Signup date: 02 Feb 2011 at 6:31pm
Last login: 22 Aug 2014 at 5:15pm
Post count: 138
Hi Doodles
Thanks for your reply. If I went ahead it would be purely for my own interest, and unrelated to employment. I know many PhD students may complete their studies with the idea of creating more job opportunities for themselves. As a mature student, I would not have that pressure, so that is one positive thing.
I will need to be self financing, as in open competition with so many others right now, my chances of getting any funding would be extremely slim. But again, self financing could be done.
My old MSc was in Urban Science, which covered a number of subjects, social studies, programming, bit of operations research, bit of economics etc. I would be considering something in the Social Sciences again, as I find it interesting, and straightforward to understand. High level chemistry would not be my thing!
I have read on the forums that it could be a good idea for anyone interested in doing a PhD, to do an introductory/refresher course in research methods first.
Do you reckon that could be a good idea?
Angelette
It has been almost 20 years since I passed my MSc. Since then I have married, worked in public services, brought up a family etc.
Laterly I have been seriously thinking about taking up studying again - part time. My ambition would be a PhD.
Clearly I could not just turn up at a University and say 'Gizza a PhD'. But what would be the best way to approach this? Would I have to do another Masters, to get 'up to speed'. My work is unrelated to the area I would like to study. My Masters would be quite relevant, but it's virtually historic now.
Does anyone know of other PhD students returning to study after such a long gap?
Any advice welcome.
Angelette
:-)
Hi Wray
My take on things would be that you should concentrate more on finding a new job than studying for now. Have you considered doing a PhD part time, and working as well? Would that be a possibility for you?
Sometimes potential employers can be jealous if they know you have a PhD.
Have you had any professional career advice, eg on CVs and interview techniques in the last few months? Hope I'm not 'preaching to the choir' here, but sometimes really smart people can overlook some really basic flaws in their job applications.
Angelette
Taking into account the huge investment of time and energy in achieving a PhD - what would you say is the main motivation for you? Love - of the subject/studying in general, or money - the prospect of getting a higher paying job than might be available with just a first degree.
This is without going into the possible 'love of money' - who knows where that might lead!
Angelette
Hi Beefy
It depends on your friend's economic circumstances. It might be a good idea for him/her to concentrate on getting another job as a priority if he loses his current one. He could then investigate doing a PhD part time.
I understand sometimes having a PhD can put prospective employers off hiring you.
Angelette
Thanks for this Bilbo. I'm just investigating the possibilities at the moment. Cost is a major factor. I would be studying part time if I did decide to go ahead. I would be meeting my own costs. I think the fees at the OU are about £1700 a year for a UK student. Are there a lot of other costs as well - apart from general living costs?
Angelette
PostgraduateForum Is a trading name of FindAUniversity Ltd
FindAUniversity Ltd, 77 Sidney St, Sheffield, S1 4RG, UK. Tel +44 (0) 114 268 4940 Fax: +44 (0) 114 268 5766
An active and supportive community.
Support and advice from your peers.
Your postgraduate questions answered.
Use your experience to help others.
Enter your email address below to get started with your forum account
Enter your username below to login to your account
An email has been sent to your email account along with instructions on how to reset your password. If you do not recieve your email, or have any futher problems accessing your account, then please contact our customer support.
or continue as guest
To ensure all features on our website work properly, your computer, tablet or mobile needs to accept cookies. Our cookies don’t store your personal information, but provide us with anonymous information about use of the website and help us recognise you so we can offer you services more relevant to you. For more information please read our privacy policy
Agree Agree