I'm interested in doing a PhD in Philosophy but a little worried about my age and background. I'd be looking to start in 2009 - when I will be 57. Is there any age restriction, either on doing the PhD or on getting a studentship (would need that until my pension kicks in in 2012).

Re the background, I do not have a first degree in the subject but have just completed a part-time MA in Philosophy with the OU. Is that sufficient qualification?

Thanks all.
(I did search the forums for info about the age thing but only came across people worried about starting when they are 27/28!!)

Be reassured, Methuselah... you're not as old as you think! On the studentship front - not so sure, but the OU do often have some - you should ask.

http://www.brunel.ac.uk/news/universitynews/2004/cdata/BruneltovalidateoldestPhDstudentintheWorld

Hi, I only know about the ESRC, but in the guidance notes it stated that there's no age restriction and that they monitor awards to ensure there isn't any discrimination on the basis of age. I'm not sure if that goes across the board for other Research Councils (or even for other awards through the ESRC) but it would seem likely.

This is the only thing I could find online telling me that - http://esrc-live.amaze.com/ESRCInfoCentre/Images/Nomination%20Form%201+3%20Collab_tcm6-15604.pdf

Hi methuselah. your age certainly shouldnt be a problem for doing a PhD. I've heard it said that scientists are passed it if they havent made it by thirty but philosphers only really get going at sixty. And I know loads of mature mature students in the humanities.

However, most of the people I know who are doing a PhD later in life are self funding. Funding bodies may say they dont have age restrictions but realistically when they fund a PhD they are paying to train someone and I suspect they are going to be far less likely to make that investment if they dont see the potential for a return in your added value to the employment market. Unfortunately no one is going to come out and admit that.

There's a couple of computing postgrads here in their sixties, so you're a spring chicken!

He Methusalah,

it is actually encouraging to see that you want to start doing a PhD. I think it is all a matter of "keeping on going", and has nothing to do with age. Even stronger you may have more life experience and be able to manage the process better.

Thanks all for the words of encouragement. I'm definitely going to have a go - unfortunately the studentship is a must if I'm to do it so we'll just have to see how I get on. Cheers.

Hi Meth - like you, I'm finishing a part time Masters and was worried that age might tell against me for getting a studentship (I have just turned 46) but I did get a University studentship and will be starting on a f/t PhD programme in October. Good luck!

Hi methuselah
I am 41 years young and I start in September with my PhD. I just wanted to encourage you to go for it. I don't have funding yet but I am not giving up, even if it means borrowing the money. Age is just a number, what you do with it, is your choice Imagine enjoying retirement as a 'Dr methuselah'

You're never too old to study for a PhD ...

http://www.ncl.ac.uk/research/news.phtml?ref=1026487332

I would say if it's what you want to do then go for it!!!

However it is very difficult to get funding for arts/social sciences PhD's these days as it appears that funding has been cut back by the government, as the government think they are less valuable to the economy. Well that is the case for ESRC these days. Maybe with the AHRB you would have more luck.

You might want to check with the funding bodies.

Sometimes departments have their own pot of money they can use so you might have a better chance of applying for that?

Sorry I can't be of more help.