Most of the PhDs I have applied for called for application forms not CVs..so check this.

I'm looking into going back to college after a break, and there while there seems to be plenty of helping information floating about, there's very little application advice. I've talked to various people about courses on offer, but I find myself lost when it comes to turning my professional cv into a more academic one. And if a personal statement was requested with the cv, just what extra info is expected? Any words of wisdom available?

I am currently studying an MRes in Biomolecular science at York and I'm taking a year out next year before hopefully doing a phd, but I need to earn some money for about 4-5 months before I go away. I would ideally like to do this somewhere around London working in Molecular Biology. does anyone have any ideas about this? Or whether it would be possible?

Hi Ellie! I can understand your situation, as I am in it myself. I am now in my second year, and my first year was a bit disappointing because of personal circumstances. But if you are interested in the general idea of your project then there may be opportunities to try your own ideas. In the first year generally speaking is understanding the basics and laying down foundations, hardly ground breaking. So that's why I opted to stay. Good luck with your decision.

Social Science is a washed up micky mouse subject with lettle worth - hence you can't find a job!

Hi Ellie! I too had a similar situation.What have u decided.I am in my master's and i supposed to quit my thesis.But still continiuing it.half heartedly.May be you can tell me what u did? Good luck Ellie.

Is there anyone out there who is doing a PhD purely for the reason to get the title Dr in front of their name ?

I had a M.Sc.in ICS since 1992.Now, I am looking to continue PhD on a long distance basis while I am working in outside UK. Which Is better for me the long distnace or part time basis from an accerdited university. What is best research area/UK university that combines/provides a PhD in IT with bussiness

Hi Becky, if you want a career in research then it would probably be better to do a research degree (Mphil or PhD) rather than a taught MSc. It's certainly worth considering getting a lab tech job first, that's what I did after completing my first degree and I'm now a PhD student within the same research group. It was a good way of getting some research experience first. Best of luck!

What he meant to say was......there is no chance if you are seriosuly trying to develop a sporting career. I was speaking to one of my lecturers, and he said they recently turned down an applicant at interview cos he had similar questions to you regarding sport. Social life yes, serious sporting career NO!!

....because of my current position, i have found it difficult to get a PhD (2 interviews, no offers). My pre-uni education is shakey to say the least and this has been going against me in a big way, despite what people might say. An MSc at a 5* institute would nullify this aspect of 'me' i feel.

Thanks Andy. The situation is that if i take this MSc, then it will direct me into a different area. My degree is in physiology, but my placement was concerned with population genetics. Therefore i have two possible routes i could take. The MSc would broaden my genetics knowledge which may allow me to combine this with physiology later. I am particularly interested in mental illness.

Thank you, that sounds a little more reassuring.

It depends on the availability of PhD's in your area of interest. The best thing to do is speak to your current (or previous if you've already finished) course tutor to ask them what your chances are of getting a studentship. Unless you're thinking of changing specialty you might as well try and get straight onto a PhD. Studentships for MSc's are hard to come by, so don't give up the place you've got until you're sure what you're going to do.

frustration is not solution, to any problem you can start with scrap and you can come up. believe in god