Hi
I would greatly appreciate some help. I have my heart set on pursuing a PhD in behavioural ecology in 2010 however there are a few questions I have to resolve:

I graduated with first class honours in Animal Behaviour in June 2008, have 6 months experience working as a lab technician, worked as a volunteer assistant for 2 months on a project in Spain, and conducted my own short research project funded by the British Ecology Society.

I have limited means so I cannot do a masters or PhD without funding.

1) My field is competitive, anyone know if I have any chance of securing a funded PhD without first doing a masters?

2) What is the best way of finding out about funding?

Thanks guys!

You know in the UK its not a pre-requisite at all uni's to have an MSc first. The only way to find out is to write a strong CV/personal statement cover letter etc telling them about your commitment to what you want to do and that you have some research experience already. The only way to know for sure is to send it out there.

Also you can get funding for an MSc (I had a studentship for mine).