We are delighted you have joined the Department of Aeronautics to do your PhD! We hope you will have a rewarding and successful time here.

This page provides some information about beginning your PhD and getting to know the Department and the wider College.

Settling in

You can find a lot of background information about the Department of Aeronauticson our 'About us' pages. There is also more specific information about our research themes.

As a new student, you will find there are a number of resources available to you. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these so you know where to go if you run into difficulties. In particular, make sure you read the PhD student handbook as this contains a lot of useful information for throughout your degree.

The College also provides several helpful websites:

• Student Support Zone - lots of information and resources to help you stay well, tackle personal issues and find extra support.
• Postgraduate Research Success Guide - find out more about research, what is expected of you, information about working with your supervisor, and discover helpful tips for academic success.
• New students guide (postgraduate) - practical information on what to do before you arrive, induction and your first few weeks, fees and funding, and making the most of your Imperial experience.

As a postgraduate student, you are automatically a member of the Imperial Graduate School. The Graduate School ensures the quality of provision of postgraduate education; it provides a forum for students from across College to meet at lectures or social events; and it provides a professional skills development programme.

Find out more about the Graduate School on their website.

Student representation

We take pride in having a strong relationship with our students and we really welcome your feedback. This can be informal - for example through your supervisor or the Student Office - or formal, through surveys or staff-student committees.

As a postgraduate student, you are automatically a member of the Imperial Graduate Students Union (GSU). The GSU is the representative student body within Imperial College Union for the postgraduate community. Their work focuses on the academic, welfare and social needs of postgraduates.