Academic common room
Mature student and PhD
PipeTheFuckDown · 19/08/2018 09:08
Hi all.
I’ll be 32 when I start my BSc next month, in Biology, at an RG Uni. I’ve just completed an Access Science course. So I know this is thinking really far ahead but I’m already 3 years behind due to surprise baby #3 
I’m a lone parent to 10/8/2 year olds. I have a great support network of friends.
I’ve always wanted to do a Masters, PhD and then go into the academic pathway, but I have a few questions.
Is it worth it at my age? I definitely won’t be having more children, and by the time I finish a PhD my children will be late teens and the youngest will be at secondary.
Is the funding even available for someone my age?
I would likely have to stay at the same Uni although there are several other RG Unis and good non RG Unis in my area (East Mids.) Would that affect anything?
TIA.
user2222018 · 19/08/2018 09:23
Regardless of your age, you would need to be realistic: the chances of getting a permanent academic position after a PhD are small. It also takes some years on temporary postdoc contracts before you can be competitive for a permanent position. And it is virtually impossible to get a permanent job in academia without moving around the country (and often internationally).
Bear in mind also that academia is relatively poorly paid (especially at lecturer scales) and typically involves very long working hours. There are no long holidays - academics catch up on research and funding bids in the gaps between teaching.
Orchiddingme · 19/08/2018 09:26
There's nothing wrong with having goals, and plenty of people do set out to do PhDs slightly later in life, but for now I wouldn't worry about that, I'd focus on getting a really good first degree. If you wanted to go into academia, then a first is really needed. I have seen excellent students with a very high 2:1 and relevant experience and a distinction in Masters get funded PhDs, but rarely. So I'd focus on doing well across the board in your first degree as this will give you way more flexibility later on for different career options.
Academia is quite a tough profession to get a permanent job in right now, with many more applicants than opportunities, but as I say, if you do well in your first degree, you can then choose a good Masters and other opportunities will open up.
Orchiddingme · 19/08/2018 09:31
I'd also add two more pieces of advice- one is to use the employment/careers service at your uni like crazy, they will know the jobs people go into with a Biology degree and will advertise internships/additional courses/help you with qualification information. So many students arrive there in their third year looking bewildered to find they have already missed application deadlines- don't let that be you!
Second, as a mum in STEM you may be eligible for courses/grants or just some networking and mentoring- this may be later on or designed for UGs. See if you can take advantage of this as you go along.
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