Should I take up my PhD place?

[Ncobvs]

I'm due to start a PhD in October in Fine art, it will be practice based with a written thesis. I've wanted to do a PhD for a long time. It was my intention before I did my MA.

I first applied to some universities in 2013 and was unsuccessful. I refined my proposal and was offered a place at a local university. However at the same time I was also offered a good job which was a great opportunity so I took the job. I then relocated to a different part of the country and a successfully applied to a university nearby.

I intended to do my PhD part time and work part time. Then apply for a PhD loan from academic year starting 2018. I was due to start last autumn. However I then learned that I would only be eligible if I started my PhD in the academic year 2018. So my intention was to start my PhD this year with a loan meaning I didn't pay my fees up front.

I work in the cultural sector where short term contracts are really common. I'm on a contract which is due to end in a few months and I've just been offered a new job working four days a week.

I'm now concerned that this doesn't leave enough time for my PhD and I don't like to start I'd commit to things I can't do properly. However I've taken a long time to get here so I'm reluctant to put it off further.

I'd love some advice from experienced academics on my situation and how difficult part time study in one day a week will be.

[Ncobvs]

Anyone? I know this is long sorry. I just wanted to give all of the relevant info.

[TheWizardofWas]

1 day a week is tight. What about weekends. It depends what orher commitments you have. aLso is the lractice something you need to skill up for or do you have the skills already. i th8nk you should ask your supervisor, as it is only with a good sense of your project that nyone can judge. at my uni, it wouLd be doable with perhaps an extension into a 5th or 6th year,

[ManInTheMoonMarigold]

We recommend 16 hours per week with a target of submission within six years. This is just based on pro-ratering the full-time expectation - in practice it tends to ebb and flow a bit more depending on things like fieldwork, progression deadlines, etc. So, as TheWizardofWas says, it would depend whether you are willing and able to work in the evenings and/or at weekends in addition to your one day a week.

I don't know whether it being a practice-based PhD would make a difference. You would need to discuss this with your prospective supervisor.

[Ncobvs]

Thanks for your replies. I could do evenings and weekends. I did this during my MA and I'm not sure it's that good for me. I tend to really throw myself into stuff an get a bit obsessed. I agree talking to my supervisor is a good idea.

As you mentioned it ebbs and flows. This contract is only for 9 months to a year. So I wonder if I should just start but a bit more slowly then I could dedicate more time to it in my second year for example.

I want to do a PhD because I just really want the experience and value education. Rather than for job prospects. So I'm not in a massive rush to get it done. If that makes sense?

[Popartist]

I have just finished a PhD PT. It took me just over 6 years. When I started I was working four days a week. That worked well initially when I was doing preliminary research and background reading. I found it harder in the later stages and was fortunate in being able to move to a 3 day week. I would say that it is doable if your job does not ‘leak’ into your evenings/day off. Your employer will probably not appreciate the work involved in a PhD - so make sure you protect your time. Good luck.