I am looking to do an Entomology PHD, Ideally in pest or disease vector control. While I am going to apply to do one in 2007, I think I will probably not get a studentship, so will opt to do a masters in Biology of Parasites and Disease Vectors (At Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine). Is anyone working in a similar area that could give me some advice?

Are there many Insect-based PHD's available? When I have looked through on this website, they have been very limited, but I thought (hoped) that it may be the time of year.

Are there many opportunities in this area after a PHD. Looking around, there seems to be a fair bit on offer in Oz or in the states, but I'd rather work based in Britain or Europe (though I am keen to travel for spells).

I am still at a fairly early desision making stage, so I may choose to do something quite different if I foresee a lack of opportunity in the roads ahead. Any advice would be greatly lapped up.

I don't know your subject, but my general advice would be to talk to some academics in your field in the autumn, ask them what the state of play is and how to get started. You have time on your side as the funding competition doesn't get underway until February, so spend the meantime researching the market so you are well prepared.

It goes without saying that you will need to excel in your studies too. Good luck with it.

It's quite a specialised area but there are PhDs in this area. Have you tried the London School of Tropical Medicine or Imperial College as they have both got people working in these fields. You should check out potential supervisors and see if they have anything available. What about asking your current supervisor or ask in the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine?