PhD Discussion Forum

Due to numerous tragedies, I couldn't satisfactorily finish my PhD thesis in humanities and was offered an MPhil. I worked as a lecturer for two years and have been trying to find a new PhD. Since I really wish to be in academia, a PhD is necessary. Moreover, I do quite enjoy doing research and the previous harrowing experience hasn't put me off from attempting another PhD. When I mailed my proposal and my MPhil thesis to over 15 universities abroad, 90% of them replied back citing their interest in supervising my thesis. However, upon mentioning my previous experience with the PhD, and the subsequent MPhil, none of them replied back. I realise that funding is perhaps next to impossible with my background, so I am also willing to fund my own PhD. I had also communicated this with the relevant faculty. What must be the reason for their abrupt silence after being initially enthusiastic about my research and MPhil thesis? Must I keep trying or is it a futile endeavour? I didn't extend my contract at work on the basis of their initial positive responses. I wanted to begin a PhD this year, but now I feel a bit pessimistic about my chances of getting accepted. Does anyone here have any advice regarding how I can put a positive spin on my MPhil? 3 papers adapted from my thesis are currently being reviewed for publication and the initial reactions have been positive. It would be great if the universities at least informed me about their change of heart, but getting absolutely no response after a period of initial correspondence is disheartening. For instance, one university wanted to arrange a skype interview with me to discuss a proposal which they found interesting. After I mentioned my previous PhD (they have already read the thesis), they stopped replying. I even asked them to inform me if I have been rejected. No reply to that too. Please advice. Thanks.

Hi, themagusohphraxos,

When people showed abrupt silence after previous enthusiasm, my gut feeling is that at that point you have said something that caused them to lose interest. Think hard what you have said at that stage.

I agree with pm133 that you certainly should not be offering information unless they explicitly ask for it.

Eg of info you can volunteer: Your MPhil project, your papers, your technical and research skills
Eg of info you should not volunteer unless asked directly: Why you got an MPhil instead of PhD, why your relationship with your supervisor was bad, why you think funding may be difficult

Funding. I think you may still be eligible for funding. a master with 3 papers is very good. you have good chance.

That sucks (the reference part). Here is what I would suggest. It may be long winded but worth it. Try and get a research position with your current qualifications - e.g., a part time research assistant post. Then ask your supervisors/the PI in that job to provide references. They won't need to mention the "PhD history". And you can write a personal statement that frames everything exactly how you want it to be framed as to why you decided to do an MPhil at that stage and have since decided to pursue a PhD. This is what I would do. And I'd prepare myself for when questions are asked about the PhD - just have some good explanations ready as to why you decided to (whether or not it was entirely your decision - that is your business not theirs) do an MPhil (avoiding any negative detail about your previous PhD experience).