Hi Maimhambo

I envy your ability to immerse yourself in campus life: I went back to do an MA at 38, with 2 kids under the age of 10, plus a 1 yr old, so leaving home wasn't an option for me Still, it all worked out, and it was such an amazing experience, that I'm about to start a fully funded PhD. Have a great time, - you may find that your greater life experience is a huge asset.

I had to write off my hotmail account this Summer, and switched to gmail. Really frustrating, as my entire inbox was deleted by a virus, - probably as a consequence of using a lousy computer at a hotel on holiday.:-(

Hi MEbnouf,

Well, I lucked out: I saw an advert in the paper, for a funded PhD, wrote a research proposal, had an interview (as one of 6 shortlisted candidates), and was offered the place the next morning. The whole process took less than three weeks. To be fair, though, I'd slogged my heart out on the proposal.

Is anyone else doing a Collaborative DoctAward? I'm embarking on mine in a few weeks, spending part of my time at a professional body, and part at uni, and am curious about any experiences that you may have had, relating specifically to the collaborative nature of the process.

I'm anticipating the usual balancing act that accompanies the differing priorities of stakeholders (hate that word), but would be interested to hear of anyone else's experience. Thanks.

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As long as your motives, interests and long-term commitment to study are clear, I don't think it matters whether you take a break to travel/try other professional stuff/have a family etc.

I had an interval of almost 20 years between my undergrad and masters degrees, followed by a further 3 year interval, and still picked up AHRC full doctoral funding.

Boo hiss, "computer says" I've already voted for Walminskipeas. Well, we've established beyond all doubt that more than one vote is required to elevate a 4 star to a 5 star. Any other useful findings, anyone?

Walminskipeas, you hiding? I'll give it a go when I see you're online.

Hey Sneaks, arise, if not, it's a fix :-)

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Walminski peas and Sneaks, c'mon, collect your 5th star......

I had a relevant dilemma recently, in relation to a collaborative arts & humanities PhD, and opted for a world-class collaborative partner + weaker institution, over a regular (ie. non-collaborative) PhD at world-class institution, given that my post doc end goal is in a professional rather than academic sphere. The collaborative route, to me, is a win-win scenario, as it involves "real world", extensive engagement with an employer. Maybe my views will change when it's underway, but it seems an ideal route for candidates with ambitions outside academia.

Don't dwell on the other people copied in on your email...I found out immediately prior to my interview that there were 6 shortlisted candidates being interviewed: REALLY unhelpful piece of information (which, stupidly, I discovered by asking the receptionist.) Concentrate on your own preparation, and give it your best. And take the call standing up, with copies of all the paperwork that has been submitted to your interviewers set out in front of you. I beat the odds at 6/1, so good luck to you.

I got a bit glum 10 days ago, when I'd had no emails for a while...turns out a trojan virus had gobbled my entire inbox, but at least I had a legitimate reason to be fully distracted for a while.

Yup, my MA would've been 1yr full time, but I chose to do p/t as I have 3 children, and I'm doing my PhD at a different university. They've checked all my records now, and are satisfied that my application is accurate/honest. After all the elation of getting the nomination, it took the wind out of my sails. Still, it's back on track now (enough metaphors?), and I've been told that my nomination has progressed through to the next phase of checks.

Hi Williambriggs

I got a 2:1 for my BA, and a Distinction for my MA thesis (83%), with a 79.04% overall, - which at my Uni, only gave me an overall Merit, plus Distinction for the Long Study. I've just been awarded a fully funded AHRC collaborative doctorate place, so, to answer your question, a 2:1 BA + MA Distinction shouldn't hold you back at all. That said, alot still comes down to how you interview, so, I suppose there are still plenty of variables. Good luck.