How did it go? - how did you recognise each other? - Are you going to see each other again? Is this the first PhD forum wedding?

Most people think of giving up their PhD at some point or other. Hang in there.

Yes there are more and more PhD programmes becoming available on-line. Make sure you pick a reputable university with qualifications recognised worldwide, not just by a set of spurious associations.

An MPhil is a valid qualification but can also be used in the cynical way in which you (and me in previous threads) describe. The difference between an MPhil and a PhD is firstly an MPhil is shorter and secondly the research carried out during and MPhil, whilst needing to be worthwhile does not need to be new (i.e. you can repeat the research/experiments of others and draw your own conclusions).

An MRes is a training in research methods and is best chosen if you think you may want a career in research. Remember however, that the names of these degrees is up to the universities themselves, and does not indicate what criteria the course fulfils. Before the MRes was invented 10 or more years ago very similar courses existed, but were just called MSc's. Some MSc's around now will cover much the same ground as an MRes. In other words, don't worry about the name - look at the content of the course to make your decision.

Yes, as long as you wrote up the MPhil and passed a viva examination. If you didn't have a viva you could try to ask for one to be arranged.

You won't be able to negotiate your grant. If you don't think it's enough you'll have to turn it down flat and look for a PhD with a better studentship. CAST and CASE awards usually pay the most.

Although we have never heard of anybody doing this, it is likely that it is possible. However doing a PhD as a fully qualified medical doctor is usually much better paid and to be frank much easier (as you will probably get access to technical assistance) than doing a PhD any other way (except buying one of those dodgy ones of the internet).

No, you should start looking now, PhD's starting in October 2005 are already being allocated. New studentships will continue to be advertised as the year goes on, but if you wait until you've got your degree result you risk hanging around for an extra 12 months after you graduate.

In most cases PhDs are full time for at least three years (a part time PhD would be at least 6 years). Unlike an undergraduate degree you only get 6 weeks holiday (including bank holidays) per year - many people don't even take all of these.

Most awards are based on academic ability and/or country of origin. Read the terms of the grant for which you intend to apply.

It depends what type of college you want to teach in. It's certainly not to late to start a PhD if you're more interested in teaching afterwards than forging a career in research. I'm afraid I don't know what other qualifications or experience would suffice. Approach your local college for advice.

Life's what you make it.

The only difference is in the subjects studied - MA is for the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, MSc is for Science, MEng is for Engineering, etc. In some subjects you can often take either an MA or an MSc (eg Geography or Psychology) - this usually reflects the aspects of those subjects which have been concentrated on during the course.

See our Funding and PhDs Explained sections for links and information.

You can leave early and suffer few harmful effects. Out there in the real world most people don't really know what a PhD is and will think you're probably cleverer than they are just for starting one. However what potential employers will know is that you have given up on something that you have started and will worry about what commitment you can offer to them.

Research is not the only career you can go into with a PhD. Sales reps and technical advisors in lab supplies companies usually have PhDs, so do many patent lawyers, teachers, technical writers, publishers, management consultants and members of any other profession that needs specialists.

If you really want to give up then you should talk to your supervisor about changing your registration to an MPhil. By now you should have nearly enough results for an MPhil and after a few experiments to tie up loose ends you could be ready to write up in a couple of months. That way you'll never have to explain to an employer why you left your PhD, just why you decided to move on after the MPhil which you passed with flying colours.