Hello, everyone, I graduated with a chemistry degree at university last year. Then, I worked as a R&D chemist in a chemical company for a year. I am particularly interested in organic chemistry. I have applied for a few universities,but I still haven't got any reply from them after a week. I would like to ask whether it is very unlikely to obtain the Phd offer as I only got the Bachelor' degree. Normally,how long does it take to get a reply or invitation for interview from the supervisor?

Thank you

Hi there Patrickchem! I think you will probably get a mixed response from people on the forum, because for some subjects (like my own- clinical psychology) an MSc is pretty much compulsary and you would be highly unlikely to get a PhD without one, yet for other subjects you really don't require an MSc/MA at all. I don't know much about Chemistry, but I know lots of people in Biology who got a PhD straight after their BSc, and I have a feeling that Chemistry might be similar to Biol in this respect. I also get the impression from people on the forum that lab work can be very beneficial in the natural sciences when it comes to PhD applications, so you might well have a good chance. However, there will be people on the forum who can advise you better than me! As for a response from the supervisor- it could be anything from a day to a month or longer, depending on the person! If you are really keen it might be good to make contact over the phone- supervisors are busy people and if you stick in their mind that would probably be a good thing! Good luck with it all! KB

Hi Patrick

I went into my phd (I do genetics) with only a Bsc to my name. What got me the offers was really the year I'd spent in industry developing lab skills. So I'd say if you've worked in R&D for a year that should stand you in good stead, especially if some of your work has relevance for the phds you've applied for.

As for hearing back, it can take a while depending on university paper shuffling and when the closing dates were for the posts. If you've applied directly to supervisors on spec, then keenbean's suggestion of chasing them up could well be worth a shot - never hurts to look motiated! If on the other hand these are formal applications for advertised posts, it'll just be a case of your hearing when they complete the process of selection. However it goes though, don't be afraid to approach people you'd like to work with and always feel free to ask for feedback.

Good luck!