Quote From Mackem_Beefy:

I enquired five months in advance. Long, long ago when I did mine, I sent out a speculative application at the end of May, I was interviewed for two different PhDs during July and started the one I opted for at the beginning of October.

With you being new to this, take a look at my blog at:

http://www.wearthesis.talktalk.net

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

Quote From heatherb1:

I guess what's the most important thing when you're doing a PhD is that you're really interested in the subject you're studying. Lets face it, you're going to be spending the majority of time with the subject for three years, so the topic can't be something you are only halfway bothered about.

I finished my Ugrad psychology in 2008 and got a 1st and then followed straight after with an MSc in psychological research methods. After that I worked in mental health as a research assistant and assistant psychologist for 2 years in high secure services. After those posts finished, I packed a rucksack and went travelling from the UK to New Zealand with the intention to return home and complete my PhD after a year travelling. HOWEVER whilst I was in NZ I started checking out scholarships and applied and was offered a scholarship in Health Psychology at Massey Uni. A bit random and out of the blue, but by far the best decision I made.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you love your subject, don't worry about your CV. As long as you can explain your employment history and rationale for leaving positions then I can't see it being an issue. PhD is a big commitment and supervisors actually like you to have time away from academia. Making a decision to return to it in my eyes shows your commitment to furthering your education, rather than being something detrimental. When people get into the 'real world' it's harder to come back to a very low paid position and hours and hours of research!

Best of luck in your decision-making! H

Quote From alleycat393:

You really should have reasons for the gaps in your CV but that doesn't mean that supervisors are intolerant of or look down on them. They just go to show that you have experienced the real world outside of academia. Having experience especially science based experience is a good thing even if it's patchy.

It is advisable to make contact with potential supervisors to discuss your application before you apply.