Hi everyone,
I really hope you dont me hijacking your thread.
So im hoping to do my Phd in the future. My BA degree was in History combined with Criminology, and my MA is in Social Work. I currently work as a Social Worker in Children's Services but honestly i just love studying.
Would i be expected to do my Phd on a topic relating to my Social Work MA, Or would i be able to complete it within the History department (or even the criminology department)- dont worry if you cant answer that, although if anyone can answer that then i would be extremely grateful.
My dream is to work as a university lecturer, tbh i would prefer to do my Phd within the History department and be a 'historian'; i really enjoy micro history and social history. I feel that is where my passion is- my BA dissertation was based on protest singers and the impact (if any) they had on changing policies and i must have done something right as i got a 1st for it and apparently they still talk about it to current students when they first have a lecture on the dissertation.
Due to finances and starting a family, and starting my career this dream has remained a pipe dream, but im 35 now and i feel its time for me to start the application process otherwise i fear it will always remain a pipe dream, and i would hate when im old to look back and regret not doing it.
For my BA i graduated with a 1st, and then a merit for my MA (although i once again got a 1st for my MA dissertation) and my MA dissertation supervisor did tell me that i would be a good candidate for a phd, so i do feel i would be able to do it even though i lack confidence at times. But please can anyone share anything you feel would be helpful and useful for someone like me (seriously thinking about starting the application process) whether it be financial advice, work/life balance, were you able to work alongside doing it? Also did anyone have a clear career plan?
Many thanks, and i think you are all amazing!
***ETA*** I am disabled (receive pip) due to my mental health issues; i have been diagnosed with having BPD and Bipolar2 along with other issues. However it is a relatively new diagnosis and receieved it after i had completed my BA and MA degrees. But does anyone else have similar mental health issues to myself and found it difficult to complete the phd. This is one of the things i am worried about tbh