I passed and only started reading my thesis the day before - that's being totally honest. READ your thesis, KNOW your thesis.

1. Explain how it contributes to knowledge

2. Explain why it makes an original contribution.

3. Do you know its gaps, strengths and weaknesses? If not, learn these.

Why did you do the things you did? Justify your decisions but acknowledge what you would do differently.

More preparation would not have helped me and, again, that's being honest.

For what's it worth, I believe in most cases the decision is made prior to viva.

Calm down, you've been working on this for years and should know it better than the alphabet.

Good luck

(up)

======= Date Modified 01 Feb 2012 09:14:32 =======
:$ When I called the thread 'A little something for the weekend...' the post below is not what I was referring to on this occasion:$

I think you need to at some point. I had no problem letting go at write up but am finding the corrections much harder and keep going over and over them but without making changes. I made the decision earlier tonight to let the examiner be the judge as that's their job. I think everyone wants their work to be the best it can be but that can be difficult without objectivity and objectivity comes with time and space. Don't be afraid to move on and come back to it with fresh eyes at a later date, if necessary.

None and I wasn't encouraged to but if you can I would suggest you do so as I do know it has closed some interview doors for me.

I agree Mac but in my case a Google search shows I did a PhD because my supervisors bands his students names around, even if they don't like it and ask him not to. The university I'm with does not publish failed PhDs which I totally agree with as I suspect many fail a PhD through no fault of their own.

If it helps, I know of some people without a PhD who have lecturing posts (these people are young). It does sound as though your university are impressed with you and so continue doing what you're doing and maintain the lines of communication. Personally, I don't feel a PhD is the be all and end all and I've always maintained (although I passed) that it was a poor learning experience. I learned so much more about research from my research assistant posts and my MSc was a fantastic learning opportunity. I don't place great value by my PhD to be honest and I've said this time and again on the forum.

Best of luck(up)

I just want to wish you all the very best. I very much admire your attitude and doubt I'd be feeling the same way (puts head down in shame). Given the experiences you gained at university, would they not be able to supply you with some casual or temporary work? Always worth asking. If you see lab tech jobs advertised, apply and see what happens. Do whatever you need to do to pay the bills but continue to strive towards what you want.

I really hope things work out for you and hopefully your attitude will see you through.

Everyone has been really fantastic. I've knuckled down (working harder now than at any point during my PhD) and am getting to grips with it a bit more but may have questions.

Sneaks, that's a very kind offer but you've more important things to attend to and I wish you all the best.(up)

I have to agree. Ian, that made for an insightful and interesting read. It would be very good reading for anyone considering a PhD.

PhD supervision should be available all year round (in theory) but it really depends on your supervisor.

It's only because my supervisors bands his PhD students names about that I have to finish this, otherwise I would leave it and accept a fail (I wouldn't accept an MPhil).

======= Date Modified 26 Jan 2012 21:10:42 =======
Thanks everyone. Yes, I want to learn and understand these (and don't have confidence in my supervisors statistical ability) and so I may consider getting someone to teach me so that I can be sure I understand what I'm supposed to be doing. Furry, you have your first star as a thanks. Ian, thank you for the offer, at some point in the past I must have contributed towards your stars.