I'm hoping someone will be able to help me. I've read through a lot of the previous posts on here, particularly about people questioning whether a PhD is right for them but haven't found anything similar to my situation.

I studied Town Planning and took quite a long route:
- BA(hons) in 2011 - I got a 2:1
- Certificate in Planning Practice - Distinction (essentially a year working with uni work too)
- Postgrad Diploma - Distinction

I'm now converting my Diploma to a Masters by writing my dissertation which you get up to 2 years to complete. I've worked since my year out and I'm due to submit my dissertation this year (2nd year). I feel like I've been out of academia for a while now and I'm trying to do the best I can in my dissertation and really want to get a distinction.

I never thought I would I would ever do a PhD but the opportunity had arisen for me to apply for a studentship for 1+3 years and the topic is what I'm most passionate about - I do it as a job and it's what all of my research has been focused on. It almost seems too good to be true!

I'm worried that I've been out of academia for a little while and won't manage it? Or that I simply won't be good enough? How do I know?! My marks at distinction level have always been low 70's so it's not like I'm comfortably acing it... I feel like I need to be sure as I'd be quitting work to do this!

Any help would be hugely appreciated!

Sounds like you will be fine to me! I had a five year gap between my MSc and PhD. Worked out ok so far - I should submit my thesis in the next few months.

I also had a five year gap, but between Masters and PhD. I just slotted back in, as I'd done a lot of project and research-type work during masters.

If anything, the time out helped as I'd grown up a bit more by the time I started it. As a PhD student, it's no longer about trailing around for lectures and to me at least it was like a job with the obvious exception that I enjoyed it, especially the science.

Perhaps a read of my blog might help.

http://www.wearthesis.talktalk.net

Ian

The "Mackem_Beefy" is because I had a season ticket at Sunderland for years. I'm probably closer to a Woollyback (west of County Durham). :-)

There's another two Sunderland people on here who very rarely post. I admit I'm not on here so often now as I'm long since past, but pop by from time to time.

What's your connection with Sunderland?

Ian

Ah I see! I've only just joined the forum while trying to decide whether to apply for this PhD opportunity - I've read endless threads about what it's like to help me make up my mind.

I'm from Sunderland - lived there all my life. My husband and family all have season tickets for their sins too...I don't know why they bother at times!

Jen