There will be more, they might ask you technical questions about your topic too

Stephen, I was interviewed by four people as well when I went for my PhD. Make sure you now your topic well and be prepared to answer at least these questions.

1) Why do you want to do a PhD?

2) Summarise your Masters research project.

3) What challenges did you encounter during you research project?

4) Do you Know what a PhD entails?

5) Why do you think you are suited to do a PhD?

6) What do you think are the best and worst parts about doing a PhD?

7) So you’re interested in X. Tell me what you’ve done in the area and what you’d like to do for your PhD

8) You haven’t qualified for our studentship place; how are you going to pay the tuition fees and cover your living expenses?

9) What attracted you to our university?

10) Hows your current university?

What uni are you at sweety?

Hi, different people have different opinions but if you got 1st in your undergrad and Merit in your Masters than it won't be looked on as a failure. You have to remember now that half of the universities in the UK doesn't give a Merit or a Distinction, they just give a pass. When you apply for jobs they will ask you whether you have a Masters or not, regardless of a Merit or a Distinction. It's different when you apply for a PhD especially if the competition is hard.

Masters is tougher than Undergrad and you need D- to pass your undergrad and a B to pass your Masters. If you apply for a PhD, what's really going to count is your Masters project. Hey, 65% is a good mark.

MH

Dear Dave,

I know how you feel. I have been through similar thing through my undergrad. American's are different than the English and other Europeans and since I have studied in North America, I can see where your coming from.

You are welcome to quit your PhD but there are a few things I would like to tell you before. First, quitting is a habit hard to quit. Life is tough as nails but now is your chance to stand up to it, if you are able to pull through this then later on you will say to yourself 'this is nothing compared to what I have been through before'. Second, if your more normal and social than the others then that's a good sign. People would want to hurt you just for the sport because they see that your personality is superior than theirs. If they have an anti-social mood or life then its their problem, not yours. Perhaps these people are not as good as you. The best thing you can do is stay away from those people and find other people in the school that are fun to be with and to work with.

I don't know if you do any exercise but joining a gym or any other sports class is a very good way to get you anger and frustration out. The days I was depressed I went to the gym and took it out on the weight knowing they couldn't hurt me back and after a while you will get back your self-confidence. You have worked so hard to get into your school, don't leave it without a fight!

MH

======= Date Modified 23 Apr 2009 09:31:18 =======
Hi, yes you will get relevant experience after your MSc. When I attended the nutrition conference in London in 2007, they told me that you need MSc to register with them and to become a Associate Nutritionist.



Aberdeen is amazing, I am starting my PhD there from October this year. If you choose to study there, I am sure I will be able to help you with the course work;-)

That sounds promising. Thanks Joyce

Hello Lisa. Yes, entering the Register of the Nutrition Society is a bonus and you would be able to register with Clinical Nutrition too but their advantages won't be worth it and you won't be able to be associate nutritionist then. A wealth of resources will be available to you through Nutrition Society and Human Nutrition and Metabolism MSc because I did Human Nutrition and I am glad I chose it and not Clinical Nutrition.

======= Date Modified 22 Apr 2009 18:39:55 =======
Of course, but how is it compared to 'The Unwritten Rules of PhD research"? I have read How to Get a PhD, but must be honest... that one was rubbish and not worth the money, but thats what I feel about it.

Is it really good?

MSc Human Nutrition and Metabolism is the same thing as MSc Human Nutrition and MSc Applied Human Nutrition. 85% of Aberdeen staff is involved in research and in publishing and the place is very friendly.

Are you a male or female?

======= Date Modified 21 Apr 2009 08:30:46 =======
Aberdeen and Glasgow are both good universities but I would think twice about London Metro because it isn't up there with the rest of them. Aberdeen made you a strong offer yet?

I am doing my PhD in Human Nutrition at Aberdeen so I can help you with the Universities

You will need higher level of statistics for your MSc, but you will have research methods to learn more and they offer statistics courses at the university. For public health, the research is both qualitative and quantitative depending on the topic you choose for your thesis and on the assignments.

Thanks guys, this really help.

If you want to do a PhD just for the hell of it then I suggest you really think about why you want to do it. I was in the same boat as you 6 months ago when I was about to have my interview.

Tell them that you like doing research, you like working independently, have wanted to do it for a very long time. Finding out new things interests you and how you have immersed in your field (whatever is it) when you did your undergrad and Masters.

Be prepared, they will ask you more questions about your research projects, and how you cope with pressure, how often did you meet with your supervisors when you did your masters, if you know what a PhD entails, and what a PhD is etc...

Hope this helps