Applying for PhD - past research experience

[NotReallyDoneAny]

Hi I am hoping to apply for a phd. I'm in my 50s and have a huge amount of work experience in the area that I would like to research.

I have an MA that I did nearly 10 years ago which is vaguely connected to my job but I funded it myself and it wasn't done with career development in mind - just for interest really.
The reserach I want to do isn't really connected with the MA.

I have been in touch with a potential supervisor who wants to know about my MA dissertation; they have asked what research methodology I used.....

So my recollection of that dissertation is that it was basically a very long essay. I didn't do any primary resarch - it wouldn't have been possible really as it was like an overview of a narrow topic. There was no suggestion at the time that I should be doing primary research - I don't remember any of my peers doing any.

I think it was more like a literature review in a lot of ways - but with some analysis and my own views at the end. It looked at the evolution of a particular concept.

I don't know how to reply to the supervisor. I can't claim to have used any methodologies - apart from reading a lot and analysing what I read.

Any tips / ideas?
Thanks

Firstly, be straightforward and honest with your potential supervisor.

Secondly, when you reply, do highlight the relevant research experience you have. I was a very immature PhD student many moons ago, but I did have research experience from summer jobs, and I'm pretty sure that clinched my place (it certainly wasn't my grades!). If appropriate, you may want to explain which methodologies you've used in your research.

Good luck!

Thank you @naughtyfurballs

I might need to scrape the barrel a bit with research experience of any sort, as my job up to now hasn’t been research based.
Thanks though, given me something to think about.