======= Date Modified 19 33 2009 22:33:26 =======
Hi,

I was hoping someone who has been through the process of an economic phd application could offer some advice on my situation. I looking at applying for a phd in Macroeconomics/international finance, to start in 2010. Basically I would like some advice on how to begin the process and gaining funding? I completed a MSC Economics (expected distinction based on exam results) in sept. following a BSc economics (2:2) both from top 10 uni (top 20 economics). I am basically struggling to know where to start. as such i have the following questions:

1. I have been looking at websites for top economics uni's (lse, ucl, warwick, ox, notts) and wonder whether these would be realistic?

2. should i just submit applications or try and email lectures at each uni i plan to apply to first in order to check interest in supervision? are open days worth visiting to discuss points with people in the department?

3. at what point would i need to decide which uni i accept an offer from (assuming i get accepted in to one)? this really refers to funding, as it would clearly increase my chances of funding if i applied for studentships at every uni i got in to, however if applying for research council studentships am i right in assuming i can only submit one application from one uni? i would be unable to start without funding, so accepting a place and rejecting others, than failing to get funding would mean waiting another year.

4. am i likely to actually get any funding in the subject area / unis / my background?

5. does it matter to funding bodies / unis what i have done this year (after finishing msc, befor starting phd?) basically i am working in a job unrelated to economics just to earn some money. is there other things i could / should be doing to remain involved in economics ( i have applied for 2/3 research positions, but am reluctant to take other economics based jobs just to quit in 9 months)

i apologise if some of these questions appear obvious and for the fairly random nature of the questions, but this is a pretty daunting prospect to be starting out on as im sure some of you remember.

many thanks