Thought I'd update this more than a year later... I turned down the MRC PhD but got a job as an RA with them instead. During that time the other PhD project was successfully funded and I have deferred the start date until September this year so I can get as much experience in the RA job. It all worked out in the end :)

Hi,

This exact thing happened to me last year - in fact, I posted about it on this site as I was looking for similar advice! In the end, I turned down the studentship I was offered as I knew deep down it wasn't for me and I would be very unhappy doing it for 3 years. A few weeks later I was lucky enough to then apply for and be granted an RA job with the same institute (but a different location) which allowed me to gain some experience in that area. During this period, a separate funding bid I had put in was successfully funded so I'm starting my ideal PhD in September.

So from my experience, it all worked out fine in the end - but at the time, turning down the initial studentship was a huge gamble as I had no idea whether these other opportunities would manifest. I guess I'd have to say to go with your gut feeling (whatever that may be) like I did and hope that whatever you choose pays off!

Thanks for the replies. I decided not to take it, for additional reasons to the one I originally posted about. Currently in limbo with no sense of what the future might hold, but I hope it all works out for the best!

I've been offered an MRC funded PhD at a very prestigious university doing a project I have some interest in but ultimately don't feel I have "ownership" of. I've got another project in the pipeline at a much less prestigious establishment but which consists entirely of my own research ideas in an area that is vastly untapped and could be an area I could carve a niche and make my name in - but I have no real certainty that I will be offered a place there.

My head is telling me to take the one I've been offered, but my heart is telling me to hold out for the project that will be truly 'mine'. Has anyone been in a similar situation from which they can offer some advice? :-)