Hi all,
Thanks so much for all your responses! They've been really helpful. I need to have more of the think about where I want the PhD to take me. I am interested in policy-making, and possibly working for the Civil Service, that kind of thing, but I think you're right about not 'over-thinking' it, and just getting in contact with the right people to see how feasible it all is. I'll try to remember to post here and let you know how I get on. Thanks again.

Hi there,

I've done a BA and MA in an arts/humanities subject, and am looking to do a PhD roughly related to my previous degrees, but applying my interests to education, and the school curriculum. I think it's a more useful and marketable idea than doing something abstract or theoretical (not that I have anything against that).

However, looking at some programmes, they specify that teaching experience is required. I don't have a PGCE but have done lots of informal teaching (extra-curricular stuff). I think maybe I'm being unrealistic about the chances of getting into a PhD programme in Education if I'm not actually a teacher. Even if professional experience isn't a requirement in some places, are my chances reduced? Should I re-focus my energies elsewhere, or suck it up and do a PGCE? I will probably have to teach in a school for a few years after the PGCE as well.

Any helpful thoughts or comments are appreciated. Thanks.