Whatever is right for you is right. Life expectancy is around eighty i hear...

With 13 years experience, do you even need an MA?
If so, i'm sure you know what to say better than anyone else - perhaps even course lecturers...

Wow, you're asking quite a lot.
But the answer is simple;
"What do you think? You're a graduate!"
Harsh, but beneficial

Believe in yourself. Simple as...

Search UK University Department websites for information - use the times online University rankings as a starting point for your area if you're not familiar with UK institutions

To make it real competitive... have a good idea! I'm not being cynical...

Oxford have a centre for migration studies and offer teaching and research opps.

Hey.
Don't be too put off. Feeling you would like to do a PhD means that you wish to pursue a career in academia, exploring new ideas and making discoveries.
Okay, so you are attracted to this broad concept. Now what you need to do is find one research area to focus on (e.g. politics, sociology, etc), decide where your interests lie in this area, read as much relevant information as possible, narrow your focus, come up with a creative and new idea, narrow the focus again, then bang together a proposal.
Having an objective outlook is the most essential criteria.
You might find it helpful to seek the advice and support of former lecturers if you can.

I don't think the main thing is having a distinction or not. Its having a good idea and convincing people that you are the right person, whatever your background.

I have a distinction in a communication studies MA as well as a BA and am keen to pursue an academic career. I am thinking of applying to Cambridge to do an MPhil in Sociology as I think my future research interests are broader than only studying media. The MPhil is ten months and would give me some time to focus my research interests in a stimulating environment, and the course length is also sympathetic in terms of a career break should I later decide academia is not for me after all. There are also good prospects within the programme to progress to a PhD. However, I feel slightly shy applying to Cambridge coming from not the most linear achievement background, and worry that I may perhaps come across in my application as merely desiring the University’s name on my CV. I guess I’m seeking some positive encouragement here, though I'm also searching to see if there is any stern advice suggesting it would perhaps be better to wait until I have a PhD proposal before re-applying to University. All comments welcome and appreciated. Many thanks.

I got a distinction in a political communications M.A at Liverpool Uni in 2006 and am thinking about going back there to do a philosophy M.A.. I think i want to go into academia eventually but beleive that their is something missing in my 'tool-kit'. As i'm interested in political and philosophical issues, i think the philosophy course may help me develop my intellectual capacities. But would i be wasting my time? Should i just do a PhD? Or should i settle my thoughts for the time-being with some 'real-world' employment?

Thanks to everyone for the replies so far and for the advice on websites to look at and things to consider.
I think i'm definitly going to spend a lot of time mulling things over.
I think part of the problem for me is that i have been given a good opportunity to work for Refugee Action and could perhaps progress within this organisation in the future, or i could go on to work for another similar organisation in a related area.
So i currently feel torn between two worlds - real world social justice/human rights work, and academia.
Areas of political communication i am interested in relate generally to forced migration, refugee issues as they relate to climate change and poverty, and public understanding of energy and environmental issues.
Thanks again
Gareth

Just looking for some kind advice really.
I recently graduated with a distinction from Liverpool University with an MA in Politics and Mass Media. My dissertation examined newspaper coverage of refugee and asylum issues. I currently work part-time for Refugee Action as a youth advocacy worker. I also hold a 2:1 BA Hons degree in Politics with Marketing from Sunderland University.
Basically, i don't really think that my academic background is that great and feel that, although i'm interested in doing a PhD, I'm not sure that it will really help me in my career (meaning personal fullfillment and money!), especially if i focus on political communication because, and i admit this is ironic, 'Media Studies' is regularly castigated by media pundits (perhaps this should spur me on, though?).
So: so i do it; any ideas; where; when and how? etc
I feel as though i've currently stalled at the moment.
Many thanks
Gareth
Also, if anyone would like any advice for themselves in return, then they need only ask.