tea42971

Not sure if this is the right thread! Sorry! So i'm in a bit of a funny situation--US citizen with an English degree from the states, and a comp lit MA from UCL. I've been in the UK since my MA, am currently on a work visa doing professional/business development with nonprofits. I was initially planning to go home and take up a PhD offer in the humanities, but the 1.5 years in industry have led me to the epiphany that I'm actually more interested in social policy research/ NGO policy and think tanks and NOT academia for academia's sake. I realise this is a far departure from my current qualifications and I think the best way "in" might be a social policy degree, or something of that ilk? This is primarily due to my lack of experience in/ability to work with stats, qualitative or quantitative data and analysis. I am a bit worried about having two post graduate degrees because this could make me look a bit aimless, but the desire for another is genuine. Is this really the right move to get into this line of work? As far as the course goes, I am looking at LSE's MSc in Social Policy (Research) --though I know it might be a bit strange to have two international graduate degrees. Still quicker and cheaper than getting one in the US. Money isn't a problem either--I am resigned to taking out a loan no matter where i choose. ( I haven't had to for either of my other degrees so it's not a massive problem). Open to any other suggestions though! Thanks in advance for any input!

Hi All, I have an offer to a funded doctoral program that I am very keen to enroll in, but have had to defer for a year due to personal circumstances. The program was very understanding and accepted my request, but let me know that funding is not guaranteed next year as it is handled by a different department. I am a bit worried about pressing the matter as it was incredibly generous of them to allow me to defer. What is everyone's experience with this situation? How likely am I to get any funding after my deferral? (as a note--I don't know how competitive the program is, but it is a bit niche so it's not like I will be competing with a Harvard or Columbia grad pool next year)

Hi all, I have a bit of a dilemma--I have been accepted into the perfect PhD program (funded, great fit, etc) and very much want to enroll, the problem is that due to somewhat severe personal/familial circumstances, I really can't next fall. The program does not have an information about deferrals, and I do not know if they are even allowed at this university. I've spoken to the department chair informally about the program and have been assured that they are really very interested in me. I have no interest in applying anywhere else or doing anything else, I just really need another year before I can make the move and get started. Is it acceptable to explain to this to the program? I am prepared to re-apply if I am told that deferral is not possible, but I worry that turning down the offer once will cause me to lose my place. Has anyone had experience deferring for personal reasons in the past? How is the best way to go about it?