Hiya thanks for the advice! The phd is fully funded so financially it is really attractive! I think the supervisors are trying to get research going on the topic asap, but it would be a good idea to ask if it was possible to have it defered anyway, thanks again!

Hi Everyone I just signed up to this as was hoping I could get some advice! I'm just finished my final year at university and I have a massive decision to make in the next couple of months, I really am so confused and each time I think I've made a decision I seem to change my mind straight away.

The situation is that I have always planned on doing a phd at some stage but had originally pictured myself doing a masters first. I have had an interview for a phd recently that is based on the topic I did for my dissertation so I have a really good grounding in it and have loads of experience with the supervisors who are really keen for me to work with them and have a lot of faith in my ability. There are a few things holding me back though
1.) I'm not sure how difficult it will be to make the jump from undergrad to phd level?
2.) Although I have been interested in the topic until now and still am, I feel like I have a doubt in the back of my mind whether I will be able to maintain interest in it for the next 4 years...I don't know if that is just fear or if I am going off it.
3.) The topic sounds like it will be quite theoretical with limited room for practical fieldwork. My field of interest is geography and development for which I feel practical "ground" experience would be a must.
4.) There are other topics which really interest me which I am afraid of leaving behind if I was to continue with the project proposed.
5.) One of the supervisors has a very busy academic life of his own and has been described as "intense" to work with and am I worried about how I will be able to work with him as he is frequently travelling.

Saying that however the supervisors are well respected and have built up a brilliant reputation and I have no doubt that they be great contacts to have. The project is also very current and is off wide interest.

I feel more than anything I am afraid of committing to a phd and in a years time not being interested in the topic, I don't know if that would actually happen or if this is just a fear. I think it would be easier if there was the opportunity for international fieldwork but it is a matter of funding.
I am wondering if it is normal to have this doubt or if it would be a mistake to take it on without being 100% sure.
I have thought about it a lot but really can't decide as m other option is to choose my own topic that I would do as a research masters which would allow me a year to figure out the exact field I am interested in as I would like to explore some other interests that motivate me as well. The main problem with the masters choice is financially it is very expensive and then I'm worried of turning down this phd, with respected scientists and maybe not getting this opportunity again.

Hopefully some of you can share your own experiences with me, that would be great!! Thanks xxx :-)