======= Date Modified 17 Mar 2012 08:33:24 =======
Dear members,

Having recently finished my M.A. degree in English (applied linguistics), the idea of a PHD seems very attractive to me. In the Netherlands, we work with the following system of grading: 1 (lowest) 10 (highest) and I had an average of 8 for my MA. Whilst it is not the highest of marks, I don't think it's particularly bad. To what extent does one's average play a role and do you think my average is sufficient to merit a PHD position?

My M.A. thesis was about the affects of anger and sadness in one of (edit: an author's) plays (stylistics). In order to do a PHD, one needs to have a clear topic but I don't know where to start? Should I approach a professor with a detailed (or not so detailed) plan for research? How should I do this? I have already had a chat with another student who wants to embark upon a PHD project as well, but we would both appreciate it if we could be informed about the general steps you need to take .

Also, could you please provide me with a 'to do list' and some sort of checklist so I can see what I need to do?

Apologies for the long list with questions but your insights and advice are appreciated.