Wow so it could really start to add up then. Writing up must be stressful enough with out the additional worry of fees etc.

Thanks for your reply!

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Hi NatashaW

I didn't do a Masters degree and have managed to get a funded PhD, but as the previous post has said, it might depend on the university and subject area etc.

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Hi,

I was told the other day that if the PhD theses isn't completed in the time allocated, then the student has to start paying for each extra week or month that they run over. Have I heard correctly?
Thanks :-)

Hi,

I didn't do a masters degree so i could be wrong but don't masters degrees use a different grading system to bachelors degrees (distinction, merit etc).

Masters degrees I'm sure must be far more challenging than undergraduate degrees and so you really shouldn't be so hard on yourself. If I was an employer I would be impressed by the fact that the student had taken the time and effort to educate themselves to a higher academic level, and appreciate that masters degrees are more difficult than undergraduate degrees.
I'm sure you have nothing to worry about - you should be proud of your achievements!
:-)

Hi Kate55,

You certainly sound like an ideal PhD student in terms of your experience and qualifications and it is probably just a matter of time before you get an interview. I didn't get interviews for quite a few of the PhDs that I applied for, and it's very disheartening when you've spent ages writing personal statements etc. I got a 1st in my undergraduate degree and loads of experience, but just didn't seem to be getting any response. It wasn't until I asked an academic to read through my personal statement, and followed her advice on changes to the personal statement that the interviews started coming in.

Has an academic read through your personal statement/cover letter? might be an idea if not.

Good luck and try not to get disheartened. :-)

Hi,

Don't worry about your degree classification! You obviously look great on paper or you wouldn't have got an interview. Try to be confident and enthusiastic and really get to know what the phd is about. You might be asked why you want to do a phd and why that particular phd. Also, you might be asked what you want to do once You've completed your phd and some questions relating to the phd. I was really nervous for mine, but prepared for it quite well and so I started to relax about half way through the interview.

You'll be fine! Good luck!

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:-)

======= Date Modified 21 Mar 2011 10:53:05 =======
Hi,

I think position of Research Assistant would probably best prepare you for a PhD, and look impressive on your CV as it shows that you have an idea of a research environment and will have relevant skills etc. I guess that there aren't many such jobs around at the moment, I know there were few when I was looking. Would it be an option, at least for a short period, to do some voluntary research work? Voluntary work would look great on you CV and could also lead to a paid position or PhD studentship if one should become available with that supervisor.
Hope that help.
Good luck.

Hi,

I agree totally with what Ady has suggested. It's important to say what you can bring to the research, so it would be good to mention any techniques/skills that you have used, that might be relevant to each individual PhD. There will be elements that you can copy and paste, but yes, try and individualise as much as you can in the time that you have.

Good luck

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======= Date Modified 19 Mar 2011 11:58:42 =======
Hi Garry00,

Yes, it's pretty scary, but I'm sure we'll be fine. :-)

======= Date Modified 19 Mar 2011 10:48:25 =======
Hi Mikail,

I have a friend who got a 2:2 degree classification and has just completed a PhD Studentship. My friend worked initially as a Research Assistant for the PhD supervisor, and was then offered a studentship when one came available. Another option might be to do voluntary research work. I think it looks good on the CV as it shows that you genuinely want to do research and develop lab and research skills.

Good luck!

Hi Caro,

Yes, at least when we have periods of stress etc we can be reassured that it is perfectly normal and that most PhD students go through it! It's good to know that someone else on here will be starting at a similar time to me and yes, it would be great to share experiences.

Good luck!! :-)

Hi!
I am due to start a Phd Studentship in September and I just wondered if there is anyone else on the forum in the same situation. I'm really excited about starting, but very nervous too, having read some of the experiences on here from current students.