Hi everyone,

I have a 2.1 in Computer Science from Imperial, then I decided I wanted to do an arts subject so did a Masters at SOAS in Chinese politics/history. I got a distinction for that, and really enjoyed doing the dissertation so am now thinking of doing a phd. The thing is I want to do it in a social science subject, not necessarily China related but something politics/sociology related. I'm worried though I won't get accepted because of this change in topic, not only between undergrad and Masters, but between masters and phd!

Secondly though my grades are quite good, they're not exceptional, and I'm aware funding for arts/social sciences are scarce. I can't possibly do this self funded, so how do you rate my chances of getting a scholarship? (I'm uk student btw)

*sigh* I actually think I'm an ideal candidate for phd study. I've always been good at academics, don't quit things especially study easily, have a burning desire to pursue the truth :p, and work better alone (as opposed to teamwork/office politics in some company). But the process of getting one is such a hassle.

why would anyone not want you?! :s

You also appear to be contradicting yourself. One minute you don't quit things easily [other than Computing and Chinese politics etc that is] and have a burning desire to pursue etc...etc... Another minute getting a studentship is such a hassle. The latter comment is not a good sign [IMO] btw.

Just an observation.

I wouldn’t worry about having studied in different disciplines. Most social science departments are keen to recruit postgraduate students with differing academic backgrounds. It may work to your advantage as it shows that you can work in different subjects and pick up new skills.

Your grades are very good but the key thing to remember is that they are only part of the criteria for being awarded funding. Proposing PhD research that is original, feasible and can be supervised is extremely important, so are references and performance at interview.

In order to apply for ESRC funding you must have completed the ESRC recognised research-training component of a masters degree. If you have not completed this you may have to agree to complete it in the first year of a PhD, or even apply for 1+3 funding (i.e. complete another masters then progress onto the PhD).

HELLO, THANKS FOR THE REPLIES AND SORRY FOR THE CAPS IN MY REPLY, SOMETHINGS WRONG WITH MY COMPUTER.

SINCE I'M CHANGING SUBJECTS I THOUGHT I HAVE TO DO AN MPHIL FIRST, SO IS THIS FUNDABLE THROUGH THE AHRC/ESRC? ALSO THIS 1+3 OR 2+2 THING IS THAT FUNDING FOR 1 YEAR MPHIL + PHD? AND IS APPLYING FOR 4 YEARS FUNDING MORE DIFFICULT THAN JUST 3 YEARS? PLUS HOW CAN YOU COME UP WITH A RESEARCH PROPOSAL NOW IF THE POINT OF AN MPHIL IS TO ALLOW YOU TO SWITCH TO A NEW TOPIC AND FIND WHAT YOU'RE INTERESTED IN THERE? SO IN THAT CASE HOW DO YOU START APPLYING FOR FUNDING & A PLACE?

ANOTHER QUESTION, HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE THE WHOLE PROCESS OF APPLYING FOR FUNDING AND A PLACE AND FINDING A TUTOR? I'M HOPING TO GO ABROAD AT THE END OF FEBRUARY FOR 6 MONTHS, IS IT POSSIBLE TO FINISH THE APPLICATION PROCESS BEFORE THEN? (ASSUMING I'VE GOT A RESEARCH PROPOSAL WORKED OUT)

SORRY FOR ALL THESE QUESTIONS, BUT I'M REALLY CONFUSED.

Apologies for the length of these posts but there is a lot to cover!

You will probably have to complete an MA first to be able to progress onto PhD in order to get the ESRC research training. However, as you already have a master’s there is a chance that you can go direct to PhD if you say you will do the necessary taught MA research modules in the first year of your PhD.

Contact the universities you are interested in and discuss this. If you have to complete a full MA then PhD you will have to apply for ESRC 1 + 3 funding (i.e. the one year of a MA and the three years of a PhD will be funded). If you can go direct to the PhD then you will apply for just +3 funding. As far as I know the 2 + 2 is just the way in which Oxford University modifies ESRC 1 + 3 to be different from everyone else.

Getting funding for a masters is very difficult so many people complete a master’s self-funded and then try to get funding for a PhD (where funding is more common) after that.

Trying to come up with a research proposal is very difficult. For 1 + 3 funding emphasis is placed on the potential of the candidate to progress to PhD and the research proposal is expected to be more general. For + 3 PhD funding the research proposal is expected to be much more focused.

Completing the application process before the end of February? If starting a research proposal from scratch then I would say that it is not, as to be in with a chance a research proposal has to be very well thought out and in my opinion 7 weeks is nowhere near enough time to do this. However, if your research proposal is well under way it will just be a case of contacting the unis concerned and submitting the research proposal plus application form, references, transcripts etc and hoping for the best!