I think applying for a 3+1 would certainly be my next best option especially given the sheer amount of competition that is now part of doing Psychology.

With regards to work experience, is there any advice anyone can give on managing to get some form of research placement? I'm hoping I'm succesful with the Nuffield Bursary more than anything, as it would be an amazing experience and would give me the chance to be on a published paper. I'm also aiming to have my dissertation published, too (my supervisor seems resonasbly confident that we should manage it) and obviously both of these would aid any postgrad applications...is there anything else I can research wise? I guess, really, I need a good back up incase I don't get the Nuffield. The more I think about it the most convinced I come that I'll be declined!

I've been in touch with a fair few people about placements and many of the places (various hospitals and organisations that deal in Neuropsychology, mainly) have said that unfortunatley they have no room over the summer to allow me to be there for X number of weeks. Is there anything more I can do, at all?

Thanks for all the advice.

Thanks for all your advice! I think i was in such belief I could go straight for a PhD because a handful of the tutors at my university have done just that...I'm unsure as to what classification of degree they recieved though, which might make all the difference. I'll certainly investigate the 3+1 option more. It was something I saw but wasn't really taken by it, however the skills/knowledge from an MSc could certainly be benifical. I think I might try for the PhD, just incase, but apply for Master's also...I can't imagine being out of the study bubble, that's for certain.

I've investigate the CASE options, too. I think I came accross this whilst applying for my research bursary over Xmas.

Thanks again for your advice, it's really appreciated!

Well when I first decided that I wanted to stay within the academic circle I was more than prepared that I would have to do a masters in order to do a PhD, but when I spoke to my tutor about this she said it wasn't necessary to do a MSc before the doctorate.... I'll obviously need to look into it more but I didn't think it was a prerequsite. Maybe it'll make me be more appealing to potential supervisors but...I'm not sure, really!

Hello all! I'm after a bit of advice and was hoping you guys might be able to give me some help. I'm currently a second year Psychology student at uni in Leeds. I'm on track to get a 2:1 degree or, if i push myself a little more (somehow!) I might be able to get a 1:1...however I doubt this!

Anyway, I'm nearly finished my second year [already!] and I've been thinking for a fair while about what I want to do next. I'm certainly prefer the academic life - I love learning and I love researching, and I love Psychology, because of this I really want to apply for a PhD. Originally, I thought you needed a masters but found out that this was not the case, which is excellent as I doubt I could afford an MSc!

Over the summer I'm going to thoroughly research what PhD I'd like to do. When I procrastinate I frequently find myself with on findaphd.com or on various department's websites looking at what they offer. I really really want to get myself onto a PhD next year, and basically, I was wondering if you had any advice that might be useful for me at this stage?

How do you find a good university/supervisor? Is there anything I should be looking for inparticular? Is the transition from BSc to PhD manageable? Do you need to be really clever to cope?! I'm not the brightest button and to get this far I've had to work my arse off, which I don't mind...I'd just hate to fail further down the line! Is there anything I should do that would be useful? I've applied for a Nuffield Bursary for the summer and another work experience opportunity to stand out a little bit (fingers crossed) - is there anything else I could do?

Really, I'm just after any advice I could get from REAL people who've experience this. It's all very well speaking to people at uni (tutors, friends) and family but...I want truthful, real, answers. Anything would be MASSIVELY appreciated.

I'm interested in specialising in Biological Psychology or Neuropsychology at a variety of places - at the minute I'm interested in Newcastle, Leeds, Cardiff and Kings but I'm also thinking of going anywhere, really! Of course this is all research for it and who knows what could happen in the future, I just think i'm best if I'm somewhat prepared - time is going SO quickly!