Signup date: 13 Aug 2010 at 10:27pm
Last login: 16 Mar 2012 at 12:48pm
Post count: 212
Hi Maimhambo
I envy your ability to immerse yourself in campus life: I went back to do an MA at 38, with 2 kids under the age of 10, plus a 1 yr old, so leaving home wasn't an option for me Still, it all worked out, and it was such an amazing experience, that I'm about to start a fully funded PhD. Have a great time, - you may find that your greater life experience is a huge asset.
Hi MEbnouf,
Well, I lucked out: I saw an advert in the paper, for a funded PhD, wrote a research proposal, had an interview (as one of 6 shortlisted candidates), and was offered the place the next morning. The whole process took less than three weeks. To be fair, though, I'd slogged my heart out on the proposal.
Is anyone else doing a Collaborative DoctAward? I'm embarking on mine in a few weeks, spending part of my time at a professional body, and part at uni, and am curious about any experiences that you may have had, relating specifically to the collaborative nature of the process.
I'm anticipating the usual balancing act that accompanies the differing priorities of stakeholders (hate that word), but would be interested to hear of anyone else's experience. Thanks.
======= Date Modified 25 Aug 2010 17:21:49 =======
As long as your motives, interests and long-term commitment to study are clear, I don't think it matters whether you take a break to travel/try other professional stuff/have a family etc.
I had an interval of almost 20 years between my undergrad and masters degrees, followed by a further 3 year interval, and still picked up AHRC full doctoral funding.
I had a relevant dilemma recently, in relation to a collaborative arts & humanities PhD, and opted for a world-class collaborative partner + weaker institution, over a regular (ie. non-collaborative) PhD at world-class institution, given that my post doc end goal is in a professional rather than academic sphere. The collaborative route, to me, is a win-win scenario, as it involves "real world", extensive engagement with an employer. Maybe my views will change when it's underway, but it seems an ideal route for candidates with ambitions outside academia.
Don't dwell on the other people copied in on your email...I found out immediately prior to my interview that there were 6 shortlisted candidates being interviewed: REALLY unhelpful piece of information (which, stupidly, I discovered by asking the receptionist.) Concentrate on your own preparation, and give it your best. And take the call standing up, with copies of all the paperwork that has been submitted to your interviewers set out in front of you. I beat the odds at 6/1, so good luck to you.
Yup, my MA would've been 1yr full time, but I chose to do p/t as I have 3 children, and I'm doing my PhD at a different university. They've checked all my records now, and are satisfied that my application is accurate/honest. After all the elation of getting the nomination, it took the wind out of my sails. Still, it's back on track now (enough metaphors?), and I've been told that my nomination has progressed through to the next phase of checks.
Hi Williambriggs
I got a 2:1 for my BA, and a Distinction for my MA thesis (83%), with a 79.04% overall, - which at my Uni, only gave me an overall Merit, plus Distinction for the Long Study. I've just been awarded a fully funded AHRC collaborative doctorate place, so, to answer your question, a 2:1 BA + MA Distinction shouldn't hold you back at all. That said, alot still comes down to how you interview, so, I suppose there are still plenty of variables. Good luck.
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