I did my undergrad in Biology, and got a first class from a decent university. However, despite getting offers of admissions to do a subsequent Ph.D on related subjects, I opted to pursue a postgraduate degree in environmental policy from a good university. After completing this, I again did the mistake of not taking up the offer to continue for a Ph.D at that university itself, but moved to a better university for a research masters, which I then considered as a step which would make the world my oyster. Unfortunately, due to conflicts with the supervisor, I couldn’t get my degree, and for the subsequent two years, have been doing administrative jobs, in totally unrelated areas. However, I have also been getting lab-based research experience.


I would very much like to return back to the biological and environmental sciences, and pursue my original research areas of interest. My worries centre on the research masters fiasco, the fact that it’s been 4 years since my first masters, and that most of my referees have retired since. I wouldn’t mind doing another Masters degree, if that might increase my chances for being accepted to a Ph.D program. I would really appreciate any advice!