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health issue
If an ambulance picked you up then that's a big red warning sign. You're overdoing things, and if you keep going like this - even for a short time - you might do yourself serious damage.
See your doctor, see what he/she advises, and apply for an extension if need be. You will have no trouble getting one on medical grounds given everything.
And don't work yourself into the ground. Nothing is worth that, and you can get an extension.
Also if you carry on past the PhD into academia then you're going to have to find a way of working that isn't so hard on yourself. It isn't necessary to overwork to ill health. And you can get help with stress and insomnia.
Good luck!
Bilbo Baggins is spot on with her advice as I found myself in a similar situation way back during Masters. I was told to take 3 months off and was restarted on a new project enabling me to complete my Masters. I took what I learnt into the PhD a few years later and although there were periods were I was putting in serious hours, I tried not to allow the PhD to overwhelm me. It is about time management and allowing yourself time away from the PhD (especially during write-up) to be able to function properly. In my case, it was drinks with friends or even going out for a few miles run.
Apply for the extension, give yourself time out and develop ways of having PhD-free time just to be able to rest.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Let me get this straight - Dr title.
I assume the professional use of the Dr title also depends heavily on the field in question.
Coming from a science perspective (biological/environmental), it seems that large numbers of people in industry, consulting, sales and the public sector have phds, and it is common to see Dr used in email signatures from people in these jobs. And certainly you would not get any kind of academic position in my field without a phd, or at least I have never heard of this happening.
Maybe in some "scientific" industries a phd is seen as a kind of professional qualification, and a lot more people have one? So definitely not redundant, or a dirty secret!
This risks going a little off topic, but here goes. :-)
I guess 'dirty secret' may depend upon people's personal circumstances and the job you're aiming to do once you're finished. In my case, I had a very bad second post-doc (discussed here before - offered me a job then changed mind when it was too late to say they didn't want me, leaving me stuck in a department where I was clearly not welcome) and although I saw it through to the end, I did not leave on the best of terms with the senior academic in charge of me.
Finding a job after that was a painfully slow process (both academic and non-academic jobs) and I was simply glad to find myself in any job at all. So in my case, 'dirty secret' whilst not totally accurate is not too far off the mark. The second post-doc basically ended my time in academia (family health issues played a part), despite a previous good record inside and outside the University sector.
If a person is employed to a research postion directly because of their PhD skills or project, then the PhD most will definitely not be a 'dirty secret'. No two people will follow the same path through life, thus different people will have different perceptions based on their experiences.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Let me get this straight - Dr title.
I think the whole area can be really confusing e.g. in the UK 'MD' is a PhD-type qualification for medical doctors, and surgeons are called Mr, even though they are medical doctors. Misunderstanding is almost inevitable.
The use of 'Mr.' in the UK by surgeons is a nod to the old Barber Surgeons that operated in and before the mid-19th Century. In most other countries, they'd be referred to as 'Dr.'.
As I said, use the appropiate suffix to avoid confusion.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Let me get this straight - Dr title.
I really have a problem with some of the replies here, which are speaking from a non-academia environment, or, I believe, speaking from outside the UK.
In the UK the Dr title is *not* redundant in an academic environment. Though when it is used it should be Dr John Smith, not Dr John Smith PhD. So if you are working as an academic of course it can be on your business cards.
I do not use my title outside academia, but I do have it on my bank card. The reason is that it gives me extra ID with my doctorness on it, which can be useful. But I never speak to any banking person who would see it, so it never comes up in that kind of conversation. Nor does it come up in any shop setting, because I'm the one bunging the card in the Chip and PIN unit.
I am a non-affiliated academic, due to severely disabling progressive neurological disease. But I have an honorary research fellowship (ongoing, probably for life), and am pursuing an academic path as much as I can, as an independent academic historian, publishing academic journal papers, speaking at academic conferences, and taking part in my university department's research community. In no way in any of these settings is my 'Dr' redundant.
I think the situation is very different for anyone working outside academia, and it can be different in other countries. But do not make broad claims for its misuse in academia in the UK.
I wasn't making broad claims about it's use or misuse Bilbo. I actually commented that having a PhD still helped in upward progression in academia.
However, there are some instances I've encountered where not having a PhD has not prevented someone reaching the top or at least a high level in an academic organisation. For example, a few of the Deans of Faculty at my old place do not have PhDs. It's an advantage, but no longer essential.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Student discounts etc!
The advantages...
1. You get cheap cinema tickets.
2. You don't have to pay council tax.
The disadvantages...
1. 10% off in HMV is pointless as Amazon is still cheaper.
2. You get paid comparatively poorly compared to what you'd get for equivalent work in the private sector.
3. You work long hours.
If you have a spouse in fulltime work, I thought you wern't elligible for a council tax reduction?
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Let me get this straight - Dr title.
Ian, thanks for the great posts and adding to the discussion. What are your veiws on professional doctorates like the DEng/EngD. This is more of an applied qualification, based in industry. Is the use of Dr Engineer still a no no in a relevant domain and setting?
My arguments with an EngD are the same as for PhD. Use only sparingly in a professional context. I'd once again personally see your professional qualifications.
The only time I'd reasonably expect to see 'PhD' or 'EngD' is on a CV. The only time I'd expect to hear 'Dr.' or 'Prof' for that matter is probably the introduction of an 'esteemed' speaker at a conference. Otherwise, who really gives a $#!+ what you do or what others do?
My friends after teasing me when I was awarded the PhD (one of them annoyingly so) have long since reverted to 'Mr.' Also, the direction my life has taken since I got it means the PhD is now a complete irrelevance to my life. I'm still glad I did it for the personal challenge, but it has no bearing on who I am and what I do now. There isn't any point in using either 'Dr.' or 'PhD'.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Let me get this straight - Dr title.
Strange as it sounds; all these points come up when you look at Phd etiquette online. Admittedly mostly in the US where they seem hugely egalitarian. Personally I will use the title, but also be mindful not to abuse it. I dont want people to think im all that. But equally I dont want to hide it like a dirty secret! Like many a student I feel it a reasonable reward for the monumental effort involved.
I agree it should not be abused.
Unfortunately in the UK at least, I've found it in some ways to be a dirty secret. It seems at times achievement is something that makes you a target to be shot down or at least brought down to earth with a big bump. Even if it is not the intention, in the UK if you stand out somehow it seems to some you're setting yourself up as someone 'better' than everyone else and thus some people see this as a green light to have a go at you.
Sorry about the three separate messages. I'm just trying to answer different aspects of this discussion. The word limit doesn't help at times. :-)
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Let me get this straight - Dr title.
Also, using in a real world context is dangerous if someone needs urgent medical treatment. I know of a case where an academic was pulled out of bed to treat an hart attack victim whilst hotel staff was waiting for an ambulance. It didn't go down too well with the hotel and their interpretation was 'Dr.' inferred medical expertise.
I wonder if PhDs should have a compulsory first aid course to cover this potential eventuality. It would only take a couple of days out of their studies. :-)
Finally, the opening poster is correct. You can call youself "Dr. Joe Bloggs" or "Joe Bloggs PhD", but not "Dr Joe Blogs PhD". This latter form infers you're doctor twice, which is a misrepresentation.
If titles have to be used, I prefer the "Joe Blogs PhD" representation, as this clearly differentiates you from a medical doctor ("Joe Bloggs M.D.") thus preventing the mix up the above academic experiences.
The 'safer' qualification after the name representation is fairly standard in North America.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Let me get this straight - Dr title.
If your have a PHD this confers the title Dr. Which you should not put on your email or business cards (either as Dr or PHD and most definitely not both!). In academia the title is redundant, in industry the title makes you pompous. But above all, in the mega rare instance someone needs a quick bit of CPR at 30,000 feet the MD takes exclusive entitlement of the title for all other occasions?. So why if all this is true, is there any point in the term 'doctorate' in a PHD?
These are my current views almost to a tee. The one point I would differ is a PhD in academia does still ease upward progression as it infers (though does not necessarily mean) proven research ability.
I simply don't use the title. I'm just bog standard 'Mackem_Beefy' and not 'Dr Mackem_Beefy'. It is on my bank card, but that is the only place (i.e. a sort of proof I have the qualification if challenged). Professional qualifications are more useful on a CV or business card to be honest (i.e. ProfGradIMMM, Chartered status, etc.).
The PhD for me was a major high intensity project I did for the personal challenge, the opportunity to make new findings and provide a significant, original contribution to my field. Anyone going into it thinking it will help them professionally will realise unless they stay in academia, that it does not help greatly (perhaps one example where it might is Pharmacy) and even hinder if you later return to the real world. I had major problems returning to employment in the real world after my PhD and two post-docs.
If you are looking to progess in the real world, you're better looking at a good ''vocational'' masters in your chosen field (or a technical conversion course if you find your humanities degree is holding you back) to help your CV stand out and show your capabilities.
If you're going to do a PhD, do it for the right reasons.
Ph.D. What exactly counts in the word limit?
To add to Pineapple's comments, 100,000 is normal as a limit though I've suspicions of limits of 80,000 at some places (I think Durham frowns upon theses of greater than 80,000). Check with your own Universitiy's regulations.
The limit was imposed to prevent the mega-theses of years gone by, where candidates would generate documents of hundreds and thousands of words that were a nightmare to examine.
Word will have a word count facility on the Review menu or tab, which will give you an approximate value and this should be good enough to ensure the word count limit is not exceeded. Aim at 500 lower (i.e. 99,500) to account for any margin of error in the word count function.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
P.S. As an aside, the largest ever thesis was by a Bruce Williams, "Archaeology and Historical Problems of the Second Intermediate Period", The University of Chicago, 1975. The manuscript covered xxxi + 2143 pages, including 598 figures, 95 tables, and 11 maps. There is no known institution these days that would accept a document of that size.
Confused about future
I remember which thread you are on about. I suppose if someone doesn't have their password secured and someone else figures it out, then it can happen. But how would someone else find her password? Why would someone hack someone else's account unless they were seriously twisted to make such posts?
In that thread, events had devasated her to the point I believed she should call it quits with her PhD (a PhD is hard enough without illness, outside emotional or psychological problems) and give herself time to heal. She could reapply later on for an alternative PhD if she felt up to it. At that time she still apparently had strong feelings for the other man and had not got it out of her system.
Her post was some time ago, so perhaps she posted this well before she met you. If this is the case, she has moved on, this former boyfriend is in her past and you are in her present. Why worry about events before she knew you? Likewise, if someone has hacked her account, then again why is this an issue?
If you were with her when she made the posts and she did make them, then that is a different matter and I would not be happy in a relationship where a former partner was stil very much part of the picture. If this is the case, then the two of you need to have a serious talk and decide where you go from here.
But whathever happens, she needs to tell you the truth and the whole truth about what has occurred for there to be any future for both of you.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
MA or Msc with a Third class honours
Hi,
As far as I am aware, for direct entry into most, if not all, MA / MSc programmes you need at least a 2:2.
However, some universities run, in certain subjects, a PGCert programme (first third of an MA / MSc) with little / no entry criteria which, if you are successful in will then allow you to continue on to the MA / MSc.I'm not too sure if there's any of these that run in accounting or finance but might be worth searching / contacting people.
I've little to add except to say you won't obtain any funding with a 3rd Class Degree for the PGCert or the Masters if you are successful. So be prepared to self-finance if this is the route you want to follow.
You might be able to obtain a career development loan, though this may be a costly exercise.
At Masters, we did have people with Higher National Diploma or 3rd Class degree take a Post-grad Diploma (effectively 2/3 of a Masters) alongside the Masters people (some components of the Masters were omitted from later in the course) and if good enough, they were upgraded to Masters for the later stages.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
pdf conversion
Office 2007, 2010 and 360 have the option in them to 'Save as PDF' (though you may have to download this from Microsoft on Office 2007). This should work hassle-free.
Failing this, I suggest the freeware PDF Creator as probably amongst the most stable. It is not a demo, so messages or stamps will NOT be included in the PDF. Also, everything will be converted properly.
I did have rare problems with other convertors, where they might black out a graph or picture occasionally (avoid PDF Exchange Pro for example). This did not happen with Sourceforge PDF Creator (link at end of message).
As regards the reverse, I've been recommended a program called 'Able2PDF' that is purported to convert PDF to Word reliably. However, my very early experiences of PDF to Word conversion (not to my knowledge with the program I mention) were either only the text would convert (and I had to copy and paste graphics and tables) or the document formatting and layout was slightly changed from that of the PDF. It may be the situation on the PDF to Word conversion is now much better though. You can but give it a try - I admit I did give up in this respect.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Resubmission after corrections
Out of curiosity, can you find out the separate verdicts of the external and internal examiners in any way? It actually sounds as though the internal examiner wanted to fail you. I'm assuming the external examiner had the final say (reflecting back on my own examination a long time ago) hence the minor corrections, however, it seems strange to have left the review of the corrections in the hands of the internal examiner if there was possibly such a big difference of opinions. To say 'one shot' at resubmission seems petty and pedantic to say the least.
Trying to sit and meet him in person is the best course of action to resolve interpretation of corrections and what exactly is expected, but make sure your supervisor has gone over everything with a fine toothcomb also to give the internal as little room for complaint as possible.
((( I know given you nominally have minor corrections that failure is very, very unlikely, but in case he does try to fail you over the tiniest thing familiarise yourself with the appeals process. Be aware though, that the best outcome here is re-examination with different examiners. )))
Best SU bar on the planet? My old place was very well equipped in that respect (multiple bars). However, there were much better bars and pubs in the surrounding town and I could escape the Uni. environment when I wanted. :-)
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
Applying for PhD
My take on the PhD process. Hope the below is of help.
http://www.wearthesis.talktalk.net
Have you looked at suitable projects being offered by Universities with funding already in place, as this will save a lot of hassle for you in the long run?
Otherwise you're looking at submitting proposals, then trying to acquire funding should you be accepted. Self-funding is not an option unless you're rotten rich.
Ian (Mackem_Beefy)
