Your PhD cover letter acts as a bridge between your academic aspirations and the research opportunities you seek. It's an invitation to the admissions committee and potential supervisors to delve into your intellectual journey, showcasing your research accomplishments, passion for your field, and potential for future contributions.
We’ll show you how to create a strong PhD cover letter that highlights your accomplishments and academic potential, ensuring your application resonates with PhD supervisors and admission committees and sets you on the path to academic success.
PhD full text-only cover letter example
October 12 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
While Leonardo da Vinci's fascination may have been with human anatomy, mine has always been captivated by the avian world. My name is Jess O'Malley, and I am writing to express my desire to pursue a Ph.D. in Bio-robotics with a Focus on Avian Locomotion at Trinity College. My journey, both personal and academic, has been driven by a profound aspiration to bridge the gap between the natural world and the realm of engineering.
My undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at University College Cork were more than just an academic pursuit; they were an exploration of the intricate mechanisms that allow life to take flight. Biomechanics became my key to understanding nature's ingenuity, while robotics served as the means to translate that brilliance into tangible innovation. My research on pigeon flight cemented my conviction that we are on the precipice of a technological revolution in the Bio-robotics field.
Beyond the confines of the laboratory, I have sought a deeper connection with the avian world. Countless hours spent observing birds in their natural habitat have instilled in me a profound respect for their resilience and adaptability. My volunteer work at bird sanctuaries in Dublin has further fueled my determination to develop technologies that not only emulate but also coexist harmoniously with the natural world.
Trinity College Dublin stands as a beacon of innovation in the field of robotics. The groundbreaking work being conducted at Professor Dunne's Bio-inspired Robotics Lab resonates deeply with my own aspirations. I envision a future where our drones navigate with the agility of peregrines and our search-and-rescue robots possess the endurance of albatrosses.
My ambition extends beyond the creation of mere technological marvels. I see bio-inspired robotics as a catalyst for a sustainable future, where wind turbines harness energy as efficiently as soaring eagles and drones monitor ecosystems without causing disruption. This is the legacy I aspire to create, and Trinity College Dublin is where I believe I can make the most significant contribution.
My dedication to this field extends beyond academic achievements. I am driven by an insatiable curiosity and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. I am confident that my passion, combined with my academic background and diverse experiences, makes me an ideal candidate for your PhD program.
I am eager to immerse myself in the vibrant intellectual environment at Trinity College Dublin and to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field. I believe that together, we can unlock the boundless potential of bio-robotics and pave the way for a more sustainable and harmonious future.
Thank you for considering my application. I would love to discuss my qualifications and aspirations in further detail, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Jess O'Malley
Sections of a PhD cover letter
To help land a place in your dream PhD program and showcase your research potential, your cover letter should be formatted to include the following sections:
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Header: In the header of your PhD cover letter, include your full name, contact details, and any links to your online portfolio, academic profile, or professional social media accounts, like LinkedIn or ResearchGate.
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Greeting: Opt for a professional greeting, addressing the admissions committee or the designated faculty member overseeing the program by name, when known.
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Introduction: Open your cover letter by highlighting your enthusiasm for the specific PhD program and outline the most relevant elements of your research experience, academic accomplishments, and career aspirations that align with the program's focus.
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Body paragraphs: Delve into your research background, offering concrete examples of your skills and achievements, such as publications, conference presentations, or notable awards. Illustrate your critical thinking abilities, methodological expertise, and potential to contribute meaningfully to the field.
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Conclusion: In your conclusion, reiterate your keen interest in the program and how your unique background, research interests, and aspirations make you an ideal candidate for the PhD position.
- Signature: End your cover letter with a professional closing, followed by your full name.
A carefully crafted PhD cover letter is a powerful tool for showcasing your potential and persuading the admissions committee of your suitability for their program. It’s best to limit your cover letter to one page, focusing on the most relevant and significant details.
For more tips, check out our related cover letter examples:
Don’t forget to check out our how to write a cover letter guide for expert advice and professional examples to help you create a standout PhD cover letter.
Introduction of a PhD cover letter
In the introduction of your PhD cover letter, showcase a significant accomplishment that highlights your research prowess, academic achievements, or unwavering commitment to your chosen field.
To truly captivate the admissions committee, illustrate your achievements using concrete examples, facts and figures that highlight your expertise and dedication. For example, have you published groundbreaking research in a peer-reviewed journal, demonstrating your ability to conduct rigorous and impactful investigations?
Have you presented your findings at a prestigious international conference, showcasing your communication skills and ability to engage with the academic community? Discussing outstanding achievements like these can help professors, supervisors, or research committees understand your accomplishments and potential.
Dear Professor Murphy,
My name is Clara Keenan, and my unwavering passion for marine conservation and my strong academic foundation in marine biology have fueled my ambition to pursue a PhD within your research group at Trinity College. My Master's research project on "The Impact of Climate Change on Kelp Forests" solidified my passion for marine conservation. The opportunity to conduct research under your guidance would be an incredible privilege.
Dear Jim,
I am writing to apply for a PhD position in your department. I have always been interested in science, and I have a good academic record. I am looking for a challenging research opportunity, and I believe I would be a valuable addition to your team.
The introduction of your cover letter is crucial for making a positive impression on the PhD admissions committee. A strong introduction sets the stage, demonstrating your enthusiasm and significantly improving your likelihood of being selected for an interview.
Maintaining a professional tone and incorporating relevant action verbs can help engage the admissions committee, showcasing your abilities and creating a memorable application that distinguishes you from other candidates.
October 12 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
While Leonardo da Vinci's fascination may have been with human anatomy, mine has always been captivated by the avian world. My name is Jess O'Malley, and I am writing to express my desire to pursue a Ph.D. in Bio-robotics with a Focus on Avian Locomotion at Trinity College. My journey, both personal and academic, has been driven by a profound aspiration to bridge the gap between the natural world and the realm of engineering.
PhD cover letter body
In the body paragraphs of your PhD cover letter, be sure to incorporate these essential elements:
Discuss your unique skills and achievements
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for your chosen area of research or the program's focus
Showcase how your research interests and career aspirations align with the program's values and objectives
Close your cover letter by expressing your sincere appreciation for being considered for the PhD program
First body paragraph: your suitability for the role (skills & experience)
In your first body paragraphs, detail your academic accomplishments, research experiences, and personal attributes that highlight your potential and suitability for the program. These can include:
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Research experience and contributions: Discuss your involvement in research or scholarly activities, your passion for academia and your ability to contribute to the field and PhD programme. Share specific examples of research projects you have participated in, highlighting any leadership roles or publications.
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Academic profile: Elaborate upon your dedication to research and learning, outlining specific instances of exceptional academic performance, research projects, publications, or conference presentations. Mention any awards, scholarships, or fellowships you have received.
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Leadership skills: Discuss your ability to take on challenges, collaborate with others, and achieve results. Share examples of leadership roles in research projects, student organisations, or community initiatives.
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Relevant achievements and awards: Highlight the achievements and awards that distinguish you as an outstanding PhD applicant, especially those relevant to your field of study, e.g., awards given by Engineers Ireland or The Law Society of Ireland.
These awards help demonstrate your commitment to professional development.
Don't forget to use concrete examples, data and metrics to strengthen your application and demonstrate your suitability for the PhD program.
Thoroughly research the PhD programme, faculty, and their ongoing research. Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate a genuine interest in their specific areas of expertise, highlighting how your research interests and skills align with their ongoing projects or departmental focus. This personalised approach will make your application stand out and showcase your enthusiasm for joining their academic community.
Second body paragraph(s): alignment with the organisation
In the second paragraph of your PhD cover letter, elaborate on your motivations and aspirations, showcasing the connection between your values and goals and the program's objectives.
When applying to PhD programs, it's essential to thoroughly research the program's focus and the values upheld by the department and university.
For example, Trinity College Dublin’s mission and values include:
- Global responsibility and excellence
- Strengthening education and entrepreneurship
- Developing knowledge and aptitudes to shape the planet’s natural resources
- Supporting world-leading research
While it’s important to focus on the specific values and criteria of the PhD program, having a strong grasp of the institution’s core values and mission can help you tailor your application to demonstrate a deeper alignment and increase your chances of success.
“During my Master’s at University College Cork, I actively sought opportunities to deepen my understanding of renewable energy technologies. My research interests align closely with the work being done by Dr. Murphy. I am particularly eager to explore the potential of offshore wind energy and believe that my strong analytical skills and dedication to rigorous research make me a well-suited candidate for your PhD program.”
Call to action & conclusion: a memorable conclusion
In your cover letter conclusion, express your appreciation for being considered for the PhD program and reaffirm your strong interest in the opportunity.
Briefly reiterate your most relevant qualifications, such as your research experience, academic achievements, or specific skills, highlighting how these align with the PhD program's research focus and objectives.
End your cover letter with a professional closing, such as "Best regards" or “Yours sincerely,” followed by your full name.
Thank you for considering my application. I would love to discuss my qualifications and aspirations in further detail, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Jess O'Malley
Key Takeaways
Unlock your full potential and create a standout PhD cover letter that leaves a lasting impression with our easy-to-use cover letter builder.
With our top tips and professional examples, we'll help you craft a compelling narrative that showcases your qualifications and passion, setting you apart from the competition.
