i am on the first year of my Mphil Phd research, but not too sure what the hell i am doing. I am an artist and designer who has been doing community art projects for the past 2 years, but wanted to take a look at of art in the community and figured this would be a good way to do it. On one hand i want to do this but there is this thing in the back of my mind saying "you are an artist not an academic". Then there is the thing about funding anyone have any suggestions.

Hi Mesin
I am a science student so can't offer much advice from an arts perspective. However, I would say that the 'don't know what the hell I'm doing' feeling is fairly common to all research students at one stage or another but especially in the first year! Do you have good contact with your supervisor(s)? Even if you know your subject well you really need to have a good team of advisors to help you develop the necessary research skills and to help you with things like obtaining funding. Best wishes.

Hi,
A PhD is not only for academics, Have you ever heard of the saying 'a mistake in art is a design in itself.'So make use of your opportunity.

The same is the situation wid me as well.....first year phd student

Hi, I'm a 4th year (writing up stage) PhD - and if it’s any consolation, I still feel unsure sometimes. Most phd’s feel like this at some point! But, if you Really don’t know what you're doing a PhD for and you’re only in your first year, than a PhD probably isn't for you. There are good websites (check out the excellent - now defunct -'invisible adjunct') that can give you an honest viewpoint. I would warn against Anyone doing a PhD with no funding though (esp if you are not 150% committed).