Hey guys,

Im currently on the +3 of an ESRC 1+3. I started a month ago and was having reservations about my research area. I am not really very interested in it and would be far happier in a different area. I expressed my views to my supervisor and the department whilst doing my masters and it kind of just got brushed under the carpet with the whole 'pass your masters first then we will sort it out'. But now I am started on the PhD and its all got out of hand and I dont know how to bring it back up again.

I dont know what to do as my current supervisor wouldnt be able to supervise me in the new field and I just dont know how to approach telling him. Im also worried about my funding. The studentship didnt have a set topic (I had to make a proposal) so its not like the studentship was initially attached to a certain topic but Im not sure what will happen.

Has anyone had experience of this or got any suggestions?

Did you choose your own supervisor or the department arranged one for you?

You should be able to change supervisor/topic if your studentship is not based on a certain topic of research.

Thanks for your reply,

I chose my supervisor and proposed the topic as part of the application. So it's not tied to a particular topic or supervisor. I guess I'm just very worried about what I should say/do

You would need to speak to the postgraduate chair or head of department about this. If the new topic is still somehow related to the original supervisor, the department might assign a second supervisor for you- which you can keep the original supervisor and have a second supervisor who is more familiar with your topic.

In any case, most university does not "question" when a student want to change his/her supervisor. In your case, it's perfectly normal because your supervisor might not have sufficient knowledge in the new topic.

Hope you can sort this out soon!

Thanks so much for your input,

I'm really scared about upsetting and annoying my current supervisor. I have a huge fear of letting people down. I had a meeting I him today and couldn't being myself to say anything