Is it true that the people at Uni who decide whether you can do aPhD want to see evidence of study of that?

Question

subject to the exclusion of all others?Someone on answers said he couldn't get a job with the History Degree that he holds.

Answer 1

It is not true at all. Many disciplines want you to have a broad background. I have a PhD in FInance -- but have taken graduate level courses from the following economic departments:

1. Finance
2. Mathematics
3. Economics
4. Statistics
5. Philosophy
6. Marketing
7. Organizational Behavior
8. Operations Research

Answer 2

well in England you have to submit a preliminary research proposal as part of your application (though during your first year of research training, this may obviously change) - you have to demonstrate in your application that you can write concisely and well - keeping the interest of your audience, and arguing/justifying the points you make with clarity, conviction and evidence! Having a good first degree - usually minimum 2.1 is essential, as is having an idea for research that is valid, and will be of benefit to the research community in that field (and possibly beyond) - in England too, the ability TO PAY is equally essential!
having a PhD will not guarantee anyone a job any more than a first degree does - often, postdoctoral students get bogged down in very low-paid temporary research posts, which they find incredibly hard to progress from - all the work, none of the kudos, and absolutely no job security - permanent posts in research-intensive departments, even those with strong teaching reputations are extremely hard to come by

Answer 3

If you are asking about admission to a PhD program, which is not at all clear from your question, they are mostly interested in your ability to read, write clearly and engage in research. Usually your undergraduate and master's programs will go along with your PhD program, but having a more well rounded background will usually be helpful in almost all programs.