By
Miranda Armstrong
London
Hi, thanks for visiting my page! I’m Miranda, a 33 year-old master’s
student and mum of one from London. I’m hugely excited to
have been offered a place to do a PhD in sociology at Goldsmiths from
September. Despite offers from 3 different institutions, I unfortunately have
not secured any studentship funding. Extremely competitive to win, a
studentship would have covered my tuition fees and living expenses for 3 years
of study. I currently do not have the funds to cover my course costs and do not
want to borrow any more money, given the iceberg of student debt from my
undergraduate studies. This campaign is my attempt to negate this financial
barrier.
I am hoping to raise £19,000.
The purpose of my obtaining this qualification is ultimately to become a university-based sociologist, tackling some of the social issues that affect certain families and communities. For instance my PhD research will expand upon the focus of my master’s dissertation to further explore experiences among single mothers who have raised sons to adulthood, as well as of adult sons who were raised solely by their mothers. This will be with the aim of tackling some of the simplistic stereotypes and stigma around this family structure. I hope to eventually write a book about my research findings.
I returned
to education at the same time that my son, Jackson, now nine, started at primary
school with the goal of attaining a fulfilling and impactful career. Following an Access course,
I gained admission to the University of Surrey to read for a BSc in Sociology. In
July 2014 I graduated with First-Class Honours and was delighted to win two prizes: The Best Sociology Dissertation prize (won jointly) as well as The Asher Tropp prize for The Best Overall Performance. Keen to continue my studies with a master’s in preparation for doctoral
studies, I dreamt big and applied to the London School of Economics (LSE) for a
place on their MSc in Social Research Methods. I was thrilled not only to be
admitted but also to be awarded a full scholarship that would cover my
tuition fees and living costs. The PhD is the final qualification I need to have
a shot at my goal of becoming an academic.
I am determined to begin my Sociology PhD this autumn and hope that you will support me in this quest. Please share this campaign with your networks, post #singlemumdoesphd to raise awareness and sponsor me if you can. Every donation will be hugely appreciated, whatever the size. Take a look at the rewards on offer in return for your investment in me at the side of this page.
You can also like the Facebook page Single Mum Does PhD to receive updates during the campaign and along my PhD journey.
If you would like more information you can email me at armstrongmiranda@icloud.com
Thank you SO much in advance for your support!!!
Select this reward if you just want to donate to the project without receiving a reward.
39 claimed
A heartfelt THANK YOU ON THE CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK PAGE!
17 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 October 2015
A massive thank you in the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF MY MSc DISSERTATION AND AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF THE THESIS!
10 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 October 2015
A huge thank you in the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF MY MSc DISSERTATION AND A PROFESSIONALLY BOUNDED COPY OF THE THESIS!
5 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 October 2015
All of the above, plus a SIGNED THANK YOU NOTE ON A GOLDSMITHS COLLEGE POSTCARD!
1 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 October 2015
All of the above PLUS an annual progress report to let you know how my PhD Journey is going!
1 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 October 2015
All of the above PLUS a talk or 1000 word article for your group/organisation on my recent educational journey as a 'non-traditional' student!
1 claimed
Estimated delivery: 1 October 2015