======= Date Modified 01 Dec 2010 16:25:58 =======
Thankyou to everyone who has responded, I really appreciate it.

Just another question, when I've searched for how many words a research proposal should be and what it should entail I've found answers ranging from 300 to 1500 words. Can anyone help me out and explain how they laid out there own proposal and what the word count was?

Thanks again all.

:-)

Evening all,

I'll cut straight to the chase. I'm currently studying an MSc in Sports Coaching. I don't currently have an undergraduate degree and was accepted onto the Sports Coaching course as I have a playing background at professional level.

I'm currently working part-time as a strength & conditioning coach at a Championship level football club and am extremely interested in researching at PhD level as I'm extremely passionate about my field. I am hopeful that I will have passed my full UK Strength & Conditioning accreditation exam by May 2011 which ties in exactly with the completion of my masters.

I have a few questions:

* Will I be able to study at PhD level or will my lack of undergrad degree harm my chances?
* As above but will that affect my chances of obtaining funding to do the PhD?
* Are there any other non-academic work experiences that could make my academic CV look more attractive to the Universities and lecturers I will be approaching?
* When is the ideal time to approach Universities with my research proposals? (I check jobs.ac.uk, bases.org.uk and findaphd.com on pretty much a daily basis!!)

Thanks all for your help. It is greatly appreciated!!!

(up)