Hey again! Most places don't do a 'specific PhD course'....a PhD isn't a course like undergrad or masters. What generally happens is that a department or a Doc or Prof decides they want a particular piece of research to be done and then they obtain funding and advertise for a PhD student to do it, or a person decides what they want to do their PhD on and then they approach a suitable person about supervising them. Then when someone agrees to supervise it, the prospective supervisor and student put in applications for funding. What I did was decide on the general area I wanted to do my PhD in, then approached the relevant Prof, we had a chat about possible topics, and we worked on a proposal together then applied for the funding to do it. So what you need to do is identify the person who might be best suited to supervise what you want to do, and speak to them regarding whether they would be willing to do that. Most docs/profs are usually quite keen to take on decent students, it's good for them to have PhD students as well, gathering data and gaining publications for them! It sounds as though you have someone who might be interested in taking you on- make the most of it! KB

Hey there! I also decided in my final year that a PhD was going to be the way forward for me, and right at the beginning of my MSc I approached a Prof in the department who worked in the area I wanted to do my research in. This was probably the best move I ever made with respect to my career- we had a chat about topics the following week and she made sure that my MSc project was with her (a big bonus because literally the whole year group wanted to do their project with her) and it went from there. We started writing proposals by Christmas time and were lucky enough to be offered full funding for the project from 2 different sources. It is absolutely not too early to approach people about doing a PhD- I would say that it is the ideal time to get things going. The MSc is perfect for getting to know potential supervisors and being in with a good shot at getting the funding.... the earlier the better! Get in there! Good luck! KB

To be honest, you'll be very lucky to get funding for your own project to start this year, but if deadlines are still open, then there is no harm in going for it. Your best bet would probably be School-funded studentships or scholarships at the university you are applying to- external funding applications usually take ages to get processed (over a year in some cases). I guess it also depends how far you have got with your project proposal and whether you have already made contact with prospective supervisors etc. Just one thing- I am in a large Psychology department in the UK and although I am in clinical psychology and not social, I only know of a single student here who doesn't have an MSc, and even this student has many years of relevant experience. On a personal note, I would not have been well equipped to cope with the demands of a PhD in Psychology without my MSc (although I know a masters is not so important in other subjects). Might be worth thinking about...KB

Hey, don't stress too much- there are two ESRC funded students on the same team as me in our department who got 2.1s, and there are probably others within the department too! If you can get a first, great, if you just miss it, I really wouldn't worry about it too much. As far as I can tell there are more funded PhD students out there with 2.1s (and yes, even 2.2s!) than firsts anyway. Just get a good masters in the subject you want to do your PhD in, and make some decent contacts with researchers whilst you're doing it. Most people I know managed to get their funding at the same department they did their masters through making a good impression and making contacts. You'll be fine! KB

Hi there! I am in my first year of a PhD in Clinical Psychology at the moment. Although I obtained a first in my undergrad degree (and then a distinction in my MSc), a lot of people doing PhDs here actually have a high 2.1 and a distinction at masters level, so I really can't see it being a major obstacle if you don't get a first. The main advantage of a first is when it comes to funding really...if you are applying for a place which already has funding attached to it then you should be fine with a 2.1. If you are applying for scholarships etc to fund a project which doesn't already have funding attached, then a first is probably quite a big advantage- the scholarship I won was based purely on academic achievement, they weren't even bothered what the research topic was, and there is no way I would have got that without a first. So in short, I think it is really worth trying for a first if it is within your reach, but if you don't get one, it isn't too much if a big deal, particularly if you can get a distinction in your masters. Good luck! KB

I am completely with Ruby on this one...there is a rumour that it is bad to stay at the same university for more than one degree, but there isn't actually any evidence for this. You should go wherever the best people to supervise your PhD are, end of! I moved from a top uni to a uni a bit lower down the scale out of choice for my MSc and PhD, because the department here that I am a member of is actually a better rated department than the equivalent in the top uni, and the people who are at the top of their field in what I do are here. And remember, when you have finished your PhD, you will be the expert in your research. Post-doc positions will be looking for the person who has the best expertise in the required area, and which researchers they have been working with- I really don't think that they are going to worry about whether you have done two degrees at the same uni! Better to have worked with the people at the top of the field in a good department at an overall lower-ranked university, than work with some unheard-of researchers in an average department at a uni which is rated better overall I reckon. Worry about how good the department and its researchers are, not about the overall reputation of the university- average unis may have some really strong departments and top unis may have some really average departments- I have found this to be very true. Anyway, that's my take on it! KB.

hi there! I don't know much about how strict some of the research councils will be on changing topic. Although my topic has remained the same, I have made many changes to my methodology since the start of my PhD last October, and the project is looking quite different to what was on my original proposal, but I am School/Scholarship funded, so this isn't so much of a big deal. Anyway, the main thing I wanted to say is that I love my PhD, but I honestly could not do it in something I wasn't really passionate and enthusiastic about. I know a couple of people in the department who are pretty ambivalent about their topic, and are really struggling to motivate themselves. Having said that, sometimes when you get stuck into something, it does become more fascinating that you originally thought. It might be that when you get stuck into the topic for your MA you get more into it as you go along. I would probably stick with it for a while and see how you get on with the topic before making any really big decisions....good luck! KB

Hi there! It's an interesting one, what to tell your supervisor when you are having problems, and what to keep to yourself. I have been having a few health difficulties recently which have affected my work. My supervisor was aware that I have a particular disorder and had always said that I must tell her if I was having any problems. So I did, and she was extremely supportive and helpful. I then ended up talking to her more about my problems and then got stressed that I had crossed the line and that she really wasn't there to play counsellor. Another girl with the same supervisor as me had had similar health problems to myself and didn't let the supervisor know. This resulted in the sup getting pissed off about her not being in work, mithering her about work that hadn't been completed, and it is fair to say she got very pissed off with this student and it made the situation, and their relationship, much worse. I guess it is important to think about it from your supervisor's point of view. Personally, I think it is important to tell your supervisor if you are having problems that are affecting your work, and maybe mention briefly what they are, but to consider seeing someone else (uni counsellor perhaps?) if you really need to talk through things with someone. Good luck. KB.

Just a word of encouragement regarding your exam....don't stress too much about failing. We had a ridiculously hard statistics exam last year (on an MSc course) that we were all convinced we had failed. When the marks came out, we had obtained the usual range of scores you would expect from your average exam. I personally obtained a grade that was higher that the percentage of questions I had actually been able to answer, as did many other students. It just goes to show, if they set a stupidly unfair exam, they will have to adjust the marking scheme and inflate the results- it doesn't look very good for the lecturer, the course, or the uni if every student fails a particular module. Fingers crossed! KB

Awww, are you feeling any better? I think you should definitely head out and get yourself a new kitten/cat, I know it's hard right after you have lost one but it will help fill the empty space even though it won't replace your old cat. I find pets bring a lot of joy and company, even when things are a bit (or more than a bit) shitty. I guess the other thing is to try to keep yourself busy. I guess we all go through patches where the work is dull, but make sure you spend time outside work doing things you enjoy...can you drag your friends out and do something a bit different, or take up a new hobby or sport or something? I know it won't get rid of the problems you're having, but a bit of distraction can sometimes help. It must be really hard to have your other half move away- I've never been in that situation so it's hard to know what to suggest. My flatmate's boyfriend lives several hundred miles away, and it is hard for them to see each other very often, but they still make it work, and make sure they do something really special when they are able to see each other. I'm sure you will find a way to work it out, you won't be that far apart forever. Have a big hug. KB.

I like the sound of 'all getting better'! I had another shitty day today, but had the sense to actually get away from the office and go to the gym...I am learning, albeit slowly!! And it did help! I sometimes like a spot of TV too, but nothing as tasteful as Little House on the Prairie. More Family guy or Southpark or something equally trashy :)

Hey Playground....
Good post, I like it. And whilst I think you are right to make the distinction between feeling a bit pissed off and actually suffering with a mental illness, I reckon it's pretty useful advice for everyone, those with mental illnesses included. It can be tricky to think clearly and put things into perspective when you're ill, but I for one will be printing that out and sticking it on my pinboard!
Cheers!
KB

Hey cheers people!

I am trying to think a little more kindly of myself- I am very good at beating myself up, but then I guess we all are sometimes! My PhD is in Clinical Psychology (somewhat ironically!) so I guess I am in a good department with respect to people being understanding! I have actually been encouraged by my counsellor to go for the student disability thing, but I already receive financial help as a result of my illness and don't really like accepting that, even though I am entitled to it. Sometimes I get so tired of filling in forms and seeing so many people because of the bipolar that I don't feel like I want to go through any more of it, but I know I should probably think about it- it does sound pretty helpful and I guess that's what it's there for. I'm really not so good at asking for help!

Will keep plodding, I have spent a whole day photocopying and filing, so at least I have got something done, however dull. Hope everyone else had a more exciting day than mine! And thanks again for your encouragement and helpful suggestions!

KB

Hey guys,

Thanks so much for your replies. It can be a lonely business when you feel as though you're the only one going through something and wondering if things will get any better or easier. My supervisor is aware of my illness- I had been keeping it to myself when I started, but my diagnosis appears on my CRB check so I couldn't keep it quiet for long as the head of department insisted that I told her. But you are right- it is actually a relief that she knows, and she has been extremely supportive and understanding.

I do see a consultant regularly about the bipolar, and a counsellor, who has been brilliant. I take my medication (although I would really rather not sometimes!) and the stuff I am on now is pretty good. A few years ago things were really bad, and I actually dropped out of uni three times in my undergrad years and re-started, yet on this medication I have completed my third year undergrad, MSc, and am now halfway through my first year PhD without any breaks, so I know it's really important to keep taking it. I just wish I was a bit better at handling things when they go wrong!

As things are, I have been feeling a little better over the last week, so will probably keep going the best I can and try to ride it out. Looks like it will probably be another day of trivial and brainless tasks, but I guess they all need doing in the end anyway!

Cheers again guys, have a good day!
KB

Hey guys!

I was just wondering if anyone else is battling through a PhD with some sort of mental illness? I have bipolar disorder and went through a really shitty patch a few weeks ago, although I am feeling a little better now. Most days, I still dragged myself into the office to at least try to get something done, but spent half the time in tears, unable to concentrate or do anything productive. I broke down on my supervisor several times and whilst she was very sympathetic, it really isn't her job to play counsellor. I also burst into tears in two other meetings and now feel really embarrassed about it. I guess I really should have tried to work from home or something, but when I get ill, my routine is really important to me and I would feel worse if I didn't manage to make it into work. But it's not really fair on others if I am going to burst into tears at the drop of a hat.

Is there anyone else out there with similar problems? How do you cope when you feel really crappy? Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated!

Cheers,
KB