Difference between a Choose-Your-Own-Topic PhD and a pre-set, pre-funded PhD?

S

I'm applying for what looks like a great PhD position to do with sustainable food consumption. It's a project that has received several million euro in funding for a group of academics to undertake and they're advertising a funded position for a PhD to join the project. All parts of it seem to be planned out, so I'd be just doing as I'm told for 4 years.
However, the range of studies involved, the skills I'll have at the end, and the area of research are so good that I feel like it's worth the lack of freedom.
What are your opinions on these sorts of positions? Will I be more employable having been attached to a real research group?
Thanks!

D

Superb opportunity if you can get it!

H

Quote From sustainablefoodie:
I'm applying for what looks like a great PhD position to do with sustainable food consumption. It's a project that has received several million euro in funding for a group of academics to undertake and they're advertising a funded position for a PhD to join the project. All parts of it seem to be planned out, so I'd be just doing as I'm told for 4 years.
However, the range of studies involved, the skills I'll have at the end, and the area of research are so good that I feel like it's worth the lack of freedom.
What are your opinions on these sorts of positions? Will I be more employable having been attached to a real research group?
Thanks!


Yes! In a way a pre-set pre-focused PhD is much better, because it means you are focused straight from the start!

C

Sounds like a good opportunity, and there might be a chance to put your own stamp on it as well - research rarely pans out in exactly predictable ways, so who knows what interesting results you might get and what angle you might end up taking within the bigger project!

S

Thanks for the the replies, everyone! Helpful to see other people thinking the same as me.

T

Just to add to others... My PhD was pre-planned and we've just changed it. It was also connected to a larger project (whole set of related projects). As long as the titles stays the same it should be OK, or so I've heard.

P

Yes, I def recommend it. My PhD was pre-specified meaning all the collaborating institutions and patient recruitment organisations were already on-board. Meant I could get right into the research and plan to finish in 3 years.

S

hi foodie, absolutely go for it!!!
:-)
love satchi

41555