How a Scholar from Hong Kong Secured the Fully Funded Chancellor’s International Scholarship to Pursue a PhD in Psychology at the University of Warwick

My name is Peter To, and I am currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology at the University of Warwick. I come from the Hong Kong SAR of China. My doctoral research explores the complex interrelations between sleep, pain, and physical activity in individuals with chronic pain in the United Kingdom. I integrate advanced statistical modelling and machine learning techniques to deepen our understanding of health-related psychological processes and to strengthen the empirical foundations of behavioural health research.

Chancellor’s International Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Chancellor’s International Scholarship at the University of Warwick. This highly competitive award includes full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend for 3.5 years, and a £5,000 research support grant. It has given me the freedom to pursue my academic goals in a supportive and research-intensive environment.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Counselling and Psychology from Hong Kong Shue Yan University, where I graduated top of my cohort with a GPA of 3.67 out of 4.00. I was consistently placed on the Honours Roll and the President’s List throughout my studies. My undergraduate experience laid a strong foundation in psychological theory and research methodology.

From early on, I developed a particular interest in quantitative methods, data visualisation, and statistics. I actively tutored fellow students in statistics and research design during my first year, which helped sharpen my own understanding and inspired me to pursue advanced training. These experiences gave rise to a deep passion for scientific rigour and shaped my long-term goal of pursuing a PhD focused on data-driven psychological research.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Warwick?

When researching PhD programmes in the UK, I carefully studied faculty profiles to identify supervisors whose work aligned with my interests. I initiated contact by sending personalised emails and an early draft of my research proposal. While some replies were encouraging, they often included critical feedback, which I welcomed as an opportunity for growth. I revised my proposal iteratively based on their suggestions, which helped me strengthen my ideas and clarify my theoretical approach.

Although I prepared for the IELTS using mock exams, I was working full-time at the time and had limited access to an English-speaking environment. I met the required score and focused instead on polishing my research proposal and engaging substantively with potential supervisors.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chancellor’s International Scholarship?

For the scholarship application, I aimed to demonstrate research potential, academic resilience, and a willingness to grow. My initial PhD proposal did not meet the expectations of my potential supervisor, who challenged its novelty and conceptual focus. Rather than becoming discouraged, I responded humbly and constructively. She shared a number of relevant academic papers and encouraged me to consider a more innovative research angle.

I took her feedback seriously, read widely, and spent considerable time integrating her insights into a revised version of the proposal. The final draft was the product of intellectual collaboration, rooted in my own research vision but elevated through critical input and academic dialogue. This process not only improved the proposal’s quality but also demonstrated my capacity to take on feedback and adapt with maturity.

These qualities, along with strong recommendation letters from academic collaborators who supported my work ethic and research aspirations, played an essential role in the success of my application.

How Is Your Experience at the University of Warwick?

My experience at the University of Warwick has been enriching on both academic and personal levels. The research environment is vibrant, supportive, and highly collaborative. Faculty and fellow students are approachable, and I have felt encouraged to express ideas, ask questions, and engage in critical discussions.

My supervisors provide regular and constructive feedback and are highly attuned to the direction and progress of my research. Beyond manuscript development and dissertation planning, they actively encourage me to disseminate my work. I have been invited to present at several theme-specific academic conferences, which has expanded my confidence and research visibility. Additionally, I participated in public engagement activities, including a scientific communication training session hosted by BBC Coventry. This experience improved my ability to explain psychological research to broader audiences and reinforced my commitment to impact-driven science.

Being part of an institution that values both academic excellence and social outreach has played a significant role in my development as a well-rounded researcher.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe that what distinguished my application was not only academic ability, but my ability to persevere through adversity and uphold integrity in challenging situations.

Before starting my PhD, I experienced several setbacks. I was laid off twice from research assistant roles due to difficulties in working relationships and performance expectations. Despite graduating with excellent academic standing, I was denied scholarships for my MPhil studies in Hong Kong because my undergraduate institution was perceived as lacking academic prestige. I became the only research postgraduate in my department who had to self-finance the programme.

My MPhil experience at Lingnan University was further complicated by a change in supervisors midway through the programme. The two newly assigned supervisors did not specialise in my thesis topic, which made it difficult for me to receive relevant, constructive feedback. After passing my viva with only minor revisions in 2022, I was instructed to recollect data before the degree could be awarded, an impractical expectation given that I had already secured my PhD placement in the UK. Consequently, my candidature was terminated in early 2023.

I also faced challenges related to authorship recognition. On several occasions, my intellectual contributions were undervalued or contested. These experiences taught me how to navigate organisational injustice while maintaining professionalism. I learned to stand firm for what I deserved, to advocate for fair recognition, and to protect academic integrity without compromising humility.

These difficulties could have deterred me, but I chose to see them as opportunities for growth. They sharpened my awareness of academic ethics, deepened my resilience, and strengthened my belief in the value of responsible research. I believe these personal qualities, combined with my scholarly preparation, ultimately made my application stand out.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Academic performance is important, but it is equally critical to demonstrate readiness for independent research, openness to feedback, and the ability to grow through adversity. I strongly recommend developing your research proposal with care, seeking guidance from experienced academics, and responding constructively to criticism.

Build your research profile through thesis work, independent projects, or co-authored publications, and show that you are familiar with the academic publishing process. Developing programming and data analysis skills, such as R, Python, or MATLAB, is increasingly essential in psychology and will give you an edge in both methodology and interdisciplinary communication.

Most importantly, be prepared to stand up for your work and values. Academia is not always fair, and recognition is not always given automatically. But if you stay committed, uphold ethical standards, and continue moving forward with integrity, your efforts will eventually be recognised and rewarded.