very narrow field

[achingknees]

A colleague just passed on details of a PhD studentship that he thought would interest me: The Mesolithic of England and the Planning Process. This is one of several PhDs jointly funded by EH where there is a fresh approach to combining the academic with commercial archaeology. This one has supervisors from EH and Dept of Archaeology, York Uni.

http://www.york.ac.uk/depts/arch/Projects/MesoPhD.html

Could this be my new direction in life? Surely, my publication record, including Mesolthic sites under PPG16, would hold me in good stead? Unfortunately not. Despite being able to tick most of the boxes I lack one essential criterion...no masters degree.

I was still curious so looked up the York supervisor's web page. What, no masters for them - a BA and straight to PhD! Oh yes, one of their masters students is researching the Mesolithic and developer funded fieldwork.

I would have thought such criteria in selection procedure approaches discrimination. When I left uni there were very few master degrees. In the meantime I have cracked on in field archaeology, gaining considerable practical and academic experience, producing several publications.

[Shorty]

Funding bodies require a master's degree nowadays because they are apparently trying to increase the professionalism of the PhD and improve standards of research. However, there is usually provision for people who have suitable/relevant experience equivalent to a master's degree. I'd have thought with your experience you'd still be considered for it. Isn't there a section on the application form where you include relevant professional experience? You should contact the supervisors directly and explain your position because I can't see how they could refuse you an interview, especially if you are published, unless there is someone who has your experience AND a master's degree AND has published in a peer-reviewed journal, too. And submit an application anyway - the supervisors' responsibility is to give the scholarship to the best candidate and you're clearly in the running.

[gonetopot]

Lets be honest, there are a lot of posts professional and especially research that are 'openly' advertised so that they don't contravene any discrimination laws, but the advertisers already know who they're going to appoint:face-confused:.
All you can hope for is some one who gives you fair consideration. Its a rather sad fact of life:face-confused:.
I hope you have better luck in the future

[Shorty]

Yeah, this does happen from time to time. However, I've just checked the link you posted, and I really think you should apply. The main contributor will probably be the AHRC, who are quite rigorous, but they can also be flexible. I know research posts are often 'earmarked' for certain people but the AHRC would see such a thing as a compromise of academic standards and take quite a dim view of any suggestion of nepotism, which means the department risks losing future funding. But this is a scholarship, not a post-doc research position, so if you contact the supervisor and they like the sound of your research topic, they can speak to the AHRC and EH on your behalf to see if they would allow a relaxation of the masters rule. It's got to be worth a shot, especially with your work record - just dazzle 'em with your CV and charm

[teamonster]

Hi,

Try page 25 of the AHRC guide for applicants gives information on not having a masters degree. http://www.ahrb.ac.uk/apply/postgrad/doc...scheme.asp

I recently applied for a PhD and do not have a masters degree - I made it to the shortlist - awaiting result of interview.
I'd recommend finding a referee who can comment on the academic quality of your work e.g. another specialist or academic as well as a work based reference and don't gloss over not having a masters - be upfront about why your experience means that you are just as capable.

Good luck!