I submitted an application for a PhD but I am worried because, while I am in the process of completing a Masters degree in a different area, the university is concerned about the length of time between my first degree (which is in the area I would like to do my PhD in) and now. It's as if the Masters has absolutely no bearing on anything. Yes, I know it is in a different area, but I still have the experience of doing it. In some way, I have proved that I can study at that level.

So, I wonder why even bother to finish it at all? I feel I might be better off taking a postgrad diploma and saving the money for the Masters that they will want me to do instead. At the same time, I don't want to feel like a quitter. Damned if I do and damned if I don't. I will be self-funded, so I do have to think about the pennies.

Any words of wisdom?

Tricky one. Is there anyway you could make you masters thesis fall between the two? So you can the time issue is not one?