Is it possible to get funding from a supervisor, as opposed to a funding body? This is the way it works for PhD study... with a 2.2 is there any chance for me to get even partial funding for a MRes?

Thanks in advance.

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thanks.

now for my second question: which is more important... the prestige of the university where you study for the Masters, or whether or not it's 5*?

I'm interested in a Masters at a "lesser" university, but the School is 5*

thanks again ;-)

I was due to start work on part-time PhD (science-related) last October, but choked...

I'm about to complete a research assistantship in Dublin, expected to go full-time on PhD next month and go on register in April. But now I'm keen to move to London and, because I only have a 2.2 degree, feel I'm better off doing a Masters first...

MSc and some MRes can be done in one year, so does it matter which one you do if you intend on PhD afterwards?

Thanks for reading 8-)

cont'd...

What do I want? The daunting challenge of securing academic work, whilst at the same time overqualifying myself for industrial jobs... or the safe bet of taking the MSc and running for dear life? Perhaps it would be wiser to do contract industrial work for a couple of years, with the freedom to eventully finish the PhD...

Not a bad quandary to be in, but it's a major decision.

Perusal of various threads has me thinking that studying all the way to PhD level may not be for me...

I'll be registering for a MSc in October which could transfer to PhD, assuming everyone's happy. I worked in the pharmaceutical industry for the best part of 5 years before I decided I wanted to do research, but the pragmatic voice has been telling me that I'm better off going back to industry once I'm in a position to transfer. Such sentiments are dotted around this forum.

The other voice says this is what it's all about, the cutting edge, and money's not be the all and end all. A postdoc in some exotic location makes me dream, but I'm well aware it is just dreams now and that the harsh realities along the way might change my outlook.

hi argonk,

just wondering where you're from, I'm Irish myself. the essential difference between Galway and Dublin: the latter is the economic centre, and in some ways far removed from quintessential Ireland, whilst in the former (and the West in general) you'll find something more raw. It's a place you would like if you've never been there before, especially if you're actively interested in exploring other peoples' culture and such things... but yes the Irish weather can be a heartbreaking lol

In terms of scenic beauty it's hard to do better than Connemara, which is further west of the city. In fact, there are people out there who still speak Gaelic, a language I've almost forgotten about.

Specifically biomed applications... is anyone currently working in this area, how is it going for you and are there any doubters out there who think it's all just hype?

I'm starting a PhD in October working with nanoparticles and would like to hear your views.

Kronkodile, I agree that the common scenario is slightly unfair. Two friends of mine (one who is in his final year and the other who's finished) advised me not to tell too many people, that some wouldn't be very happy to hear that I'm earning more. But I figure that it's perfectly legit considering the juggling that's involved, as opposed to doing RA/PhD in tandem. Maybe we should all be applying for RAs then

To add to that: someone earlier mentioned that you can still get a stipend on top of your tax-free salary. Is this true in all cases or dependent on the discretion of the supervisor? My RA salary as it stands is a pittance, I would like to enjoy some sort of normal life for the next 3-4 years, so ideally a supervisor will say "right, he's self-funded in terms of living expenses, I'll provide some of the secured funding to cover his fees/materials/conference expenses."

Or am I being incredibly naiive?

I don't actually start PhD work until October, but the lab (primarily electron microscopy plus analytical instrumentation) I'm doing the RA in will be relevant to the research (nanoparticles), but I will be juggling my time between this lab and the chemistry department. I've been told that my RA salary will go tax-free from start of PhD, but I've yet to find out if I'll have to cover my fees/materials/expenses out of that. I sincerely hope not, as I know a normal full-time PhD student would get, say, 24000 euro (I'm in Dublin), 8K of which is for the above "overheads" and the remaining 16K is to live on. In my opinion it's a shocking amount, considering a PhD is essentially a job.

"However some places allow full time student status alongside the job, which gives all the added benefits/discounts for students. Not really fair as RAs are usually on more money that PhD students on stipends/self funders"

How is it not fair? I've been lucky enough to have such an opportunity, but the fact of the matter is I'll effectively be doing two full-time jobs at once. There are and will be quiet days in terms of the assistantship, which of course can only benefit my research work in terms of time, but a large part of the assistantship work is contract analytical testing (as well as looking after under and postgrads). So in my mind, any extra money I happen to get is properly earned.

this is the route I've taken. I had some reservations at the interview in terms of doing a full-time PhD in tandem with the assistantship, but was assured it could be done. there are certain perks involved too, but what i will say is be prepared to dedicate your life to it, as you may not enjoy the same flexibility as myself. I knew i was prepared to literally eat, sleep and breathe this for 3-4 years, so talk to those concerned until you have a good picture in your head and can make an informed decision. good luck

the point is, age is nothing, it really is only a number... the important thing is to follow your dreams! having said that, I believe PhDs are wasted on those in their 20s, as the vast majority are relatively immature and have so much to learn and find out about themselves...

also, a PhD is a bit like the pet you buy at Christmas

my first post on this forum, and an absolute pleasure to be here. best of luck to everyone xx

great thread, just what I was looking for

my story so far: I'm 30 years of age, returned to my studies in 2006 and have just gained my honours degree in chemistry. I've been very lucky to obtain a research assistantship with a top university, the plan being to start a PhD after the 6 month probation. in terms of salary I've taken a considerable cut compared to my previous jobs (I will still get a salary on top of the funding, and hopefully fee remission!), but for me this is a vocation, money is not important to me... I'm relatively single, with no kids or mortgage.

I'm hoping to break into nanotech, primarily its applications for the treatment of cancer... I can't tell you how excited and happy I am right now, being surrounded by so many inspirational people.