Thanks, the information you gave me was really useful.

That's really useful, thanks Eng77.

So they said not sure I could get PhD out of it - to me that means maybe. I guess start work first and see what happens.

It's in the UK. Oxford - so so excited.
I will have the opportunity to publish papers - moderately terrifyingly exciting prospect.
But I had no idea that an RA could lead to a PhD under any circumstances. I thought it would be a good way to see what a research environment is like and if I wanted to pursue a career in research.
Worth knowing though that RA roles can lead to a PhD, because my worry with a PhD, was paying bills and whatnot while studying for it.

I was at an interview for a Research Assistant and on my CV was written that I would like to pursue a PhD. The interview panel said they weren't sure if I could get a PhD from this role...I was really surprised, because it sounded like working as a research assistant might in some cases lead to a PhD. But surely if one wants a PhD one applies for a PhD right?
Does working as a Research assistant ever lead to a PhD? Is this some crucial piece of information I have been missing?