Is it worth looking for PhD funding with a 2:2 and masters?

D

Im currently doing a masters in finance. I would like to do a phd in Finance/Economics. Is gaining funding out of the question for such grades? What if i got a distinction for the masters?
Where should i start to look?
if anyone has any answers id be very grateful
Danny

G

Yes again.

S

Yes, espcially if you think you can get a distinction

C

Yes - as thats what I did!!

D

Clairet.
Thats what you did? Same grade/subjects? Where did you get your funding from? any pointers, please?
tah

D

No i dont have work experience. I think i will be predicted a distinction by christmas though. Where should i look/apply other than ERSC? I could probably fund an MPhil myself, maybe i could apply for funding after that?
thanks for your advice

G

I say yes too, and goodluck if you go for it.

D

Where should i look?

C

Danny - sorry no I meant I got a 2:2 (in Chemistry) then a MSc (in chemistry, just a pass though not distinction) and Im now in my 2nd year PhD

its EPSRC funded (so 12.3k this year plus extra benefits like free Gradschool places etc and bigger consumables budget than uni funded ones)

I just applied to the uni / supervisor and got funded that way - cant help with the finance / economics side though

D

Thanks for all your comments. I suppose Ive just got to try to get the best grade possible and apply to as many funding bodies as possible.
But at least i now know there may be opportunities out there.
Thanks
Danny

V

Your posts give me hope. I also want to do a PhD although I'll apply to US programs. If anyone can provide some insight into their admissions or funding, that'd be just great.

Y

This is great newsm because I have a 2.2 from my first degree, but I did do an MA, and am hoping that my enthusiasm and a tight proposal will win the day. Am I being too naive here?

D

since postin this ive been talkin to the faculty staff in my uni. Theyve told me that its not the first degree that counts but the masters, and in particular the dissertation. If you can prove yourself to be a good researcher and your Phd proposal is good (and interesting to them) then you have every chance. Ive decided to do some serious brown nosing from now until the end of the course, i think that might be the deciding factor. I think getting substantial funding may be out of the question, but fee waivers are given out much more frequently.

Y

Thanks for all the advice - I a little over-whelmed by the proposal, because i want this sooo badly.

S

There is one way to make your proposal good. Get your referees to review early drafts (unless of course you're aiming to stay in the same uni), but then ask the potential supervisor for comments. It is quite common to work with the prospective supervisor to put together a proposal to put before the funding panel. Brown-nosing is good so long as it is subtle - it gets you known and this really helps when they're sifting applications. All this brings back memories of when I went through this last year. I thank my lucky stars it all actually worked.

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