Research advice needed: How to make a move from web development to PhD research? I am a web developer reasonably proficient in PHP and front-end development. I had completed my Masters (by coursework) more than 6 years ago and have been working as a web developer. My Masters' grades weren't very good (pass in average with few distinctions and credits). When I did my Masters, rather than focusing in one area, I was pretty much experimenting with different subjects such as natural language processing, multimedia, visual info processing, distributed programming, etc 'cause I wasn't too sure what direction to take.

I contacted few research supervisors after completing my Masters but didn't hear anything positive from them. Then I pretty much gave up and started pursuing career and moved into web development.

I am not sure how to go into research now and whether it is even possible for me. How do I prepare myself?
Here are a few suggestions (not necessarily in this order):


Read up on the latest research in your area(s) of expertise and interest. 
Narrow the research interests down to a few and make contact with the academics involved - make contact with them, asking good questions about their research.
Contact the admissions offices of your selected universities, explain the situation truthfully - put an emphasis on the experience you have gained through your employment, which is now an area of expertise, despite your masters going in many directions.
In your readings, you should be able to find an area that is in need of more research, where something new can be contributed.


Remember, your situation is different than it was when you completed your Masters, you have several years of specialised work experience behind you now.

Good luck.