How To Write A Compelling PhD Cover Letter

A PhD cover letter is a document that is often required by higher learning institutions from intending PhD applicants. The PhD cover letter complements your statement of purpose explains why you are applying. PhD cover letters offer you the chance to write with greater flexibility and personality.

A PhD cover letter complements a CV submitted as part of an application for a PhD programme. It is a short essay addressed to a specific individual and written in prose. It should explain your PhD application in your own words, demonstrating what you can offer and why you should be selected.

Why is a PhD cover letter Important?

A cover letter is important for so many reasons. It is an avenue for you to:

Show professional communication skills and enthusiasm: These are important qualities for a postgraduate applicant, but they can be quite hard to demonstrate in a CV or application form. Here, you can write in your own words and present your research interests and passion.
Streamline your PhD application to the research field: Here, you can address and match your skills and experiences to those asked for by the university or supervisor.
Clarify gaps in your CV: This doesn’t mean you should repeat information on your CV. It is a chance to expand on the story that the CV tells and demonstrate your knowledge.

Difference Between a PhD cover letter and a statement of purpose

Although there are similarities between a cover letter and a statement of purpose, they are different. A cover letter is more functional as it unites and presents your application. A statement of purpose is more useful for providing detail on your motivations, experience, interests and ambitions.

Even if you lack enough research experience, you should write your essay with enthusiasm and an intense show of commitment.

Add these to your cover letter

Here are some useful tips to include while writing your cover letter.

Introduction: The introductory part of your cover letter talks about who you are and your academic background. Outline who you are, what you are currently doing, whether it be a Masters or a job, and what PhD position you are applying for. Ensure you include the PhD project reference number if it is provided in the description.
Talk about why you are applying: Explain the reason for your application in this part. Include the best, and most compelling, argument first. Seize this part to make a good impression so the addressee will read further. Try to stay concise while writing so that your essay will not be elongated and boring.
Explain why you are eligible: In this part, present your relevant skills and achievements in a brief and precise manner. Ensure your claims are backed up with evidence.
Demonstrate that you have done your research about the PhD project, supervisor and department. Be specific about why you would be a good fit for the project.

Avoid these:

Repetition: The academic cover letter will accompanies the CV, thus, you should not repeat anything on it. You can refer to the information but not reiterate it.
Avoid Listing: Avoid listing your achievements, experience. Focus on the best aspects of your PhD application.
Avoid AI generated writings: Your supervisor can see through this in seconds.. write your words without AI influence.
Avoid Vagueness and grammatical errors.

How long should a cover letter be?

The cover letter should be approximately one A4 page in length, or around 500 words. If necessary, it can be a little longer but should not be longer than two pages.

Structure of a PhD cover letter

A PhD Cover letter should include an introduction, main body and conclusion.

Introduction: The introduction should explain who you are, what you are applying for and how you started this application. Include where you heard about the PhD project, or if you have previously met the supervisor. You can also give a brief background about yourself and your research interests.
Main body: The main body should cover your skills and achievements. This should present your compelling argument as to why you should be accepted for the PhD position. You can also present your ideas for your future research.
Conclusion: The conclusion should explain why you want to study the PhD project and why you are a perfect fit. It should summarize your application as a whole. It can end with a respectful request to take the application further, such as an interview.

Your cover letter should be addressed to a named individual, and signed off with either “Yours sincerely” or “Kind regards”. You can add a polite prompt to reply, such as “I look forward to hearing from you”.