I'd focus on the problems you've described i.e. "not PhD standard, way too broad and lacking academic rigor". So above all you need to be more selective - which you're finding hard - and be more critical in terms of what you write.

I wrote a very selective literature survey. Rather than think in terms of hundreds of papers I focused on the key ones related to my research topic, and spun a story around those. Could you narrow down to just 10 key papers or books that are relevant? Maybe 25 at a push. But 300 is way too much to cover in enough depth in a good literature review. Once you have identified your core papers you can then start to build an argument and structure around them. You could introduce and discuss more articles as appropriate, but the key thing is to identify your focus.

To choose, think in terms of which are closest to what you are doing, in terms of the materials they are working with, or the methodology, or the argument. What existing work does your research topic build on? Would that help to define what you need to focus on.

I honestly think only you can make this decision.

Though if it was me, I'd probably want to stick it out for the PhD, if it's just a few months more work, and probably not that much longer for writing up. And you've given up so much time already. Would more really be so dreadful? And this is me coming from the perspective of having completed a *6* year part-time PhD.

Personally I wouldn't want 2 Masters, but that's just me. I already have an MPhil, which is a taught degree where I am, so was desperate not to end up with another instead of my PhD. But I was lucky.

But you need to weigh everything up yourself. Do you have good friends and/or a partner to talk to about this? It's not going to be an easy decision, and you should take your time.

I read quite a lot of other theses, borrowed on inter-library loan. All were related to my work, but not so closely that plagiarism or otherwise would be a factor. And all helped shape the form that my research took, and were referenced in my thesis and included in my bibliography.

However a student at a nearby university did a very closely related PhD to me. He gave me an electronic copy of his thesis to read after he submitted (ahead of me, cos he was full-time and I was part-time). My supervisor advised me not to read it. I didn't. I still have to read it, post PhD!

I handed the copy of the list to the examiners at the start of my viva. We didn't go through it thoroughly, though they glanced at it briefly near the end of my viva, when telling me their corrections.

I completed my Masters and PhD part-time. I wasn't working, but I was (and am) very seriously ill, with only about 5 good hours total throughout a week I could use for study. So very limited!

I was lucky that I'd studied my arts Bachelors degree with the Open University, so was already used to independent learning. You'll be picking up the same skills in your Masters, and these will stand you in good stead for your PhD which will also be part-time.

I think the biggest problem I found was isolation. So much of student support at my university was based around students who were on campus, whereas I was at home, and could only go in very rarely. For most of the time this was ok, but when I hit real lows it was difficult to put problems in perspective and I often wished I could chat to someone. I had a good friend (also part-time) who met me for coffee, and we'd email a lot. And this forum was a life-saver.

I also think you have to be really disciplined to put in the work week after week. Unless you are for example a school teacher with an extended summer break you need to work on the PhD steadily, week after week after week. Different working patterns suit different people, but you will need to find what works for you. And the PhD will be more time-consuming than the Masters.

It's also important to be realistic about what you are able to manage time-wise. For example would you be able to go to conferences? Would you want to take on any teaching responsibilities? I got very good at saying no to things, largely due to the illness, also due to lack of time. I focused on what I needed to do to get through the PhD, and did that to the best of my ability.

Also you will probably need to allow time on campus for training events. These are increasingly obligatory at my university, and they take place during the working week. If your uni has these you will be expected to attend them, even if you are part-time. So factor that into account.

And remember it's a marathon you're setting out on, not a sprint. So find a working pattern and set-up that suits you. My PhD was studied over 6 years. You need dedication, but it can be very rewarding.

Good luck!

I wouldn't worry about thesis quality and viva date. This is a very busy time of year for academics. The logistics of sorting out a viva at the moment will be quite immense.

You should definitely consider chasing up the relevant people though, starting with your sup for advice.

But don't worry that it has anything to do with the quality of your thesis.

Just start writing. Anything. Brainstorm for example. What do you know? Freewrite it down for 15 minutes, to see where your ideas go.

And if that doesn't work is there any point in the literature review where you would feel more comfortable starting? Then start there.

Or do a mind map / spider diagram. Or use index cards to jot down ideas and shuffle them around.

I do put boiling water in it. My bottle is very very hot. But I am very very cold, and after not very long my bottle is too ;-)

My blanket stays cozy all night. I've recently been cuddling a hot water bottle all night too, due to stomach pains from a new chemo drug. But I have to keep getting up every 2-3 hours to refresh the bottle, since its gone cold :(

Excellent news Sue! Very pleased you've made it to this stage. So do you just have to get a report from the examiners and deal with any issues they pick up? Lucky you with no viva!

So sorry to hear about your dog of course. But at least she's been with you throughout the journey, and you'll have provided comfort to each other. Sending you comforting thoughts for doggy things coming up. I lost a few cats and know how much it hurts.

Hoping this sends. I'm on dialup right now. Broadband's been down for hours, and for much of the UK!

I'm in Scotland like Tricky, and it's been very autumnal here for weeks. Not wintry yet (has to get significantly colder for that, and more like December/January/February IMHO), but definitely very much colder. I like it! It's my favourite time of year by far. And all the autumnal colours are lovely.

Wally's advice is really good. I took a break part-way through my second go at a PhD. It was either take a break, or I would quit, again! I was at breaking point, due to coping with the life-threatening neurological disease, and struggling badly with writing up. I took a break for 5 months over the summer of 2007 and came back refreshed and ready to finish things off.

If you do this really do take a break for the arranged period. Do not do anything PhD-y. And seeing a GP for advice is a really good suggestion too.