It possible to do a PhD on a 2(ii), however, it will be next to impossible to obtain any funding.

I would suggest you do a Masters to bring yourself up to standard or look at going into the jobs market for at least two years in a roughly relevant discipline. Even then, in the latter case I would look to doing a Masters possibly by distance learning or part time. I did Masters plus works experience to make up for the fact I was only a 2(ii) myself (I made the mistake during my degree of not staying in the city where I was doing it and travelling in each day).

If you do the extra module, you need a distinction to raise yourself to 2(i). If you don't get it, in a years time you will face the same problems.

As regards age, as I started PhD at 30, I would not worry. There are people who wait until their 40s or older before starting so that's not really an issue.

Take a look at my blog, which may provide a little more guidance.

http://www.wearthesis.talktalk.net


Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

I can relate to this article and the feelings of disillusionment felt by the writer. Even with a science PhD, I had great difficulty looking for employment upon leaving academia and it took me a year to get sorted out.

It's now almost 5 years into a job (and increasingly established career path) I did not plan for when I did my PhD. In fact, taking the PhD was a way out of ending up in a similar 'pen pushing' situation. However, I could be in the position of the article writer and be in that dark place full of disillusionment he is still in. We're in a world where simply to have a job is an achievement in itself.

I guess I could have approached things differently and made us of a publication record I did manage to build up during and after my PhD. Attempts I have made to get back on track always seemed to coincide with something going wrong personally (relative's health, fallout with a girl I knew etc.).

However, I've a job and established pension plan now and I guess many of you can relate to the point of view of protecting what you have got (financially as well as employment-wise) rather than endangering it by trying to find something new. I have the additional problem that I removed my PhD from my CV in order to ease my way back into employment. If I was to move back on track, I would have to officially tell my current employer about the PhD as any new employer would need my current employer to give a reference. Although I believe they unofficially know, it might still cause problems.

As an aside, I would NEVER recommend removing your PhD from your CV, given how easy it is to trace your PhD these days on the internet (if you know where to look - Ethos, Proquest, University repositories, even Google). Instead, prioritise relavent skills to the job on your CV and possibly deprioritise your education rather than hide it.

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

======= Date Modified 02 Aug 2012 13:19:03 =======
Some questions.

1) Are you no longer working for your PhD supervisor (you say 'former boss')?

2) Are you still at the same University?

3) Do you still need your PhD supervisor for future job references?

4) Is there an industrial partner who have a vested interest in the data?

If yes to any of these then he does need to be considered out of courtesy. If he does not have time to look at what you've done, ask him out of courtesy if it is okay if you forward manuscripts for publication without him seeing them. If there was an industrial sponsor, you will need to ask them too.

Theoreticaly, as you are copyright holder you could just published and be damned. However, if you still have connections with your supervisor as detailed in my questions then keeping him in the loop would still be a good idea.

If no to all of the above, the information in the PhD thesis / dissertation is yours by copyright and there is nothing to stop you forwarding manuscripts for publication. My supervisor lost interest after my PhD was finished and as a result, I just went ahead and published. This was made easier by me moving on from my PhD University after my first post-doc.

Also, you already have publications. Even if they're not from your PhD, they're still publications. So why worry?

Quitting because you feel you have no proof sounds ridculous to be honest. You already have the PhD certificate. That is the proof you need. If your former supervisor has lost interest, that is his loss and a missed opportunity to have extra publications against his name. You've got your publications from elsewhere.


Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

The situation you describe is exactly the same as that I faced. I found myself a post-doc in the department where I was doing my PhD and that saw me through the extra year I needed to get sorted out.

The situation you describe is very muchthat faced by alot of PhD candidates in that they overrun up to a year (or longer if their University will allow) and have to find money to see them through.

If you can find a job to finance you whilst you write up in your spare time, that is the way to go. If you are struggling to find work, can you not claim unemployment benefit (whilst finding a job)? You may also be entitled to housing benefit if moving in with parents, relatives or friends is not an option.

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

======= Date Modified 31 Jul 2012 19:39:33 =======

======= Date Modified 27 Jul 2012 20:25:58 =======
Is it anyone North East born you're after?

Why don't you try posting this up on the football forums for a good response. Expect some cheek from them mind.

http://www.newcastle.vitalfootball.co.uk/forum/category-view.asp

http://www.readytogo.net/smb/forumdisplay.php?f=66

I can post up a link on the latter one for you if you want.

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

======= Date Modified 24 Jul 2012 22:16:32 =======
Charmless,

You're a 1st class degree lad who actually wants to do a PhD and from other correspondence, I know you've thought about what project you're going to do. You've looked for a project with funding, with a reputable institute and with what looks to be good supervision. So let's have none of this 'not good enough' stuff before you've started. I was 2(ii) and had to make up for that via Masters and I still got through. Although it was hard, I was determined and everything fell into place and that helped big time.

As regards your lass, there is no denying you're going to have to work hard at keeping it going. I put a bit on my blog about this (http://www.wearthesis.talktalk.net - see question 11 part d - the families, friends and relationships section - yup, these are all questions I've either been asked or know others have been asked).

I wrote the blog quite a few years back and people will have different opinions, however, alot of it will hold true for you. You need to talk, communicate and make time for yourselves where the PhD does not intrude. There are plenty on here that have done a PhD whilst married, had young families and even health difficulties. They will have their own views and will be able to give you their own take on your situation. Potentilla makes a good point, in that during the PhD we do become more remote from those around us (regardless of physical distance) so you have to decide how to manage that.

Long distance relationships have to be worked at and the fact you've committed to seeing each other regularly helps. You worry about the pressure you'll be under and yes, you will face periods of at times intense pressure in the next few years. However, if your PhD goes well and things fall into place, you'll find that pressure a little easier to handle than you expect.

Besides, where you'll be, Sunderland AFC will be turning up on 1st December and there's the chance of a good few London away matches. Football for me was much needed rest and relaxation time. 8-)

BTW, I wouldn't dream of PM'ing Flavonoids on the SMB with the entire text of the above. :-)

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

I can't comment much and needs a US-based person to comment. However, US PhDs (as well as having a larger committe to watch over the candidate) have a 'gradschool' to go through with a taught element in the first couple of years prior to you getting dug into the research proper.

My blog is from a UK perspective, but it might help a little as many of the problems apply regardless of where you do your PhD.

http://www.wearthesis.talktalk.net

Can anyone help?

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

I've got to fly (pub quiz night), however, the new people here might want to have a look at my blog on this (UK-based perspective).

http://www.wearthesis.talktalk.net

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

That is absolutely fantastic news. Time for you and Bea to start the rest of your life girl!!!

Congratulations!!! (up)


Ian (Mackem_Beefy)