So I'm being offered 3+1 at a top University. I missed the funding deadline for the 3+1 as my lead tutor on my MA never did a reference (despite my numerous appeals) and the 3+1 rules me out of the other funding on offer. Uni suggest self funding first year then apply for funding in next years round. I've got 2:1 degree, Distinction Masters and a small research grant for a 9 month project, plus 10+ yrs professional relevant experience so I'm not exactly sure why the offer is a 3+1 but it's a great uni. Would you accept the offer, try find the funding and cross fingers they fund the other years or should I be looking for a straight 3yr funded PhD at a less prestigious uni? Thanks in advance :-)

hi wowzers congratulations on your offer!

If I were you I would choose the phd that I want to do or like very much.
Very often, after you've made your choice, things kind of "fall in place".

Oh yes remember to consider your future as well.
It would be great to do a phd that you like which will ensure that you are in great demand in the future job environment :-)

On the other hand, have you got another offer yet? this time funded, of course.
If you're still young, then the world is at your feet.

love satchi

Thanks for the reply Satchi. It's an amazing offer and in a sector that is high in gov priority and policy. It's such a great uni, I really have my heart set on doing my PhD there. I do have another offer but again atm it is without funding, they are expecting to release some funding soon and I would have to apply. The dept I have applied to at the other uni is one of the top in its field but the uni itself is no where near as high ranking. The issue is, I'm late 30's with a mortgage and two small children and living off one wage, even for a year is a no go plus I'd have to find 4K fees. Atm I'm banking on a lotto win!!

I have a second question in that with a 3+1 would I be expected to be full time in the first year, if I could work part time I'd just have to find the 4k from somewhere, I say just, that's an awful lot of money to me.

I've had an explanation of the offer and it makes total sense. Not enough research taught modules. Tbh I feel demoralised after getting a distinction yet finding it's not good enough, it seems never ending. I am annoyed with current uni as I made clear I wanted a course to progress to PhD and now it seems I've wasted 3 years of my life and a lot of money when if I'd have done an MRes or Msc research (which is basically what I now have to do) I'd be on a traditional 3 yr PhD. I suppose the upshot is +1 means you can try your methods before the PhD and will in essence still be working towards your PhD, which can be a good thing but I feel I've wasted time and money on an irrelevant first MA. Sorry for the rant :-(

hi wowzers, yes, with a mortgage and two lovely small children it will be hard on you even for a year without funding. I'm sure you'll make the right decision. However, don't feel that what you did (the MA) was a waste. You know what, yesterday someone told me the exact thing I'm telling you today! Learning is also not a waste.

Plus, ranting is good for you
love satchi

No I agree, learning is never a waste, just the learning I did could have been better put to use in a different qual and my qualifications are not appreciated or recognised by my current employer. Oh it's totally relevant to my job just they don't ever utilise my knowledge so that's when it feels like a waste. 10 yrs, a list of quals and skills gained yet no promotion, 2k payrise in all that time (nothing for the last 5 years) and I'm still not eaning over 20k!!! It's such a specialist job I do in teaching it's nigh on impossible to move without re-skilling. I'm hopeful something good will come of my MA, eventually :-)

hi wowzers I hope the same for you too! do post back and let us know how you get on
love satchi