Yep, I meant EPSRC, sorry (I suffer from sausage finger syndrome).

It would come under the EPSRC heading so it's looking doubtful I can stay where I am. Suppose the best thing to do next is to talk to the chap and say "this is what I want to do - any suggestions where I can get funding from?" and then take it from there.

The haze is a little clearer - thank you.

I was wondering if someone could give the benefit of their advice. I'm going to have to make some tough decisions soon and trying to get as much information as posible before commiting myself.

Bottom line is this, I want to undertake a PhD after I have finished my masters. Our course leader is a great chap and someone I would really like to supervise my work. But there is a problem. The University he works in is not ESPRC recognised as yet so I'm not going to pick up a scholarship any time soon if I register at his University.

I just don't think I can lost 3+ years without an income (who can!!) but my partner will support me as much as the credit crunch allows. All I seem to hear are reports of funding being hard to get anyway but there always seems to be adverts from Uni's all over these sort of websites. I'm ancient as well so not sure how realistic picking up a scholarship would be anyhow.


What would anyone else do? Register with the Uni and supervisor I am comfortable with but no chance of funding, or, apply to other Universitys who do have ESPRC funding and take a chance on another supervisor?

Afraid I don't know but I do know many people who claim to have got a distinction !

I'm aiming for one myself but not sure how seriously grades at Master's level are taken when applying for scolarships etc.

Good luck what ever you decide.

Thanks for the replies

The reason why I'm interested in the IF (Impact Factor) of a journal is the higher up the scale it is - the harder it is going to be to get something in. I'm really looking for a journal further down the academic food chain so it won't be rejected immediately and I've a better chance of getting the full publishing experience.

I have now found two journals in my area which are for students so will look into them first.

You're right I'm sure about there being no short cuts RubyW, and we all have to start somewhere. More research needed but I'm more confident I'm going in the right direction.

Chrisrolinski - I like your idea of choosing key themes of a thesis and expanding them for separate papers. Shall definitely keep that in mind when I write my thesis.

Good ideas - thanks

I think P/T masters are becoming more common if for no other reason than it increases potential income streams for Unis, which is reasonable. My Masters is P/T and you just pick/pay for the modules you can attend. No difference really from a F/T option - it just takes longer.

Guess the thing to do if you're worried is to contact people who you think are likely to be key in deciding if you will get the funding and ask them.

Good luck.

Speaking as someone who has also decided to return to acadmia I would go for it sooner rather than later if you've made your mind up.

Getting back into the academic way of writing, researching etc gets harder the longer you leave it IMHO. besides, as you've said, you already have work experience and contacts behind you if it all goes pear shape so in a better position than most.

Go for it or spend for ever wondering (up)

Hello fellow students.

Hate to introduce myself with asking for something but it's the usual way on the internet.. and I was wonder if I could ask your advice.

One of the requirements of my career change is that I need to be actively publishing. Well, being keen I've spent yesterday and today looking into this and I'm a bit confused.

Firstly I checked the status of journals to see which I should aim at and come up with various definitions of what appears to be the same thing i.e. ISI ranking, ISJ, IS and IF...so still no better off deciding which to apply to....

Secondly, is it better to watch for calls of papers to decide what to write? This is my first attempt at going throught the motions of attempting the whole publishing thing but I need a goal to aim for so know I'm on the right track.

All suggestions appreciated (within reason ,-)