Hi,

I have found the most perfect PhD topic which is self-funded. I have had no feedback from the university as to excatly what is meant by self-funded. I know it may seem a silly question but before I leap in head first I just want to make sure I am right in my asumptions. I would assume you would need to cover all your own costs including fees?

Is it possible to work and study for a PhD at the same time?

Hi Fschick,

I posted the same question on this forum a few months ago

(http://www.postgraduateforum.com/showmessage.asp?thread=6261&cat=4&keyword=federico_II&newview=1&stype=U&category=0).

Where I am now? I'm currently doing a Ph.D. in Electronics in the UK and since I'm not British I don't get living expenses covered. I can tell you (especially if you are going to do your Ph.D. in the UK), that if they say you're not funded, then you are completely on your own. You can still get fee only award (like I did) depending on your CV and your department policy, but you still have to pay for everything else.
Like you, my choice was determined by the research topic. I reserve almost all of my day and energies to my studies, so I simply can't do extra work (not even part time). I rely on living VERY cheaply and, and my wonderful family is helping me, but I can tell you it's really exhausting (but is also the kind of fatigue that leaves a smile on your face, at least for me).

I suggest you to get accurate info on your university regulations before starting anything (universities must provide this kind of information). Also you should clarify it with your future supervisor, if you already know who he/she is. It's better to know what you can get before actually taking the position. Good Luck!

Thanks for that, I appreciate it...but I'm kinda scared ideal topic for me but i guess I'll have to talk to family!!!!!

Thankyou and good luck

Regarding your question about working and doing a PhD simultaneously:

Generally speaking it is possible to retain a casual position but it can be very hard and it depends on what kind of PhD area you're going into as well. People going into a biomedical PhD may have a schedule that is dictated by laboratory work demands, whereas certain paper-only related PhD may offer more time management flexibility.

I've known some people who are able to work part time and complete a PhD part time but that really comes down to an arrangement that you and your supervisor is comfortable with, if at all.

Some others I know began as research assistant and were offered PhD projects which they are able to complete on a part time basis while they work in the same department in the same research group.

It takes minimum six years to go part-time, so I don't think I have enough perseverance to juggle between work and study. It is always easier said than done, but once you've started working, you get exhausted and don't have enough time for the PhD. Having said that, if your job tallies well with your PhD topic, then part-time study shouldn't be too daunting. I'm simply too tired of working in a field which is completely irrelevant to my study and simply for the purpose of making a living....

I'm hoping to do my PhD part time (am waiting to hear back from my application) so will be self funded. It's the only way I can afford to do it. I work full time, but in education so I work school hours and get the school holidays, so I'm hoping that I'll be able to fit both in without too much trouble.