Hey all,

I want to do my PhD part time while I still work at my current company. The company I work for is in the industry I want to do my PhD in so there are many chances to attend conferences and meet relevant people as well as being in the know about new developments. I have been told by my potential PhD supervisor that if I apply myself I can potentially do my PhD (part time) in 3 years! is this possible? Also what level of background knowledge do you need in the subject you wish to partake in?

Finally, what is the deal with funding? What is the minimum-maximum funding available. Also what am I allowed and not allowed to spend the funding on, e.g. would something like a new laptop be allowed, or travel money?

Somebody please help!

Potentially in 3 years part-time? I would say 6 years part-time is more realistic, and even then you'll be working every evening and the whole weekend.

You may be able to obtain fee payments part-time, but unlikely to get any more, as afterall you're working as well.

Why do you want to do a PhD?

'I have been told by my potential PhD supervisor that if I apply myself I can potentially do my PhD (part time) in 3 years! is this possible?'

I'd have some considerable researvations regarding that statement [and also regarding the person that said it].

For a number of reasons. First I have always wanted to do one, but not known which specific topic I would like to take. Second, even though I work at a really interesting and well repected place, my work mates and boss are really getting to me. This is one of the only ways I can conduct research in the field I want to! and stay at my organisation without going mad! Finally, and most importantly I want to have a specialisation, something I am interested in and enjoy. Even though I have a fairly ok knowledge of the general topic, how much in depth knowledge do I need?

It will be very hard to stay motivated for 6 years, so think carefully about it. It may help to read the book "How to get a PhD", as it's not always obvious at the start what a PhD is.

It's unlikely to help you get a better job and there are many other drawbacks, but if you get through it, you will have a wonderfully developed cynical personality for life

Thanks UFO, I will try to get a copy of that book.

I think especially the last point UFO made about the cynical personalitiy is SO true. PhD research will gradually transform you into an arrogant, cynical clevershit (err, or is it just me?)

I'd also be very suspicious about anyone who suggests getting a PhD done part time in 3 years. Very few people doing it full time finish in three years. It might be possible if the research you are doing in your day job is forming the material you are using for your thesis, but this depends on cooperation from the institution you are working at.

It would also be worth checking the regulations for registration for the Uni you are going to study at. For a part time PhD you are normally required to register for 6 years in the first instance, and although you may be able to get dispensation to reduce this once you've got going, I think being allowed to reduce to 3 years would take some impressive powers of persuasion - universities want to get the fees after all.

Very interesting point. It is very difficult as the lady I have spoken to seems to know what she is talking about. She is pretty well respected. The only reason I was in touch with her is because she has been invited by my institution a couple of times to speak at a conference.

I've known 2 people do part time PhDs. One took 3 years, and the other 6 years. THB, the 6 year one could have been done in 5.

I'm no expert, but I think it depends on how closely you can align your work (day time) to the PhD, and also what institution and discipline it is.

I think 3 to 4 is achiveable.

wysiwyg

Thanks for that mate, this is what I am thinking, I want to find somewhere I can carry out research (as a job) and conduct my Phd closely with the topic at the same time. The hard part is finding somewhere!

What area/discipline are you looking at.

I've been working for 7 years since leaving uni (I have a degree in the human sciences), and am seriously now looking at doing a PhD part time, closely aligned with my day job.

I belive a phd will open certain career doors that are currently locked (e.g. working in industrial R&D in australia/usa).

I am looking to work within Counter-terrorism and resilience and work closely with Social Resilience and Extremism

Sounds impressive!

The very best of luck - go for it!

Thanks mate, same for you!