Hi Tanya, I would say go for it. I've just had an hour long chat with my midwife about doing a Phd with a baby, and she herself has done it. She did a Phd is midwifery(sp?)which I understand is very hands on, and she already had two boys. From what I hear it is achievable. I'm not letting baby get in the way of my plans, If I don't carry on, I won't be able to support it in the future, so go for it. Or at least give it a darn good try, at least then if you have to quit you can say you tried. Good Luck!

I'm now looking into the city ang guilds as an option to get a bona fide teaching qualification, even if it is a less weighty one. My advice would be to do some onservation at a college/uni so you can at least say you've got some experience in the classroom as something other than a student. Some uni's might offer 1st yr Phds teaching prac if you have at least some experience (the uni I'm applying to have offered me teaching in my first year, only 1st yr undergrad, but it's a step in the right direction, which is why I'm sitting in on the A levelers).

So there you have it. That's about the limit of my knowledge on the subject of PCEs. It's what I've read and been told, and not all unis/colleges are the same so don't assume it's going to be the same accross the board. Hope it helps nonetheless. FFxxx

They did their best to persuade me to go PCE instead of Phd bless-em, and I'm doing some observing in college at the moment with post 16's AS and A2 level film and media students, but I won't be persuing this career path. They might be post 16, but most of them can't spell and their attentions spans are worse than demented goldfish. Half of them don't turn up to class because mummy and daddy told them they should continue learning until at last 18 and when they do turn up they make the stupidest of remarks. Very tiresome.

I'm not saying all colleges are like this but it really is like school without the sanctions. Perhaps I sould point out I'm talking about film studies and media studies, and they are they are considered 'soft' subjects, so do tend to attract layabouts (gross generalisation, I know but it seems to hold true!). Still, its mayhem. But that's just my opinion I'm sure there are many FE lecturers who are more than fulfilled by their career choices.

Hello, long post alert! The PGCE for post 16 is called a PCE, post-compulsory certificate of education, or some such title, which gives you a Qualified teacher status and allows you to teach in Further Education ie post 16 college etc but NOT Higher Education ie Uni. I did a little research into it, and it sounds like a VERY intensive course.

You have to be well qualified in your specialist area (so at least a masters) and be available 5 days a week, 3 full lecture days and 2 obs then teaching days. They offer full funding award: fees + £6,000 a year on a competition basis, but it might not cover living costs if your rent is anymore than about £400 a month. Its definitely not compatible with the Phd, and you would probably lose funding for one or the other if either found out you were, in effect 'moonlighting' and doing both. At least, this is what I was told by the college I approached about it. Could be scare-mongering.

Mint tea really helps, thanks for the tip! Can't believe how generous everyone is being with their advice!

Thank you so much for the advice, Ann. The morning sickness is pretty much all day which is horrible. Ginger nuts are not working, but I'm now trying slices of ginger in hot water. Tastes vile though. I suppose the timing couldn't have been better really. I've only got my dissertation to write for my masters, which is due next and which is already half written (I'm part time, but working on it full time!). So hopefully all the groundwork will pay off now I really need it to. I'm also putting together my research propsal, which is beginning to sound really fascinating (that can only be a good thing!)and hubby is supporting me every step, so really, apart from the sickness, cramps, tiredness and sheer terror of child birth, everything is rosy. Find out next week how many weeks I am. Will post the result in case anyone is interested. Thanks again FF xxx

Thanks so much for the replies! Sounds like it is achievable, although keeping hold of my sanity at the same time might prove difficult. I have resolved to give it my best shot, especially if others have managed to get funding and are succeeding with small children, although each case is individual. So I'm still going to apply for full funding, and I'm determined not to become one of those mushy mothers who only wants to talk about their kids. Am thinking of starting a blog so I can vent when I get frustrated and maybe offer some comfort to others in my predicament. Thanks for the replies guys, I appreciate it. Am going away now to cry for no reason and pssibly throw up. Oh joy!

Two pregnancy tests, both positive. How did that happen? (only kidding!). I don't want to let it stop me completing my (P/T) masters or applying for a (humanities) Phd and funding etc. Am I being naive? I'm convinced I can write a dissertation while pregnant, and that I can start a Phd with a lit'lun of only a few months old. I'm convinced about this because although I'm incredibly happy about the news, I'm also scared out of my wits that I'll have to kiss goodbye to my dream career. I am determined not to let that happen, not when I've worked so hard. Anyone else facing or dealt with the baby/career conundrum? What happened? did you succeed? am I mad to believe I can do both? Inspiring stories also welcome!

Yay! I know have a bone fide reason to go out and buy every episode of Friends and Red Dwarf ever made!

Thanks for the link, very interesting. Makes me wonder if 3 years is going to be enough, but also determined to see it through. I refuse to have an unfinished project taunting me for the rest of my life.

I think maybe failure rates also correspond to how much the individual really wants it. Is the Phd a dream to be fulfilled or a stop gap because nothing better came along and reality looked a bit scary.

Many other factors may be involved, and each set of circumstances is unique, but there's alot to be said for dogged determination and refusal to accept anything but success.

Thanks for starting this thread, I'm also worried about failing before I've even started, so you are not alone! By the way, does anyone know what sort of things count as minor or major corrections? I suppose there's no chance it could be spelling mistakes...

Congratulations on your engagement, H, hope it all goes well for you. I dragged my partner half way accross the world so I could do this and I think he's hoping to retire early (to concentrate on being an artist)once I'm done and we go home. Might be a little optimistic on his part, and he'll have to get over his allergy to housework first. I just hope I don't muck it all up by failing miserably, but that's another thread... Thanks again for the supportive messages. xxx

Thank you for replying! Mine is also very supportive,and we too are looking forward to reaping the rewards. I promised him I would do this, but now it's round the corner, the reality of 3 years watching him go to work to a job that he's not happy doing is pulling me to bits. It's good to know we're not alone though :), so thanks for the message FFx

Hello, I'm considereing applying for a Phd. Am in my second year of a part time masters, while working full time. My other half is not the academic type and I'm feeling very guilty about the prospect of him working his tail off for three years in a nasty job while I swan about the library and watch films all day (I'm a film postgrad if you hadn't guessed) Anyone else in a similar position? How do you cope? Any advice would be warmly appreciated!