Try the search section of this site, which gives the research topics available in participating universities. If you can't find the information you're after on this site or the internet in general you may not be suitable to take up postgraduate research.

Information on funding for overseas research students is indeed confusing, which is why you'll find it difficult to find a clear answer on this forum. Other than the ORS scheme, which pays the difference between home and overseas fees, funding is largely dependant on your home country. Contact your own department of education or the British Council in your home country or, if appropriate, the association of commonwealth universities. Remember also to ask your new university to investigate any specific schemes which may be appropriate to you.

Sorry for not replying earlier - we've been busy - Usualy we do not quote hearsay in this forum. However, one of the FindAPhD team did once work in a lab with a dyslexic PhD student, who now runs their own lab in a 5* rated department. We have writen to them to ask for any comments and hope to give a clearer answer soon. Dyslexia certainly shouldn't be a hinderance to a career in scientific research. Please write to [email protected] with your email address and we'll see if we can put you touch with the right people.

The difference between home and overseas fees is usually about double the cost. Home (inthis case probably UK resident citizens) students have government subsidised fees - overseas students are requiredto pay the full costs of the course.

It is far from being unheard of that people start PhDs 10 or more years after the majority. However, in fast changing subject areas time away can effect your chances. Applying for a PhD is like applying for a job. The supervisor does not just want somebody who they think can pass a PhD, they want somebody who'll churn out some valuable research on their behalf. Don't make excuses for why you went for a career in the police, instead focus on the continuing interest which you have for your subject. If you show suffiecient interest, drive and ability then you shouldn't have a problem.

This is not really our area - as you will have noticed FindAPhD is largely geared towards study in the sciences. I would expect there's no harm in sending in both proposals, but make sure they are concise and well written. You should also be carefull to write to the correct person. Check out each relevant departments web site and see what their procedures are. Look for individual academics working in your area of interest or for the 'postgraduate research admissions tutor'.

You may not need the experience to be offered a place, but start by asking the tutors on your MSc course. They may need help with field work or in the lab for a few weeks/months.

As far as the paper qualification goes, the answer is yes, for the regions you have mentioned. If you wish to carry on in academia then not all PhDs will always be viewed in the same way, try to make sure that your supervisor has an international reputation in his or her field.



There are, of course, a number of 'independent' universities who offer all sorts of degrees. These institutions often band together in 'Independent University Associations', which recognise each others degrees - they are the only ones who do. Anyone with an ounce of sense will be able to spot these a mile off.

Your consultancy work should not go against you. Particularly as you are staying in the same field.

For science PhDs funding is awarded in a process of peer review. The research projects are set by the supervisors, who then apply for funding. Grant proposals are then reviewed by other scientists in the field. If you wish to follow your own research proposal you will need to fund yourself, as well as find an academic to supervise you.

You may well qualify, but you will need to secure funding. Try you own department of education. You can also try the Association of Commonwealth Universities for help.

You may well qualify, but you will need to secure funding. Try you own department of education. You can also try the Association of Commonwealth Universities for help.

Which subject area (eg history or biochemistry) are you interested in working in?

If you are a UK student then you do not need to find your own funding. Academics and departments in the sciences apply to research councils for funding. They then advertise research projects on sites such as FindAPhD or on their own web sites. In general if you are acepted for the research project then you will be awarded the funding.

It can be difficult to secure funding - particularly for living expences. You need to start by contacting the department of education in your home country. You can also contact The British Council in your home country, they should also be able to give you advice. Some universities offer bursaries to overseas students, but these usually only cover course fees and not living expences.