cloning, PCR and western blotting. Throughout mystudies, I have been deeply engaged in research that explores the genetic basis of rare diseases and I would like to continue my research in your laboratory. I have obtained a scholarship from ABC for 4 years and would be happy to discuss my candidacy to do this project in your laboratory."
Research interests and future goals
This section should explain your research interests in detail. What topics are you passionate about, and why? How do these interests align with the specific PhD program you're applying to? Discuss your long-term career goals and how the PhD will help you achieve them.To increase your chances of being accepted, do the homework and read thoroughly about research a specific laboratory does, and how you can contribute.
Example: "My primary research interest lies in understanding the genetic factors that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. I am particularly drawn to your program because of the innovative research being conducted by Dr. Smith’s lab on gene therapy approaches, which aligns perfectly with my goal of contributing to groundbreaking treatments for neurological disorders."
Previous research experience and skills
Highlight any relevant research experience, including any publications, conferences, or significant projects. This is where you demonstrate your preparedness for a PhD. Discuss specific skills you have acquired that will help you succeed in the program, such as data analysis, lab techniques, or academic writing.
Example: "During my Master's program, I conducted research on the role of epigenetics in cancer development, which was published in the Journal of Molecular Biology. I have also presented my findings at the International Conference on Genetic Research, which further refined my research and presentation skills."
Demonstrating your fit for the program
Discuss personal qualities or experiences that make you a good fit for the program. Explain how you can contribute to the department or laboratory through your unique perspective, skills, or collaborative approach.
It’sbeneficial if you can prepare a project proposal, PIs appreciate independent students the most.At the end, after defending your PhD thesis, you become a researcher who must demonstratethe ability to conduct independent research.
Example: "I am a proactive researcher with a collaborative spirit, thriving in teamwork. I am confident that my background in molecular genetics and my commitment to scientific inquiry will make me a valuable addition to your research team. I would like to discuss the idea of how protein A interacts with protein B in cell type X and how it leads to mutation in gene K".
PhD cover letter example
Here is an example of a good PhD motivation letter to give you a better idea of how to structure yours:
[Your Name] [Email Address] [Phone Number]
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee / Dear Dr. Trinity,
I am writing to express my interest in the PhD program in [Field] at [University Name]. As a recent graduate with a Master's degree in [Your Field] from [Your University], I am eager to continue my academic journey and contribute to groundbreaking research in [Specific Research Area]. My academic background in [Specific Field] and research experience in [Specific Research Focus] have equipped me with a solid foundation to excel in this program.
[Continue with your personal motivations, research interests, alignment with the program, relevant experiences, and conclusion.]
Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and passion align with your program’s goals.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Tips for writing an effective motivation letter
- Be specific and tailor your letter: Customize your letter for each program or PI who you write to. Avoid generic statements.
- Maintain a professional tone: Keep your language formal and respectful. Avoid casual or overly familiar language.
- Proofread and edit thoroughly: Check for grammar and spelling errors. Don’t forget to cut in paragraphs for the convenience of a reader.
- Seek feedback from mentors or peers.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Being too general or vague: Make sure your letter is specific to the program or laboratory and highlights your unique qualifications.
- Excessive flattery: Stay genuine and avoid over-the-top praise for the program or faculty.
- Ignoring instructions or guidelines: Follow the application guidelines carefully to show that you can follow directions.
Writing a compelling motivation letter for a PhD program is a critical step in your application process. Start early, revise often, and seek feedback to refine your letter. A well-crafted motivation letter can make a significant difference in setting you apart from other candidates.
Natalia Akkuratova Author
Natalia holds a PhD in Medical Science from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and has 13 years of academic experience, including teaching and student mentorship. After defending her PhD, she worked as a digital marketing specialist at Keystone Education Group.
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