Just looking for some kind advice really.
I recently graduated with a distinction from Liverpool University with an MA in Politics and Mass Media. My dissertation examined newspaper coverage of refugee and asylum issues. I currently work part-time for Refugee Action as a youth advocacy worker. I also hold a 2:1 BA Hons degree in Politics with Marketing from Sunderland University.
Basically, i don't really think that my academic background is that great and feel that, although i'm interested in doing a PhD, I'm not sure that it will really help me in my career (meaning personal fullfillment and money!), especially if i focus on political communication because, and i admit this is ironic, 'Media Studies' is regularly castigated by media pundits (perhaps this should spur me on, though?).
So: so i do it; any ideas; where; when and how? etc
I feel as though i've currently stalled at the moment.
Many thanks
Gareth
Also, if anyone would like any advice for themselves in return, then they need only ask.

Hi Gareth, I also did my masters dissertation on media portrayals of refugees and asylum seekers! My PhD is on a different topic though!

From your previous qualification it sounds as if you are certainly qualified to do a PhD and I imagine you would be successful in gaining a PhD place, should you decide to go for it.

In terms of where, when and how, these are difficult questions that only you can answer. A PhD is a big commitment and its important that you find something that you're happy doing for 3+ years. You could have a look on jobs.ac.uk and see if there are any studentships advertised in areas that you are interested in. I found a CASE studentship in this way, in exactly my area of interest, it linked me with a great agency (plus the chance to see how research is done outside of a university environment) and it came with good funding!

What careers are you interested in?

Hi Gareth

Political Communication is a really hot topic right now - esp discourse analysis.
There were lots of job opening last year for lecturering positions in this area & I think politics is actually one area of the media where a PhD & resarch experience is valued. As you already have some professional experience aswell I think you should go for it.

like the others have said, if you want to do a PhD go for it. BUT I think you need to first decided what career you want, and only go for a PhD if that will help. Maybe go and get some careers advice first, before looking for a PhD.

In response to aliby - who can provide careers advice for postgraduate work - Masters and PhDs, and so on? Would a company like Reed be able to do that, or would you need to go to a specialist of some sort?

University careers service

or even the local careers service - I found talking to an advisor there helpful when i was trying to work out what to do

reed are more of an employment agencie aren't they?

garethrgrs this might be useful in helping to think about whether further study is right for you
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/About_postgrad_study/why/p!eklFeFX

Thanks to everyone for the replies so far and for the advice on websites to look at and things to consider.
I think i'm definitly going to spend a lot of time mulling things over.
I think part of the problem for me is that i have been given a good opportunity to work for Refugee Action and could perhaps progress within this organisation in the future, or i could go on to work for another similar organisation in a related area.
So i currently feel torn between two worlds - real world social justice/human rights work, and academia.
Areas of political communication i am interested in relate generally to forced migration, refugee issues as they relate to climate change and poverty, and public understanding of energy and environmental issues.
Thanks again
Gareth