As a few of you probably know, I am doing a MSc (sociology/psychology) where I did my UG degree, and in the process of applying there for a PhD. I emailed an initial enquiry to the director of postgraduate research two weeks ago and we exchanged a few emails about my research area, who was supervising me now etc. I went for a meeting with her yesterday morning, when it was arranged I asked if she wanted me to prepare anything for it and she said I didn't need to.

I really assumed that it would be a quick 20 minute meeting so that she could meet me properly and go through the application process - but it was actually a discussion of who had agreed to supervise me and whether I was happy with the decision (I was!) and how I had to apply, or go through the bureaucracy as she said! She also asked me a few interview-style questions but overall it was very relaxed. She then said that she didn't need to interview me again more formally and that I just had to apply so that they had my application on paper. I was then introduced to the Research Administrator - she was lovely and we went through the PhD process, like when I would be reviewed, how the upgrade system works, and she even talked about the viva! Then she showed me around the research offices, introduced me to the PhD students that were in (as the new PhD student!) - they were really friendly and gave me their email addresses if I wanted to meet for coffee or whatever, and she showed me where my desk space would be.

I was so overwhelmed that it's all happened so quickly, all I need to do now is submit a formal application, quick personal statement and two references (from my supervisors) then I start in October straight after my MSc! I'm so happy with it, but can't help thinking there's going to be a catch somewhere. Do you think I've got in, or could anything go wrong at this stage?

Thanks, Natassia xxx

I honestly think you've got in. Well done!

Thank you - I really hope so!

That's brilliant Natassia!!!! That's pretty much the process I went through and I started my PhD last September with no more formality - i.e. no more interviews, presentations etc. It sounds to me like you are definitely in (up)

That's wonderful, how exciting! :-)

Hey hun, that sounds great! Yeah- def sounds like you're in there! Is this with funding? If you're self funding then you definitely won't have anything to worry about- they'll snap you up! Really pleased for you chick! Best, KB

Thats great news. Congrats :)

Natassia! Congratulations, But don't let this effect your Msc. If you get a distinction or high marks you would def be a good candidate for research grant in any British University. I was selected to do PhD at 4 universities including UCL but only one funding application was successful. People are striving for self funded students. Keep your options open at this stage. Let her know that without funding it would be very difficult for you to continue.

Natassia it's brilliant news, well done! It sounds to me like you are definitely in so just enjoy it and concentrate on getting your masters finished up as Goodboy says! I'm so pleased you've gotten onto the exact project you wanted with supervisors you like! And as soon as you;ve submitted your masters, take it easy with work and get to know that boy of yours a bit better too! ;-)

My mom whispers from Heaven:
"My child, my Spirit is calm,
No more tears or pain, I´m floating in Eden.
I´m holding your daddy´s hands."

We are both sitting by the Lord.
He is with His Majesty at His Throne.
This place is all Lights, beyond Stars.
It´s Heaven, just like when you were born.

Hi Natassia, that sounds like what happened to me at both unis I've been a PhD student with. I think the catch is probably that you are self funded! Otherwise it looks like you're in. Although the maxim, don't believe it untill you see it in writing does always hold true too; I think you can 99% believe it... That's great news, good luck XX

someone has to say this, sorry it is me, but if you are self funded, why on earth would a supervisor NOT take you on?! FREE LABOUR!! bonsa!

to be fair, I don't think a sup would take a student on if they seemed unlikely to finish, it looks bad. Also, some, very high profile, supervisors are overloaded with PhD students, so even a self-funded place is very competitive.

Briefly,

@Goodboy - I do not understand your post on whispers from heaven. i..e I do not understand its relevance here.

@PhDSmug - Supervisors are *delighted* to be able to mentor keen, intelligent, driven and ambitious students, precisely because these are rare. In the middle of long bouts of marking, administration, writing for the RAE machine, an hour's intellectual conversation with a fantastic student is sometimes the highlight of their day.

So, someone has to say this, and am delighted it is me - Natassia is one such ken, intelligent, driven (has anyone on PGF any doubt?!) and ambitious student, and has been received positively because she has it in her.

Well said Bug, I completely agree! Best, KB