======= Date Modified 15 47 2008 22:47:27 =======
Hi All,

Just wondering, how hard is it to get a Phd place at a top uni? e.g Oxford, Warwick etc

I'm asking as I have had some success with apps, however a friend of mine and equally good candidate in my opinion is struggling in this regard.

So yes, out of interest, how hard do you think it is? Particularly for those in the social sciences/IR

It's not all that hard to achieve a PhD place at most top universities (particularly in humanities and soc. sciences). The hard bit is achieving a funded place. Oxbridge is, of course, always tough. However, most other top uni's, inc. Warwick and UoL are normally not that difficult to achieve places at (requiring a First/high 2.1, or 2.1 plus Masters at Distinction or Merit).

It's likely your friend's research proposal is not good enough. It's surprising how many people do not put enough effort into their proposal.