Hi Shani, I know how tough academia is, and I know that it involves both successes and rejections. But I just know that this is the job for me - I love teaching and feeling that I'm making a difference. I just feel like I'm being stopped in my tracks before I have even reached the start line, for having performed too well...

Otto, you sound like you've had some bad experiences with being a lecturer. I am not sure what possible 'implications' you could mean, but I am very sure that this is my vocation. Could you please elaborate?

Nimrod, I had wondered about that. My tutor did ask them why I had been rejected, and this is the reason they gave her. She thinks I should apply again next year to demonstrate determination, but I am unsure as I wouldn't want to be rejected twice. Yet I do need a postgraduate qualification to become a lecturer at university level...

Hi, I graduated from a very practically based course, with a little bit of theory (short dissertation), but I definitely have the academic background for PHd level, as I already had another honours degree in english/management (2:1) before doing this fine art degree, so doing more theoretical work doesn't phase me. I think the way it works in my discipline is that you do a practical research project and then back it up with a written thesis. By moving into academia I mean mainly teaching at university level.

If you feel equally happy with either project, you should accept the first one that gets offered to you. I also feel you shouldn't be obliged to tell them about the other application - don't mention it if they don't ask.

hi, I graduated a year ago with a first in an art based course and have applied to do a masters, but was unsuccessful. My tutor just found out that their reason for rejecting me was that my work was already too advanced for their masters programme, and they felt I was "well on my way already". She said she had heard this before, and that it was not an excuse by them. However, I really want to go into academia and therefore need a postgraduate qualification to qualify for lecturing posts at the right level. What should I do now? Should I look at doing an MPhil/PhD? Should I apply again for the MA and prove my committment and tenacity? Please help.