Aside from the Postgrad Forum, does anyone know of a support group for older, mature individuals seeking PhD studentships?

Thanks for responding...

This means I have a few more options

Thanks for the explanation.

I'm thinking of applying for one or two competition funded studentships.

If I were offered a position, I wouldn't be able to go forward if the funding went to another project.

If I do get as far as an interview, I'd be upfront about needing the funding.

Is it reasonable for a candidate to say 'yes' to an offer but on condition that funding becomes available?

Would someone mind explaining this to me?

As I understand it the project which receives the best applicant will be awarded the funding.

How does this work in terms of applying?

If a candidate is offered a place, accepts and then finds out someone else got the funding; where does that leave the candidate?

It's very frustrating Smilodon.

The adverts I've applied to specified either a first or a 2:1. There were no formal requests for a Masters qualification.

The field I work in is different to the field I want to cover in a PhD. My qualifications are specific to the field I want to get into whereas my work experience consists mostly of what I would call 'transferable skills', some very useful ones too

Some publications would be great but not possible from my current position.

Your point about contacting potential supervisors is really helpful. It's particularly useful because the PhD's I'm interested in don't come up very often.

Thanks shani, that's what I needed to hear.

'If you want it, keep trying'

I hit the internet this evening & am currently working on my next application.

I've just had yet another rejection making it six. The reasons I've been given for all my rejected applications are either the grades of the other applicants are much higher than mine or the position has gone (though the advert remains for some time after). I know applicants with a 2:1 + an MSc + work experience are considered & I know such applicants get offers. I also understand the university/department I apply to has the right to choose (at it's own discretion)regardless of grades & experience.

I think I'm finding this particularly difficult because there's nothing I can do. If someone had said 'it's your CV that's the problem' then at least I'd feel there was something I could 'fix', something that may increase my chances of getting an interview.

I'm beginning to wonder if it might be my age (I'm 41)?

Any advice, words of commiseration and/or support would be appreciated.

Mogwai

:(

Friends, colleagues & supervisors (HE) have been kind enough to check my CV, I've been told it's good. My references are good & can't see anything wrong with my applications (also been looked over by friends & colleagues).

My problem is I'm getting rejected right at the start. I haven't been invited for interview from a single application I've made & I don't know what more I can do.

I've worked hard to get to this point & really want to do a studentship. I would love the opportunity to further develop my research skills, to make some contribution to the area I'm interested in (no matter how small) & would thoroughly enjoy the challenge.

I'm feeling really frustrated & low.

I've been trying to get a funded studentship since last year, I know roughly what area I want to work in. My applications have been focused on these areas because I understand the importance of choosing a subject I know I could maintain interest in for the time it takes to complete. Since last year I've applied for five.

I was a late returner with no previous qualifications (i.e. no A-levels) and in my late twenties/early thirties literally started from scratch. So far I've obtained Access into education units (Biology, chemistry & maths), HND in Biomolecular Science, BSc (Hons) 2:1 in biochemistry plus a Masters (pass) in Structural Molecular Biology (undertaken whilst in full-time work). I also have 5 or so years work experience in a lab (promoted from research assistant to research scientist a few years ago).

Thanks again

The department running the advert is looking for ‘highly motivated graduates’ to apply.

If this were a job vacancy I'd see this as a generic phrase HR tend to roll out when a company is looking for a new employee; though I would try to give examples of being highly motivated if I applied for such a position.

I've got the 'How to get a PhD' book and there are some points regarding differences (from one supervisor to another) in what is expected from a PhD student.

So...

Does the phrase ‘highly motivated graduates’ suggest they're looking for applicants capable of independent research and autonomous action within the goals laid out by the studentship or…

Am I reading too much, into what the advertisement is asking for?

Thanks.

It turns out I did have some questions to ask after all

Does anyone have any advice regarding CV applications for a PhD?

I've typed plenty for jobs but these were written to focus on work experience.

I'm wondering if a CV written for a PhD Studentship should focus more on the academic side of things?

I've found a studentship I'm interested in. The advert displays a contact name and email address for informal enquiries but for applications the advert asks for a CV to be mailed through the post.

I'd really like to apply but have a question or two I hope someone can help me with.

Is it necessary or would it be better if I make an informal enquiry before posting a CV?

I have a BSc, MSc and five years industrial experience, what would be the best way to present my achievements and skills in a CV for a PhD Studentship? I'm assuming the CV would be different from one written for a job application?