I have been offered a PhD for next year, but I'm struggling so much with my Masters degree in Sociology this year!
Although I recieved a First during my undergrad in Sociology as well, there is one module which I'm not performing as well as and this is the Research Process. This Is not only worth 40 credits but it's so important for my undertaking for a PhD next year! Ranging from epistemology to using SPSS and NVivo I can't seem to get to grips with this module! And I've only been able to scrap a Pass in the assignments with 2 C's and 2 C-'s. But im doing very well at my other assignments with Mostly getting A-'s and B+,s and B-'s!! I hate that I'm not doing as well in this module
I feel so disenhearted and wondering whether or not I have what it takes to complete a PhD! Because I will need to use these learning tools for my thesis!!
Is this normal at this level? And is my standard of work at MA level a reflection of what my PhD might be?

I need some motivation and some encouragement :(

ThAnks

I have been offered a PhD for next year, but I'm struggling so much with my Masters degree in Sociology this year!
Although I recieved a First during my undergrad in Sociology as well, there is one module which I'm not performing as well as and this is the Research Process. This Is not only worth 40 credits but it's so important for my undertaking for a PhD next year! Ranging from epistemology to using SPSS and NVivo I can't seem to get to grips with this module! And I've only been able to scrap a Pass in the assignments with 2 C's and 2 C-'s. But im doing very well at my other assignments with Mostly getting A-'s and B+,s and B-'s!! I hate that I'm not doing as well in this module
I feel so disenhearted and wondering whether or not I have what it takes to complete a PhD! Because I will need to use these learning tools for my thesis!!
Is this normal at this level? And is my standard of work at MA level a reflection of what my PhD might be?

I need some motivation and some encouragement :(

Thanks

I applied for a PhD studentship at Cardiff University just before Xmas, got through the application stage and went for an interview in early Jan. I thought it went okay, but was really surprised when i got a reply saying that i had been accepted. Pursuing a PhD is something that i always have wanted to do so i'm over the moon!!

However, despite getting a First Class Honours at my undergraduate degree, averaging about 75% I'm really struggling with the my current MA course. Espeically in one module which is worth 40 credits, and is a key module for undertaking research, and thus is essential for my PhD. I think i may have presumed that i should get a Distinction because of what i achieved in my BA degree, and i'm really worrying that i may not be able to achieve a good grade towards the end of this course that will make me suitable for my PhD for next year.

It's making me feeling extremely low and depressed and i have this feeling of being inadequate, constantly worrying over my work, stress out too much. I had to take a year out during my undegrad because i was so burned out with the course. I don't want my marks define me, but i don't want to start this PhD programme and then for my (to-be) supervise to find out that i only achieved, for example a Merit or a Pass.

Does anyone feel this way?

I might be putting pressure on myself to produce 'perfect' work; this is only because i want a career in academia!! Or should i just focus on getting the work done, doing what i can and not obsessing over the marks. I really want to achieve a Distinction, but don't think that will happen :/

Maybe in my mindset i feel that a PhD requires a 1st, and a Distinction at undegrad and posgrad level.