Hi, came across this place and I was wondering if I could pick everyone's brains about my current situation.

I'm just finishing off an MSc in Particle Physics, and I'm thinking about applying for a PhD place next year. I have a 2:1 MPhys in Theoretical Physics already, and I figured doing an MSc would help me out in quite a competitive area. I went in hoping for a distinction, but thanks to the fact that I chose a house with a very unpleasant resident landlady I had to move into student halls halfway through my MSc. The results were not quite as I hoped - I got some decent marks in some modules, but not so good in one or two others. This was mainly due to the situation with my landlady as I found that as soon as I was out of her place I was at least able to concentrate more and not get so stressed, but after I'd left the damage was largely done - I'm now on course for a pass, or a merit if I'm really lucky.

However, I was partially successful in getting a PhD place - I applied for a PhD in mathematical physics at Newcastle University, and got made an offer conditional on finishing my MSc but it turns out that it's not a funded position, so I can't do it. I'm quite gutted about this situation really - I almost get where I wanted to be, but then financial concerns go and scupper my ambitions. This, combined with my pass MSc, is making me think about a lot of things as well.

I'm wondering if I'll be able to get a funded position for a PhD next year with a 2:1 and a pass MSc? I put quite a lot of effort into getting the funding together for my MSc, but it just seems like things haven't come out properly. I'm passionate about physics and I really want to continue, but it just seems that every time I appear to be on the brink of finally getting what I want to do, another barrier is just thrown up at me.

I'm thinking about trying to get a job and just thinking about my position right now. I am very passionate about physics, but on the other hand right now I feel that the odds of me getting a funded place are stacked against me, and to sit on the dole pining after after getting a PhD might be a lot more damaging long-term than just getting a job and earning money. I worked in between my MPhys and MSc, and it wasn't that bad.

Is it possible to do this thing while sort of taking a break between each stage of it? I wish that I could have done it all just in one go, but it seems that things aren't working out that way...