I'm really stuck here. I have been in contact via e-mail with someone for over a year concerning my proposal, it seemed to be going OK he seemed to like me, and the way I write etc. and we appeared to be getting on really well, but- in the last e-mail he suggested my supervisor might him, - couldn't guarantee it obviously -but suggested that it might also fit into another area that I think has absolutely nothing to do with my subject. I had this trouble when I was doing the diss part of my MA, no-one had any expertise in my area and I ended up with someone who had to be pressured into doing it, had no idea about what I was doing, and no interest either The area I want to study has appeared in no literature at PhD or MA level (except for mine)that I can find so it was good to find anyone who was interested in the area. I'm wondering what to do. Do I submit and hope he becomes my supervisor, or try somewhere else?

I want to look at the role and future of the science technician in schools. So it is education, but not as they know it! There has been some research on classroom support, but not on any other support staff in schools, and I think it is an area that needs looking in to.

as far as i know, a PhD in an education area is hard to get funded, but i'm sure it happens, so good luck there.

I know he is interested - correspondence started because they were offering funding for teacher research, but not for others and I wrote to ask why not, and person said well apply then. I suppose it could be because those who decide may not think of him/thinkhe has too much other stuff to do/ or whatever. This was a while ago now, other things intervened, but not too worried about funding, will apply of course but will pay if need be because I think it is a very important area. I just don't want to get stuck again with someone who is not interested or doesn't care. That makes life hard.

chocolate teapot springs to mind! Didn't know anything about my area, or the way MA should be written up, and probably wouldn't care. Also I think supervisor may have gone abroad (retired now)have home address,but that was last year. Doubt very much if person could help, as was not connected with education faculty so probably other possible ref has suggested I should stick with institute, but that was because when I phoned them up about a query the person I spoke to was rude and unhelpful, so I asked him if it was worth continuing with them.

I asked my other ref not the institute if I should continue with the application as he organises meetings there, didn't say anything to the institute (!) He said he has the same problems when booking meetings there, and not to let it put me off. Person who supervised my MA diss implied he would do it but only if he had to, when we met up we got on OK but it just wasn't the same level of supervision that I knew other students had.I know he thought the dissertation was out of his area of expertise as he told me so. Another departmental member said they would be pleased to do my ref so have the two people,but don't unis like one to be the person who supervised the MA diss? Think I will apply to the institute, but am just worried that it will be hard for them to find someone who will take it on, if my contact can't do it.