Hello

I’m in the wobbly first stages of a PhD – the application process and honing my area of research.

I’m after a wee bit of advice.

My intended area of research is distantly related to my Masters- which is making me sweat a little - but should be very interesting and I’m hoping I can get up to speed as quickly as I can when (and if) I start.

The journey to even get as far as a whisper of a research topic has taken nearly a year for various reasons. One is, I’m working (yet to be formalised on paper) with a government development agency who has offered funding as they have a particular interest in the research findings, the research being as in an area in which they invest heavily. It has however, taken ages to get an answer out of their department.

Further, I’ve found the University I’m hoping to work with glacially slow in answering emails, and very sparing in terms of support or any hints at direction.

My question is this: does all/any/some of the above look like a recipe for disaster?

I have concerns that the people I may be relying on for pretty important information in the future – and under the pressure of time – may not be able to offer what I need to do this. Also, will my lack of expertise in the subject hold me back?

Thank you in advance.

This all sounds totally normal to me! Also remember that a PhD is often a lonely task and many people get very limited support from their supervisors. Having said that, a fast or slow response to emails doesn't really tell you anything about the type of supervisor a person would be,

Lack of expertise in the subject makes it more difficult, but not insurmountable. You will just need to do a bit more background reading than others.

Keep persevering and good luck!

Thank you TreeofLife,

your reply is very reassuring.

Although I've not got a supervisor yet as I've not honed down my research question sufficiently....I'm hoping things will settle a little when I actually have a supervisor and can sit down and thrash out all the questions.

I'm really glad this forum exists - it's nice to have the inside knowledge of those already on the PhD path

Thank you again.