Anybody done a PhD?

[Irmagerd1]

I'm contemplating it, I'd like to work at university level but I know that the work is scarcer these days. I'd be happy to do it just for the enjoyment of learning and researching.
My father has a PhD and works in academia, and I suppose I previously never considered myself as capable but now I'm thinking that I should at least try.
I have a thesis topic I'd like to work on, in humanities, and I think it's a topic that generates a lot of discussion, has plenty of evidence to work with and it's something I'm genuinely passionate about.
However I don't have a Masters, I have a PGCE. I also have a 2.2 degree from a RG university. I'm 31 now.
I haven't chosen my university yet but I'm fully aware I'd never make it into Oxbridge or anything more competitive/prestigious, nor do I want to really.
I don't want this to be taken the wrong way but I'm wondering if I'd stand a better chance of being accepted at a much lower ranking university. I honestly don't mind where I do it as long as it can be local/distance learning.
I know I'll most likely have to be self funded too, and I'm intending to do the PhD part time alongside working.
Just interested to hear from other people doing them or contemplating it.
Maybe this is just a pipe dream and I'm completely deluded for thinking I'd even get a place.

I've just passes

I’m at the end of my MFA now and considering a PhD. From what I’ve been told, they care more about your undergrad grading than postgrad. You may find it harder (but not impossible) with a 2:2. The OU could be a really good consideration. Informally contact tutors and discuss your idea. This may help.

I got a merit at Postgraduate level, forgot to say.
I got 58, it's very frustrating to have been close to a 2:1.
Thank you, I'll look at the OU!

I've just passed my PhD at the age of 40 in a Humanities subject. I was able to get research council funding and did an MRes followed by PhD. I've done it as a single mum of 2 kids too. It's been hard work but I'm hugely proud of the achievement. I too hope to get into university teaching though I expect my first post to be mainly research. Happy for you to PM me with questions.

I did a PhD, but via a more traditional undergrad, masters, PhD route.

I'm not sure that you'll need to self-fund, or if you do, I think you'll be an attractive prospect to supervisors.

I should possibly point out that I have no experience of humanities, or of doing a PhD part-time.

I self-funded a part-time humanities PhD (aged 24-29)! I don't regret it at all, even though I didn't go into academia. I have stayed in teaching, which was my part-time job, and my current school recognised it as experience on the pay-scale, though not all do.

If it's something you're passionate about, then go for it; but be aware that it's hard to stay motivated on a part-time basis. Also I had very few expenses in those days (I was married but no kids).

The OU is fantastic at distance learning.

The job market for humanities PhDs is absolutely atrocious. It's hard to actually put into words how bad it is. I only know of one person in a bunch of 25/30 who were doing their PhDs at the same time as me who has a permanent, pensionable job in academia in this country. That's 15 years after graduating. We speak of her in hushed tones.

Its a long, hard, solitary slog and it impacts the people around you very significantly. That might be bearable if it was worth it ...

With a 2.2 you won't be funded and I really wouldn't advise sinking any of your own reserves into it, it isn't worth it.

So no, I wouldn't recommend it. If I had my time again I wouldn't do it either, though I was well advised to get out and get a job in a completely unrelated field. No way was it worth it.

Its the type of thing that's more suitable as a retirement project I think.

I’ve just submitted my thesis. Part time funded in my late 30s.

Great to hear these replies, thank you.
This is probably a silly question, but by self funded, I assume that means I'd be able to apply for student loans, doctoral loans I think they're known as?
I can't afford to pay much out of my own pocket.

This is probably a silly question, but by self funded, I assume that means I'd be able to apply for student loans, doctoral loans I think they're known as?

Yes. But please think long and hard before accumulating debt for this.

I have a PhD. Fully funded at a pre '92 university. Work at that uni. now. My advice is to do it only if you really want to do it. If you have the passion for your original contribution you will really enjoy it. I loved every moment of mine😍However, don't fall into the trap of thinking as someone else on the thread has, that your first job will 'only be research' research only contracts are rarer than hen's teeth so the likelihood is any initial contract would have a very high teaching load, and possibly be fixed term. The job market for academics is very tough and (not meaning to be rude) unless your original contribution is world changing, you would not be a top candidate for a research contract with your previous grades

Do not go into debt!! The return on the investment is not certain enough

What do you do now OP, are you a teacher? What about doing a Masters?

Yes I'm a teacher, I've also looked at an MPhil. I know people are right about the debt, and it's very unlikely I'd get finding I'm aware..
I'd be interested in lecturing at university level more than researching I think, but I'm sure it's very tough as people say. I don't know..

I've just passed mine. Self funded (doctoral loans weren't available until recently otherwise I'd have definitely done that!). Not easy while working as a teacher too, and had my 2 children during it, but done now.

The hard part won't be getting onto a PhD, especially if you're applying to low ranking universities. The difficult thing will be completing it. Out of my intake, I think only 2 of us have actually finished. Some dropped out and some are still plodding on. It takes over your life, for a long time. I found it's also not about intelligence but sheer determination and persistence. I think you have to have a real passion for something to do it.

Why wouldn't you apply for a Masters first though?

I think you need to do an MA first in any case, and then have a think after that. So perhaps postpone the decision until you have an MA. A PGCE is not enough.

I do agree about the Master's. I did mine "on the treadmill" straight after my undergrad degree. Gives a taste of the different style, much more self-driven (and not very like a PGCE). Lots do drop out as they don't realise it's hard work.

My school pays a contribution towards academic courses out of the CPD budget, but it's an independent. Could be worth asking someone, though, OP?

You don't necessarily need an MA, but some universities have it as an entry requirement. I did a Masters and found it very useful (I came up with my original contribution on my Masters and applied it to a different context in my PhD) it was helpful because my Masters work was published and then I could reference it in my PhD thesis, thus heading off the 'is this work of publishable quality?' question at my viva.

Oh, and congratulations, @surreygirl1987 !

And congratulations @bathsh3ba ! and other recent successes.

Not all universities ask for a PhD before lecturing - former polytechnics often employ lecturers without PhDs.
But it's something you really have to do for it's own sake - not because of what you think it'll give you at the end.
If you're self funded most places will bite your hand off.
But think very carefully before getting into debt over it.

Hi! I'm currently doing a PhD, due to finish in 2024. I'm currently 28 and TTC! 💓 It's a mad journey, full of ups and downs... lots of hard work and commitment but it's amazing, just make sure you get a great supervision team behind you!

I did my PhD in my late 30's but I only did it because I got a job as an academic at a university and it was part of my contract.

To get my job without a doctorate I needed to already hold a masters and have significant experience working in HE.

If you're wanting to work as a lecturer I'd advise getting a masters in a specialist subject and going from there.

I've been getting more interviews for research only than research + teaching or teaching jobs so far (and one fixed term research only post) which is what coloured my opinion above.

That's very good for you, and I didn't mean to sound critical, it's just your experience is the exception rather than the rule and I just wanted to give a different perspective as the luxury of research as job is a rarity and should not guide any decisions the poster will make.