Hi!
I've recently come across this forum and I'm looking for some advice! I'm currently nearing the end of my masters and about to submit my dissertation - exciting and scary. However, coming on to this masters has changed my career plan and options. Initially I wanted to go into television but I've come to realise that it isn't for me, and that I might want to stay in academia. I thought that a PhD is something that I couldn't do or rather no one would want to supervise me. However, I've now had 4 tutors from my department saying that they would love to supervise me and that they think I'm more than capable.
What worries me is that I got a 2:1 in my undergraduate (English Literature) and I know a lot of commitees want firsts - although I did get a first in my dissertation. I also struggle a little bit with my writing skill - I'm told my ideas are great and new but my writing is only good.
I'm looking for some advice from current PhD students - how you've found the experience, do you regret deciding to do a PhD etc

I'm just at a lost :(!

Does anyone have any advice to offer?

My take on the PhD process. Hope the below is of help.

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

All the guildlines for a layman who wants to do Phd . have in the upper link..

Hi TolkeinTeddy

I'm a PhD student in lit, nearing the end of my research now.

In my experience a 2:1 on your BA shouldn't be a deal-breaker at all - I've known several really great research students without first class undergraduate degrees. If you've done well with the research component of your BA and produce a solid MA dissertation that should be enough to convince institutions that you've got what it takes to tackle a research project in your field.

It's possible that funding will be slightly harder to come by in theory as panels look to distinguish between large numbers of worthy applicants. That said, I can't imagine any funding body would ignore a strong, well-supported, doctoral proposal purely on the basis of an undergraduate degree.

As for the writing, well, that's one of the things studying a PhD will help you develop. At my institution we actually have a first year doctoral "module" on academic writing.

If you're keen and you've enjoyed your MA, my advice would be to go for it!