While I am not an actual PHD student, if I had managers behaving like this, I woudl be stating very clearly that this was putting me in an impossible position, and that they both had a responsibility to resolve this. Privately I would be deciding which supervisor was most useful to me, and requesting that the other be replaced with another supervisor.

I cannot imagine how difficult this has been for you.

It is an entirely social work based research topic, although it is multidisciplinary, in that it crosses over two distinct areas of social work. I was worried that if I presented it in that way, that it might preclude me from certain aspects of funding, for instance rfom the national institute of mental health.

I have to say, even if it were possible, which I doubt, I am not sure that jumping straight to Phd would be a good idea. I would have thought that some evidence of understanding and being able to use research methods, would be wise.

That is a bit clearer! I actually think I have a plan of action, that might see me through to starting a PHD(Mphil) next year!

I have a 2:1 BA(hons)Social Work(missed first by one mark as was very pregnant during finals!), and would like to look at doing a phd. I have had another thread re: process of application. I was wondering what the best way of entering was- do an MA in my discipline eg social work, or do a Mphil to lead directly onto Phd, or is it poss to g directly to Phd? If this is possible, is it really wise to do this, as one would be embarking on research without real grounding in research methods?

Sorry, if I sound very dim. So what I am getting from this thread, is that it would be best now to start exploring avenues of funding, prepare funding applications, and contact university to get guidance on formal application to do PHD. Then hopefully get offer about March 2008, then actually submit funding applications and hope for the best- and also hope that a funded place is an option?

Is there a limit to how many funding applications I make, and do I have to inform each place i apply to, of any other funding applications I make?

So, if I aimed to apply for September 2008(does it have to coincide with the start of academic year), I could take my time applying for funding, and applying to universities?

Sorry. I should have been clearer, I am hoping to enroll on MPhil Program, which should take me to the point of doing phd.

I am a social worker, and I have an idea for a piece of research. My boss thinks its a great idea, and my old tutor says its an interesting piece of research. I would want to do it over 6 years, part time, while continuing to practice social work part time. Is this possible? How do I apply? Do I apply for funding first? Does it matter that I missed a first by 2 marks, and only have a 2:1? Am I nuts for wanting to do this?

I know this is a lot of questions, but to be honest, I had never considered the possibility of doing a phd(although I had always thought I would do a masters), and now I have realised that I could research this topic, I am really buzzed about it.