Hello Kezza,

I'm thinking of doing a phd in sociology too, and I'm interested in your experiences of both applying for it and what it's like when you started doing the phd.

I'd like to know everything basically how you narrowed your field down to produce a research proposal, what was it like trying to apply for places and funding, how long it took, and what it's like actually starting the phd. Is it really very lonely? Do you literally talk to no one but your supervisor? And if you did a detailed and very good research proposal (presumably to get funding) how come you don't know where you're going when you start?

Also do you worry with a subject like sociology about what you would do afterwards?

Thanks for any advice!

JUST OUT OF INTEREST, HOW DID YOU GET A JOB AS A RESEARCH ASSISTANT STRAIGHT FROM A BACHELORS DEGREE? I THOUGHT YOU HAD TO COMPLETE A PHD TO DO THAT - AND WAS IT IN EXACTLY THE SUBJECT YOU STUDIED AT BA?

I'M LOOKING FOR A JOB AT ATM AS WELL AS CONSIDERING A PHD, AND THIS MAY BE A PERFECT COMBINATION OF THE TWO! COULD YOU GIVE ME A POINTER WHERE TO START LOOKING FOR SOMETHING LIKE THAT?

THANKS!

HELLO, THANKS FOR THE REPLIES AND SORRY FOR THE CAPS IN MY REPLY, SOMETHINGS WRONG WITH MY COMPUTER.

SINCE I'M CHANGING SUBJECTS I THOUGHT I HAVE TO DO AN MPHIL FIRST, SO IS THIS FUNDABLE THROUGH THE AHRC/ESRC? ALSO THIS 1+3 OR 2+2 THING IS THAT FUNDING FOR 1 YEAR MPHIL + PHD? AND IS APPLYING FOR 4 YEARS FUNDING MORE DIFFICULT THAN JUST 3 YEARS? PLUS HOW CAN YOU COME UP WITH A RESEARCH PROPOSAL NOW IF THE POINT OF AN MPHIL IS TO ALLOW YOU TO SWITCH TO A NEW TOPIC AND FIND WHAT YOU'RE INTERESTED IN THERE? SO IN THAT CASE HOW DO YOU START APPLYING FOR FUNDING & A PLACE?

ANOTHER QUESTION, HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE THE WHOLE PROCESS OF APPLYING FOR FUNDING AND A PLACE AND FINDING A TUTOR? I'M HOPING TO GO ABROAD AT THE END OF FEBRUARY FOR 6 MONTHS, IS IT POSSIBLE TO FINISH THE APPLICATION PROCESS BEFORE THEN? (ASSUMING I'VE GOT A RESEARCH PROPOSAL WORKED OUT)

SORRY FOR ALL THESE QUESTIONS, BUT I'M REALLY CONFUSED.

Hi everyone,

I have a 2.1 in Computer Science from Imperial, then I decided I wanted to do an arts subject so did a Masters at SOAS in Chinese politics/history. I got a distinction for that, and really enjoyed doing the dissertation so am now thinking of doing a phd. The thing is I want to do it in a social science subject, not necessarily China related but something politics/sociology related. I'm worried though I won't get accepted because of this change in topic, not only between undergrad and Masters, but between masters and phd!

Secondly though my grades are quite good, they're not exceptional, and I'm aware funding for arts/social sciences are scarce. I can't possibly do this self funded, so how do you rate my chances of getting a scholarship? (I'm uk student btw)

*sigh* I actually think I'm an ideal candidate for phd study. I've always been good at academics, don't quit things especially study easily, have a burning desire to pursue the truth :p, and work better alone (as opposed to teamwork/office politics in some company). But the process of getting one is such a hassle.