Hi there,


First post on here. Ive tried searching through the forums to see if anyone has had a similar problem, but nothing that I've seen is near (or an indication of my poor research skills!).

Also, didn't proofread the title - should say Second Go At a PhD

I had funding for a PhD attached to a research assistant post. The RA aspect of the post was finished within 18months as my DOS became ill and we rushed to finish the project whilst he was still able. My funding continued for the next 18 months (got through the annual assessments with no problem), but focus was lost and I went through a number of poor relationships with a succession of supervisors; two others left for different jobs, one was ongoing but we didn't get on (not blaming anyone, I contributed to this I'm sure ...).

Funding stopped a couple of years ago and I let the research lie and was busy with life stuff and sessional teaching. Occasionally I've pulled the folders out and looked through what I'd written seeing if I could get re-attached to it but it hasn't happened. Partly because it's a mess and I'm not sure I want to go back to that topic.

So, the question is ... would it be possible to apply for funding to start from scratch or am I likely to be overlooked because I've 'had my chance' and that funding should go to new applicants (I sympathise with this).

Anyone been there?

Thanks!

It depends on what the source of your original funding was, what the source for any second funding would be, and how good a case you can make to any prospective new supervisor.

If your first PhD was funded by e.g. a UK research council (any of them), then it's very unlikely that you will get research council funding again. When you apply they ask you to declare what past RCUK you've had, and will reduce anything you get accordingly. Probably.

If your first PhD was research council funded you may have more luck getting funding from another source the second time around, though that's very scarce. For example industry funding, or charity, or unviersity's own scholarship.

If your first PhD wasn't research council funded you might have more options, but you're still going to have to persuade any potential supervisor (1) why they should take you on, and (2) why they should risk giving you scarce funding, given that you didn't complete last time.

I have personal experience of this. I was a full-time EPSRC-funded science PhD student for nearly 2 years, but had to leave that PhD after developing a progressive neurological disease. Years later, after retraining as a historian (picking up a part-time BA(Hons) and PG taught Masters) I decided to have another go, history this time. I thought I'd be self-funding throughout, but was encouraged during my first year to apply to AHRC for funding from the second year onwards. I had to declare my past RCUK funding. They gave me a full (part-time) award, and didn't reduce it at all. It may have been partly because of why I'd had to leave PhD #1 (severe health problems, totally outside my control), and also that PhD #2 was in a completely different field. And I completed that second PhD.

But if you have another go for funding you're really going to have to sell yourself well. Or self-fund.

Thanks. That's quite a level of commitment on your part to retrain, seemingly, from scratch. Excellent.

My funding was from the university itself, and as I mentioned, attached to an RA post. Bearing in mind the issues I had with supervision I may well have a case, although I'm quite aware that the student has to take equal responsibility for how these relationships (dis-) function.

I've seen a number of funded opportunities of late within my field, so was curious whether it was a possibility ... I suppose I should simply contact whoever is advertising the post and ask, but just fishing on here first.

Cheers.