Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to take part?

 Active PhD and Professional Doctorate* (Research) candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their first presentation are eligible to participate in 3MT competitions. Graduates are not eligible.

* Professional Doctorate by Research (Programme composed of at least 2/3 research).

I have just submitted my thesis, can I take part?

• We will consider applications from all students who are still registered as students at the University of Edinburgh, therefore if you are waiting for your viva, you can take part. If your viva will take place before the date of the University Final you are not eligible to enter the competition.

I have missed the College heats, can I take part in the University final?

• Unfortunately not. Winning the college heat is essential for entry into the final.

What happens if my School doesn't have a heat?

• In the case that your School doesn't have a school heat, you will be automatically entered into your College heat. 

I really need to use more than one slide. Can I?

• No. There really is no negotiation on this!

I really need more than 3 minutes to explain what I do. Can I have 5?

• No. There really is no negotiation on this!
• But visit the top tips site for advice on how to develop your presentation.

Can I read my presentation from a script?

• Although not against the rules, it is strongly advised that you do not read your presentation from a script or electronic device and instead present this from memory.

What training is available?

• Check the 'training available' page in this section for any relevant training courses in advance of your College heat.
• Training will be provided for those who get through to the University final.

I don’t really want to be recorded for the finals. Can I avoid this?

• The University of Edinburgh Final is always recorded and live web streamed in order to make it accessible to all. The videos are added to the University’s YouTube channel, used for promotional purposes and also to enter the winner into the Coimbra and Universitas 21 competitions, where entry is via video submission.  There is no option to opt out of filming.
• NB College heats are not recorded (unless otherwise stated).

Where will the videos of the talks be displayed?

• We will upload them all to the University Media Hopper site.

What’s in it for me?

• There are some great prizes available, but more importantly this is a unique development opportunity available to you.

Can I enter the competition online?

• No, entry to the University final is in person only.

How much time does the competition take?

• You can expect the competition to take up approximately two days of your time from start to finish. This includes attending any optional competition preparation workshops, school and college heats and training if you make it through to the final. Training for the competition starts in February, and the final takes place in June.

This does not include practice time!

What if i'm doing a joint/interdisciplinary PhD

• If your doing a joint or interdisciplinary PhD then entry to the competition will be via your lead school or institution. 

Can I take part in my first year?

• Although the eligibility criteria is anyone who has passed their confirmation milestone (first year annual review)the competition is best suited to those in the final stages of their research. It is recommended you enter the competition when you are a later year PhD student. 

​