Is anyone doing/has done/looking at doing a PhD (any area, not just equine)?

[Redlet the Nedlet x]

Basically I'm a first year degree student at Writtle (Uni. of Essex) and I'm looking to do a MPhil/PhD in something to do with Equine Neurology, Dermatology or Immunology when I leave but I'm not entirely sure how to go about it. I've been on the UKPASS website (UCAS for postgrad. courses) and had a look on various websites and at various prospectuses and I have found myself asking a few questions, namely:

How did others go about it? i.e. did you ask about and find which places would facilitate your specific PhD subject or did you find one that did a broader subject area and then specialise once you were there?

How did you choose your specific subject? I'm looking for a bit of inspiration - I'm leaning towards Neuroscience at the moment as there doesn't seem to be an awful lot of research in this area but I'm not sure about specifics..?

If anyone could help it would be awesome!

xx

 

[saz5083]

A lot of places advertise in the new scientist, findaphd.com and on their own websites.

When I did mine I looked around to see what was on offer in the area I wanted to study and took it from there. Choosing your subject will also depend on what your current degree is (eg I did a neuroscience MSc and then a PhD in molecular and clinical medicine looking at the genetics of major mental illness).

Choose carefully though and make sure you know what your getting in to! Research is highly rewarding but can be very frustrating and stressful and you need to love it to keep going back sometimes!

 

[classicalfan]

A PhD is not a degree course. It is a period of research on a particular subject. Many write their theses whilst working as a research assistant. If this is what you want to do you need to have a clear idea of the sort of research you wish to conduct and apply to the universities who offer posts in a relevant field. A PhD can take years to achieve and your thesis is not guaranteed to earn you a PhD.

 

[JFTDWS]

your thesis is not guaranteed to earn you a PhD.

But your PhD is guarenteed to stretch your sanity to the limit.

Be very sure you really want to do it before you start.

 

[Fransurrey]

I would also research the lab and school thoroughly. I am doing mine at a place where the admin has nearly had me in tears and I was close to walking away after 2 weeks of it. I'm now on a 6 week break (broke my arm) and can't say I'll be thrilled to go back in Jan. Lots of the students there can't wait to get out. Sad, as I've supervised PhDs as a Senior RA and it should be some of the best times of your life. I'm of the 'I've started so I'll finish' ilk, but as above says, be very sure you want to do it first. I know I probably won't get another chance, so I'm trying to stick with mine!!

I don't know if there are stats available for failure/drop out rates, but if there are, check them. If I'd seen them for my Uni I wouldn't have applied!

 

[abb123]

Jobs.ac.uk is usually the best place to start looking. PhDs are very subject specific though, differing significantly between, for example, an arts/humanities and a science based PhD. You need to bear this in mind when reading the advice that has been given.

Most Science PhDs will now be provided by the University via funding from one of the big funding councils (Each University department gets a set amount a year depending on it's grade e.g. 2,3,4, or 5 star). These tend to follow a similar programme - 3 1/2 years funded research followed by 6 months for writing your thesis. If you get to the point of writing your thesis it is likely that you will get your PhD. Most departments have checks in place to make sure no one is put forward if they have no chance.

As you are in your 1st year of your undergraduate, you have plenty of time to get to know the field, find out where the good groups are, and which institutions you like. Most places wont consider you for a PhD unless you have a 1st class (or a 2.1 at a push) degree and a Masters though.

All that being said, I have no idea what the academic world of equine neurology, dermatology, or immunology is like as I am a chemistry lecturer

 

[Redlet the Nedlet x]

Thanks for all your comments, I'll check those websites out and try to find statistics on different places.

I've wanted to do a PhD for quite a few years now and I'm aiming for a 1st (overall distinction at college, A* bio, A chem, A phys at GCSE) so I don't feel (without wanting to sound pompous) that a 1st is out of my reach, I know it will take a huge amount of dedication but I also know that I won't know just how much until I get there!

abb123: I have looked at Lincoln and Edinburgh and also spoken to my brother (he's starting a masters next year, then hopefully going on to a PhD) and the generic entry requirements are a 1st/2.1 undergrad. to start an MSc or MPhil, then after a year or two, transferring to a PhD. I am just curious, for some PhDs do you need to complete a Masters or do they all have the option of being based on your progress during your Masters?

xx

 

[MissSBird]

I'm currently applying to do a PhD, albiet in English language/literature.

From what I've picked up, in the sciences it's pretty common to go straight from undergraduate to PhD level, bypassing masters. Not the case for the arts. With the difficulty of finding funding, however, I imagine that the sciences will be gradually following the same line of the arts.

It's worth noting that all PhDs generally start as MPhils/MRes for the first year, while the University and yourself work out if you really are capable of PhD. It's sort of a get out clause; if they're not happy they can get rid of you after a year and you've at least a Masters to show for it.

The best advice I can give you is to purchase 'The PhD Application Handbook'. It's helped me so much in explaining what a PhD is, how to go about applying, the differences between PhD and other degrees etc. It's thorough, concise and amusingly written.

You will probably find, however, that the supervisor for your final year individual work (be it dissertation, research thesis, project etc) will be able to advice you. This is your best link for finding a PhD. Mine helped me secure a topic and a supervisor for the PhD. My friend in engineering managed to get invited to do a paid PhD with his. Cultivate that relationship and hopefully you'll reap the rewards

 

[ThePony]

A good first step would be to chat with your lecturer in that subject area. They will be able to give you a good introduction to the whole idea. Echo that jobs.ac.uk is ace, that and word of mouth is your best bet.

I started a phd mega keen, slowly lost that keen-ness though! My supervisor was difficult to get hold of (and 'quirky'!!) and I was a research group of one which was very lonely and slowed my work as the value of chatting over your research/admin difficulties with others in the same boat really helps you make headway. In the end I gave it up during write up. Quite simply the research as well as endless admin feck ups and some personal difficulties just made it all far too hard and I just couldn't handle it. I have since left academia and that subject area totally and am a much happier person!

The phd helped me to see that the job I was working towards wouldn't have been something that would suit me, and would pretty much be more research on my own - I just found it too isolating! On the other hand though, I learnt a huge amount in my time back at uni and I had some wonderful experiences getting to speak at conferences in brilliant locations! Make very very sure that you will have the in-department support and that you will slot into a research group. Find out what the opinion is of supervisors - if possible chat to current and past students. Each supervisor will have elements that they are better or worse at, make sure that areas they aren't top notch aren't areas that you think you will need support in. Your good working relationship with them is utterly vital to a useful and enjoyable (generally!) phd.

Best of luck!

 

[mik]

I would ditto the above, but add that for me I researched what was going on in the area I was interested, molecular plant pathology was a combination of what I liked so I began reading the papers in this area and researching the projects they had ongoing and the grants they were offering, I then did summer work over 2 summers with relevant labs and got to know the departments and people and behind the scenes. To be honest it was easy from that point to choose a well funded project. You have to make yourself known and ask questions.
My masters was the first year of the PhD.
As for doing a PhD itself, it is an acquired taste and can be very isolating. It depends on you, talk to the students and ask them the pros and cons and listen well to their answers. Best of luck!

 

[JFTDWS]

I started a phd mega keen, slowly lost that keen-ness though! My supervisor was difficult to get hold of (and 'quirky'!!) and I was a research group of one which was very lonely and slowed my work as the value of chatting over your research/admin difficulties with others in the same boat really helps you make headway. In the end I gave it up during write up. Quite simply the research as well as endless admin feck ups and some personal difficulties just made it all far too hard and I just couldn't handle it. I have since left academia and that subject area totally and am a much happier person!

I walked into mine with all the rookie enthusiasm and excitement of a complete science geek who dreamed of a career in academic research and lecturing. I then spent the subsequent years (after a brief honeymoon period) clinging on by the skin of my teeth - not because I can't do it - academically it's easy - but because I found it very isolating, unmotivating and unproductive. I am practically at the point of writing up (or rather, I'm writing up while finishing in the lab too) and I think that it will be a miracle if I don't fail - and I'm obviously not even remotely considering a career in academia.

God we're a depressing bunch

 

[Keen]

I did. Humanities though, not Science.

How did others go about it? i.e. did you ask about and find which places would facilitate your specific PhD subject or did you find one that did a broader subject area and then specialise once you were there?

I picked someone as a supervisor who wrote on a subject related to my BA/MA thesis, that determined the department.

How did you choose your specific subject? I'm looking for a bit of inspiration - I'm leaning towards Neuroscience at the moment as there doesn't seem to be an awful lot of research in this area but I'm not sure about specifics..?

I spoke to the prospective supervisor with a vague (very vague) subject area, and she helped me to narrow it down.

Good luck!

 

[ThePony]

I walked into mine with all the rookie enthusiasm and excitement of a complete science geek who dreamed of a career in academic research and lecturing. I then spent the subsequent years (after a brief honeymoon period) clinging on by the skin of my teeth - not because I can't do it - academically it's easy - but because I found it very isolating, unmotivating and unproductive. I am practically at the point of writing up (or rather, I'm writing up while finishing in the lab too) and I think that it will be a miracle if I don't fail - and I'm obviously not even remotely considering a career in academia.

God we're a depressing bunch

Soo true! If only the academic side was the hardest, it would be a dodle, but there is alot of other crap to sift through and this can be very draining. Every moment spent researching the research group dynamics is a moment spent on researching a phd you are much more likely to finish! You really need a supportive group and supervisor, I would go so far as to say it is utterly essential.

 

[dreams579]

I walked into mine with all the rookie enthusiasm and excitement of a complete science geek who dreamed of a career in academic research and lecturing. I then spent the subsequent years (after a brief honeymoon period) clinging on by the skin of my teeth - not because I can't do it - academically it's easy - but because I found it very isolating, unmotivating and unproductive. I am practically at the point of writing up (or rather, I'm writing up while finishing in the lab too) and I think that it will be a miracle if I don't fail - and I'm obviously not even remotely considering a career in academia.

God we're a depressing bunch

^ this entirely! if you aren't insane before you start a phd, you very quickly become so! i dont actually know anyone who enjoyed it - not because of the academic difficulty more because of the isolation/fact it took over your life/wanting to tear your hair out at things not working in the lab. i pretty much hated every second of mine but sheer determindness not to quit made me finish it (within 3 years when most ppl in my department went over 4 yrs) and i ran away fast! I am glad that i did it and finished it though as i wouldnt be able to do my current job without out.

but chose your research carefully - the group, your supervisor, the topic, the uni etc. you're probably gonna spend 3-4 years of your life completely immersed in a topic no one else cares about, so you need to make sure its interesting to you at least! also getting equine phd's is quite difficult, simply as there is limited funding and therefore quite a lot of ppl competing for it. I did mine at aberystwyth where i had also done my undergrad and basically mentioned to my disseration supervisor when i handed my disseration in that i quite fancied doing a phd (young, stupid niave me!) and he said he'd just put an application in for something and did i want it? so it was mine from the word go and not advertised anywhere - so as is often the case, its who you know

if you can get some lab work experience outside of your course before you start, that may be a good idea as it might give you more of an idea whether you will enjoy it or not (esp as most courses these days have v v little lab work in)

 

[Saerwen]

Hi,

I've recently started mine in neuroscience so am at the other end of the spectrum to some of the people who have posted but would echo a lot of the comments made. I found my Phd on findaphd.com and found it had the most extensive and frequently updated database for my purposes. However different subject areas will differ. As several people have said when you are accepted for a PhD you are actually accepted for an MPhil with the option of converting to a PhD. After the first year if they think you will manage to get through a PhD and you are happy with the subject area/supervisor/group you will get transferred to a PhD.

Research the area of interest and find the universities/groups/potential supervisors who are working in that field. Try and find out from current or ex students what the working environment was like (big/small group, good/bad supervisor). It doesn't matter how interested you are in the subject it is a tough slog and if you don't get on with your supervisor or the group dynamics are bad then it can really affect you. Are there likely to be more than one new PhD posts any one year. I've been lucky because a couple of us have started at the same time so it does't feel so lonely and it means that you can chat about problems as and when they arise.

What rating does your university have in your area of interest. Some universities may not be in the top 20 but may excel in your area of interest. If they are recognised as being very good in those areas they are more likely to attract relevant funding both for students but also for research equipment and potential postdoc posts if you decide you want to continue.

Talk to the lecturers at your uni who have the closest links to your area of interest. They should be able to advise you on likely universities or groups to keep eye on and may even be able to put you in contact with people further down the line. Do you get to choose your final year project? Consider if it would be possible to do something relevant to your PhD area so that you can show interest and acquired skills on an application. Some labs offer summer projects they are a great way of expanding your skills base and many of them offer you some pay as well. It also gives you a taste of what a PhD might be like rather than the occasional lab in your undergraduate course.

In short do as much leg work as you can and really think about the area you want to go into, I hope you find what your looking for. Also take into account where the universities are, for example if in and around London remember living expenses etc will be higher. Make sure you don't end up with your perfect PhD somewhere that you don't enjoy living.

Good Luck

 

[Saerwen]

Ps sorry about the small essay

 

[Redlet the Nedlet x]

AAHHH you guys are amazing! I've read through all the comments carefully and I'm pretty sure I do have a bit of the 'rookie enthusiasm' as mentioned earlier. I do also have a friend on a PhD here at Writtle and I'll be sure to ask some lecturers here, too. Saerwen, this was particularly helpful, I was thinking about doing my dissertation on something neurosciencey but I'm still unsure about specifics; I'm sure two years is plenty of time to think about it though! There are some great lecturers here too (every lecturer in this place has at least a Masters!) so I'll make sure I speak to them! Also thank you for all the Good Luck wishes! I think I need all the advice I can get!

xx

 

[JFTDWS]

AAHHH you guys are amazing! I've read through all the comments carefully and I'm pretty sure I do have a bit of the 'rookie enthusiasm' as mentioned earlier.

Forewarned is fore-armed, as they say. Good luck

 

[Redlet the Nedlet x]

Forewarned is fore-armed, as they say. Good luck

Indeed they do! Thanks

xx

 

[shortstuff99]

Science PHD's can be extremely competitive so I would suggest making sure you have some experience in a lab/ the field you want to work in as this can help your chances. A masters can help to prepare you for PHD study as it is quite different for an undergrad! Also having peer reviewed published work can also help. I think findaphd.com is an awesome site for finding good phds. Good luck!

 

[Redlet the Nedlet x]

Thanks! I will try to find some lab work either here or at home so hopefully it will help! You guys are seriously awesome!

xx