My chances of getting a fully funded MRC PhD on PostgraduateForum.com

chronophobia
5 years ago

Hello, I made this post in hopes to get some advice or maybe to instil some hope for myself. I got a low 2:1 at undergrad and 65% merit in my MSc. What are my chances of getting a fully funded MRC DTP? I have just about scraped the entry requirements but I feel like this will not help my chances of getting a studentship. Self funding unfortunately is not an option for me (unless I do a PhD in the far far future) and there is nothing more that I want than to pursue research. Has anyone been in my situation that could offer some advice on strengthening my application? I have 1.5 years worth of research experience from 2 projects. I understand that this DTP is highly competitive :( and would be very grateful for anyone’s tips or advice. Thank you!

T

Tudor_Queen
5 years ago

Do you happen to have any publications? That could help - especially if first author. I would say just go for it, as that is the only way you're going to know. If you meet the requirements then that is great. It's determined by a whole bunch of factors, not just students' prior academic results. If your project happens to be high on their current strategic aims, if you are shortlisted and perform well at interview, if you have existing working relationship with supervisor(s) etc etc. Go for it... nothing to lose... even if not successful you can learn from the experience and try again next time, using the time that elapses to build up your profile in specific ways.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

C

chronophobia
5 years ago

Quote From Tudor_Queen:
Do you happen to have any publications? That could help - especially if first author. I would say just go for it, as that is the only way you're going to know. If you meet the requirements then that is great. It's determined by a whole bunch of factors, not just students' prior academic results. If your project happens to be high on their current strategic aims, if you are shortlisted and perform well at interview, if you have existing working relationship with supervisor(s) etc etc. Go for it... nothing to lose... even if not successful you can learn from the experience and try again next time, using the time that elapses to build up your profile in specific ways.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Thank you for your reply! I do not have any publications yet, but will be publishing soon but not as first author.
Do you think it's a good idea to reach out to supervisors that have advertised a PhD from an MRC DTP? I do not know whether this is the norm as it is not a proposal based PhD. I am unsure of what to say... I would like some further information on the project or maybe even a meeting to discuss the projects requirements further.

T

Tudor_Queen
5 years ago

Hopefully other people might have tips too. But I would definitely reach out - anything that can show your enthusiasm, and help you learn more about what is expected and the project. I'd defo e-mail and ask for more info and ask any general / specific questions you might have also. I can't think what you would have to lose from doing that.

Good luck!

C

cucaracha
5 years ago

Quote From chronophobia:
Hello, I made this post in hopes to get some advice or maybe to instil some hope for myself. I got a low 2:1 at undergrad and 65% merit in my MSc. What are my chances of getting a fully funded MRC DTP? I have just about scraped the entry requirements but I feel like this will not help my chances of getting a studentship. Self funding unfortunately is not an option for me (unless I do a PhD in the far far future) and there is nothing more that I want than to pursue research. Has anyone been in my situation that could offer some advice on strengthening my application? I have 1.5 years worth of research experience from 2 projects. I understand that this DTP is highly competitive :( and would be very grateful for anyone’s tips or advice. Thank you!

May sound obvious, but to strengthen your application, make sure your research proposal and personal statement sound as passionate, enthusiastic and confident as possible :) really play up on your past research experience too.

C

chronophobia
5 years ago

Quote From Tudor_Queen:
Hopefully other people might have tips too. But I would definitely reach out - anything that can show your enthusiasm, and help you learn more about what is expected and the project. I'd defo e-mail and ask for more info and ask any general / specific questions you might have also. I can't think what you would have to lose from doing that.

Good luck!

I will do this! Thank you so much for your advice, I really appreciate it! :)

C

chronophobia
5 years ago

Quote From cucaracha:

Quote From chronophobia:
Hello, I made this post in hopes to get some advice or maybe to instil some hope for myself. I got a low 2:1 at undergrad and 65% merit in my MSc. What are my chances of getting a fully funded MRC DTP? I have just about scraped the entry requirements but I feel like this will not help my chances of getting a studentship. Self funding unfortunately is not an option for me (unless I do a PhD in the far far future) and there is nothing more that I want than to pursue research. Has anyone been in my situation that could offer some advice on strengthening my application? I have 1.5 years worth of research experience from 2 projects. I understand that this DTP is highly competitive :( and would be very grateful for anyone’s tips or advice. Thank you!

May sound obvious, but to strengthen your application, make sure your research proposal and personal statement sound as passionate, enthusiastic and confident as possible :) really play up on your past research experience too.

I will make sure to do this! Thank you for your reply. There is no proposal required, they have one set already. But my past two projects are very similar to their project so I will use this to my advantage! :)