We were looking for a mortgage recently and had no problem with the HSBC. All I needed was a letter from Uni explaining what I was doing and how much I was receiving from the AHRC as with any employer. We didn't go ahead in the end due to familiy illness but over the next three years if we wanted to apply again I don't expect any problems with my 'salary'. If you look at doing a PhD as a job and get this across to lenders they should accept it. In fact nowadays many people in 'proper'jobs would be lucky to have a three-year contract.

I'm only two months in to my PhD but I am finding it hard to get motivated. The days go by and I have hardly done any work - other things seem to take up my time -housework, shopping, paperwork etc. My mum is ill so I want to spend time with her, then I feel guilty for not having done any work. My research is part of a project so it is not my own and I have such a wide range of information to digest before I can narrow it down to my own research ideas. The topic is really interesting (Medieval costume in art) but I feel a bit lost. Any advice, encouragement, etc?
Pam

I do have another supervisor. My PhD is part of a wider project and I can always go to the project leader. She is a professor and supervised me at masters level and we get on very well so I see her often anyway. The problem is that my original supervisor is on research leave so the one I have now is a substitute. But I don't want to cause any bad feeling. She is very knowledgable on the content of part of my research but she doesn't have any postgraduate qualification herself so I feel she is perhaps lacking in knowing how to direct a PhD student. Should I worry that she said not to bother with theories? I know what I want to do and how to go about it but don't want to dismiss her suggestions as she has been valuable in giving bibliographical information.

I am a month into my Phd (Arts)and my supervisor has just e-mailed me with what I can only describe as some homework for our next meeting, which she calls 'tutorials'. It's not something I was planning to look at in detail yet as it is secondary to my main data which I am tryng to identify at the moment. It may be a useful exercise but it means I have to take time out to complete what she wants, and it isn't something I asked for. She has said she doesn't want an essay but results in a table form. Is it me or does this seem more undergrad than PhD. She has never supervised a PhD before and is not an academic, working in a heritage setting atached to the university. I hope she can't be identified by this!

My PhD is in Medieval Costume, but luckily I don't have to dress like that! Although, I do freelance work in schools and have been dressed as a Roman lady this morning!

Hi everyone. I started my Phd a few weeks ago and I am already feeling overwhelmed and not sure what I am doing! However I have looked through some of the posts and feel a whole lot better. (Except that I should have been working!) My main worry is that I have changed disciplines from English to Art History. I have been lucky enough to get a studentship as part of a research project. The project is language but I was offered the Art History PhD attached to it. I feel that I know nothing about what I am doing, especially as it's someone else's research. It is interesting stuff but I keep having doubts about whether I can do it. Also I don't know how much time I should be spending at uni, working, reading, auditing classes etc. I'm not really a morning person so find it difficult to get started. One more thing - no-one has said anything to me about a Literature review though I keep hearing about it. What actually does this involve.
Sorry for all the questions but I am so glad I found this forum and expect to be a regular poster!
Pam

I know it's short notice but I have just found this site! I have a PhD interview next week and wondered if anyone could give me any tips. I was accepted for a PhD in Old English but didn't get any funding. Then my tutor suggested I apply for a fully-funded PhD attached to a project she was running. The project is language-based on medieval costume, however the PhD is in medieval art - looking at representations of costume. Obviously she wouldn't have asked me to apply unless she thought I was capable, but it is a sideways move from my MA and previous interests. It sounds absolutely fascinating and I am really keen to be a part of the project. I know I am second best as they have had no other applicants but in this case second best is still pretty good. However I have the interview next week and I don't want to mess it up as I already have a foot in the door. What should I concentrate on to show I am flexible and committed enough to be successful in this area. Any help would be gratefully received. Thanks