16th January 2011, 09:38 PM
First an MA does not hurt your chances of getting into a PhD in the states. had two of my classmates from my MA apply and get into MN (full funding) and Syracuse (not sure on the funding) no problem. together we went 4 for 4 in getting accepted to PhD programs. this was out of newcastle too not exactly as well known as cam, ox, ucl.
second most PhD students audit classes to pick up the skills they need. so its not like your left out in the dark. also there are field schools you can participate in- its were everyone first learns. also during the summer months you can shovel bum it- make some money too- sort of.
Usually the first year of your PhD you sit down with your advisor and make a game plan. If there are skills you would like to learn then they will set it up so you can tale classes or go to workshops or volunteer.
you mentioned Edinburgh- join the Edinburgh field society. most of the people in it don't have degrees but man their arch. is top notch. During the summer they have a dig/survey almost every other weekend. you can learn geophysics, aerial/kit photographs, of course excavation. some pretty cool sites too- they dug the knights templer castle last sept. a few summers of work with them and you'll be a better archaeologists then any prof.
really you can learn a lot in classes but until you put it into practice you really havn't learned it.
second most PhD students audit classes to pick up the skills they need. so its not like your left out in the dark. also there are field schools you can participate in- its were everyone first learns. also during the summer months you can shovel bum it- make some money too- sort of.
Usually the first year of your PhD you sit down with your advisor and make a game plan. If there are skills you would like to learn then they will set it up so you can tale classes or go to workshops or volunteer.
you mentioned Edinburgh- join the Edinburgh field society. most of the people in it don't have degrees but man their arch. is top notch. During the summer they have a dig/survey almost every other weekend. you can learn geophysics, aerial/kit photographs, of course excavation. some pretty cool sites too- they dug the knights templer castle last sept. a few summers of work with them and you'll be a better archaeologists then any prof.
really you can learn a lot in classes but until you put it into practice you really havn't learned it.