In the 'other interests' section, what would you write to make yourself sound like a 'rounded' person. So far I've got ...

Art, Reading, Cinema, Theatre, Music

BUY THE BOOK! Come on ... manners and all that!!!

If you are happy enough getting on with your own work and not doing all the other 'uni related stuff' ... don't worry about it! However, if you are feeling isolated (and miserable), make time to catch up with friends and talk to people.

Isolation is part of the PhD process ... we've all been there, so you are not alone!

Definitions of what constitutes major/minor corrections vary significantly between different uni's ... ask your research administrator how your uni defines these (the definitions should be outlined in some type of 'PhD Handbook' that your uni produces for research students).

Also, you can't predict how an extern will be in the viva. They may be seem like a nice enough person in the 'real' world, but could be the complete oppositive when examining you (and vice versa). HOWEVER ... if your supervisor says you are ready to submit, you should trust me (a good supervisor won't let you submit unless they are as sure as they can be that you will pass - with minor corrections at the most).

..........

If they are only minor corrections (i.e you have to get them done within 2/3 months) most people would use the title now (the rest is just formality ... but strictly speaking you shouldn't use it yet). However, if your corrections are major I wouldn't use the title until everything has been signed off!

By the way ... well done on getting this far!

Most uni's I have experience of operate the following way ...

Once you've done your corrections and they've been signed off by the intern (or intern and extern if it's major corrections) your PhD should then be given the first 'official stamp' at the next scheduled research degrees committee meeting (i.e. the one for your department). Once this is done, you should receive a letter from your uni addressed to 'Dr X' informing you that you have successfully passed and were awarded a PhD ... So that's when you can 'officially' start using the 'Dr' title (but - as coastman stated - this isn't 'totally official' until you graduate and the bit of paper is in your hand).

..........

Ha Ha Ha!!!

How much more of this thread do we have to endure??? This is sooo boring!!!

Suggestion ... spend less time posting 'updates' on your progress, and more on your PhD work (also, it's no surprise it's taking you sooo long to get a first draft together ... you work sporadically and - most of the time - in short bursts).

GET ON WITH IT!

Shani ... just out of curiousity, have you actually passed your PhD (i.e. are you a 'Dr')?

Because a better word which sums up most people's experiences (including my own) is ... ANTI-CLIMAX!!!

This is all part of the 'PhD process'. As Shani said, don't worry about anybody else and get on with your own work.

Now stop ranting, get your head down, and ... do your PhD!!!

Try to find out how many PhD students the potential supervisor in Australia has at the moment, and how many he has seen through to completion (this will give you an idea of their 'PhD record').

By the way, my ex-supervisor (I've finished now) is a very big name in his field ... and ALWAYS made time to see me.

If Manchester will give you a '20%' bursary does that mean they'll also pay your fees on top of this? If not, I'd be inclined to go for the Australian PhD offer ... a PhD is a good thing to do, but not worth ending up £30, 000+ in debt (even if this is to your parents!).

Finally, the Uni that the potential supervisor in Australia is at is also well renowned!!!

It's normal to be (very) nervous (and feel very sick at the thought of it), but try to approach it by thinking it's a similar scenario to a job interview (except with this, you've had a few years to prepare!).

Remember, you know your research better than anyone else AND ... be confident.

You'll be fine!

Does Olivia ever do any work on her PhD? Will she still be posting in 4+ years time?

Taking bets now!

Look at people who you think might be suited to being your extern, and tell your supervisor about them (I'm sure they'll have opinions on some of them - i.e. "I've met them and they are xxx").

The choice of your extern is usually something both you AND your supervisor decide on (they might also know some people who would be good).

HOWEVER ... the problem with externs is that it really is 'pot luck' - you can't predict how people are going to be in the viva itself!!!

There's no harm in them applying for bursaries/university studentships ... IF they did well in their masters than this would compensate for doing 'not-so-great' in their undergrad degrees.