Hi Chaotic

Yes I have!!

Got 3 offers now in total.

Thought I'd post the message and see if anyone else was studying at SHU now or starting next year.

Keep reading how PhD's can be a lonely journey...

N

Anyone undertaking a PhD at SHU?

N

Sleek

My grades are not as good as yours and I have been made two offers.

A couple of other Unis have said that if I can show I have relevant research and work experience then they will consider that even though my grades don't meet their usual minimum requirements.

If I can help with anything just let me know.

N

I am in my 50’s. First degree early 1980’s was a 3rd. Masters early 90’s was a pass.

First degree loosely relates to the subject matter of my PhD proposal. Masters is unrelated.

I have been made two offers. One is to be supervised by a Professor with 30 years experience who described my proposal as “an accomplished piece of work”.

Work that one out...

N

Well, I didn't realise my original post would create such a storm!

I have been advised by a post-Doc lecturer at a "top University" to seek out a supervisor who has been widely published and with many years experience.

It just so happens that I have found such a person, a Professor with 40 years experience and who has excelled in his academic career which includes Oxford and Cambrige, Yale and Harvard - now he is at the OU.

Which I believe proves that there is nothing wrong with the OU if it can attract someone of the above calibre?

N

Hi Trin,

I would make the approach. I have been applying for PhDs and now have two offers. I researched to find appropriately qualified supervisors in my field and emailed them my proposal. Once they expressed interest I submitted a formal application via the relevant website.

There seem to be different start dates - I am starting October 2018. I have been speaking at length with a post-doctoral lecturer at a University and he has advised:

1. Get a really well qualified supervisor - ideally you need 2 supervisors. Someone who is not a newly qualified Dr
2. Try (as best you can) and choose someone who is likely to around for the whole length of your studies - some people apparently get left high and dry if the supervisor moves on.

N

The Professor at the OU seems to be top notch (he even has a full page entry on wikipedia) and having seen my proposal has said he would be delighted to supervise me.

N

I am 56 and starting my part-time PhD next year.

Been made an offer by the OU.

N

Hi

What do people think of the Open University?

A Prof there has offered to supervise my PhD.

Are they like a 'real University'. Is the same weight etc given to an OU PhD?

Hi

What do people think of the Open University?

A Prof there has offered to supervise my PhD.

Are they like a 'real University'. Is the same weight etc given to an OU PhD?

N

Hi,

I suppose it depends what would make you feel too old to apply for a PhD - I am doing mine purely for personal reasons and not for career reasons so I don't feel the age really matters - although there does seem to be an awful lot of Uni lecturers that are late 50's+

N

Hi Chaotic and Trilla

With UCLAN I have to be there for a 5 day block in the first year. Preston is 2 hours drive away. I can't move from my current location as I have 2 kids including a son at special school.

Nearest Unis to me are Hull - 20 mins drive, and Lincoln, around 40mins.

Lincoln don't have a supervisor. I await a decision from Hull.

Nearest after the above is Sheffield which is an hour away.

Trilla: social life won't bother me. Don't have one now anyhow! Lol.

Lets all try and keep in touch.

N

Hi Chaotic

Great idea. I have been offered a place at UCLAN and I am also waiting on decisions from a few other places - nearer to where I live - Hull/Sheffield/Lincoln to name but three.

Hull or Lincoln would be ideal - but I am pretty sure Lincoln don't have a suitable supervisor - whereas at UCLAN they have a supervisor with around 30 years experience in the field I am researching - in fact they have allocated two supervisors to me (which I believe is par for the course?).

I have the impression that being close to the Uni is not that important as I will be part-time and I believe most of the contact with supervisors will be via email and Skype.

There is also a 5 day course to attend at UCLAN - which is a 2 hour drive from home so not too bad.

N

Hi Chaotic and Trilla

Chaotic: you are likely not based far away from me. What funding have you applied for? Are you aware that there are loans coming out next year for up to £25K for PhD students? Same deal as the Masters loans - start repaying when you are earning at least £21K (or £25K as I think the threshold may just have been increased).

Trilla: I may well take you up on that offer.

I have nobody to speak to who is undertaking/attained a PhD and I think I will not have much contact with other researchers when I start my PhD as I am part-time and the Uni is a fair distance from my home - although I believe I will have to attend a 5 day course there at some point during the first year.

I have been speaking today with a Dr of Law at a University (not the one I have been made an offer by) and he has put a whole new perspective on things - spent an hour on phone and he was largely telling me to research the people who will be supervising me - will they be around for the duration of my studies, what experience have they got, have they supervised PhD's before etc.

Any comments on that Trilla (or anyone else). Was your PhD part-time or full time Trilla - and are you able to say at which Uni?

N

Hi Chaotic

Where and what are you studying?

N