Funded PhD with stipend - any point in applying?

[ThePricklySheep]

Work sent round details of a PhD which looks fabulous but I’m guessing will be super competitive. I’m not ‘excellent’ I don’t think. I would guess you need to be? It’s taught research.

I have an old BSc 2:2 and then 15 years of less relevant work experience. Then I have a very relevant and fairly rare MSc (only a pass, it was possible to get pass or distinction), and will have two years’ relevant work experience at one of the funding institutions.

I think I’d be up against 100s of other applicants but I don’t know how many of them will have more than a BSc.

I’m also concerned about workload. Where I am is fairly slow paced, to the point of being annoying, but I don’t want four years of working 80 hour weeks.
I suppose there’s no way of predicting that though.

Your relevant work experience is your big selling point so emphasise this.

Your academic quals aren't stellar (you know this!) but may be good enough- realistically, they probably would be looking for a Distinction in the Masters so if you were close to one, put that (or put %/grades).

Don't just put you are excited to do the project, see if you can add value to it by suggesting interesting theoretical or other ways of taking it forward.

I would also contact the contact person if there is one for an informal chat.

I don't think you can ever quite predict whether you will stand a chance or not, but if you don't apply you definitely won't get it!

'excellence' is decidedly overrated IMO! A PhD can be a long slog and not everyone straight out of a masters quite gets that. I'd be very interested in a candidate who not only has a relevant PhD but also relevant work experience. Re the workload, I know there are horrible stories out there but we encourage our PGRs to treatit like a job, 9-5, and switch off afterwards. Not everyone does of course but tbh this often because they're still working out how to work effectively (somethinf you would hopefully have down after all that work experience!). If you fancy it I say go for it. Is there a contact named? Drop them a line and ask for advice, I'm always happy to chat to prospective applicants!

This depends on the funding. A few funders say a 2:1 is essential - so email to ask that first

Thanks everyone.

They do ask for a 2:1 but I was thinking my MSc might mean that’s not the case?

I don’t think I was close to a distinction with it, but I didn’t just a scrape a pass either.

Hmm.

I might think of a couple of questions and get in touch with them. I don’t think it’ll take me that long to do an application for it so I might just go for it.

In any case it’s made me realise I want a move from where I am so I’ll start gently plotting.

I would definitely email first. I recruit for funded PhDs all the time and the 2:1 requirement is non negotiable for a lot of funders - so get that clear before you spend any more time! Good luck

That’s a really good point. I’ll do that this week before I spend any more time thinking about it.
Thanks!

Well I worked up courage to ask about the 2:1 requirement and I’ve been told they will take further qualifications into account, so advised me to apply.

So that’s exciting! I wonder if there’s anything else I should ask in advance.

I was convinced I wouldn't get a place when I applied but my dh talked me into it, basically saying what did I have to loose by trying? I couldn't believe I got it! Like you, I had a number of years working and they said they liked that so like pp said, emphasise rather than any away from your life experience and how that will help you. Good luck!

If you have a relevant and rare Masters and relevant work experience you should definitely apply! Many advertised PhDs are very niche and get fewer applicants than you might expect. Of those, some have academic excellence but not relevant quals/experience. Some recruiting academics will give a lot of weight to relevant quals / experience so you may have more chance than you think! (I do admin for PhD recruitment btw.)