H - I was going to go for 'bloody stupid' but idiot also works LOL

The Psych dept at our uni is always advertising rewards - either cash per participant (usually only a few pounds), a draw to win something bigger, or uni credits. I don't think it is unethical (although you may want to mention it in the methodology)

Probably because exams are over and the Universities are quieter (I know we're all supposed to keep working through the summer, but I can't concentrate at the moment!)

Hey - I'm a Politics student

Check what ESRC studentships each department has allocated, but they both have good reputations. What's your area? Have a look to see if they have any big names from your field - think of potential supervisors!

Smithy is right - getting onto a PhD programme isn't the issue as a lot of student are self-funded because there is so little funding outside the ESRC available

Hope you chose Monte Halls - F Block rocks!

Thanks juno - didn't know you could do that

I got turned down for a CDL on my MSc in IR because it wasn't considered a 'professional' qualification. Took out a standard loan instead and actually the interest rate is much better on this than the CDL (paying back several thousand less than I would have done on the CDL) so it's worth looking around.

LOL @ any course other than economics and marketing! That doesn't exactly narrow down the field...

Would you consider waiting to apply for a Masters until you have your final grade (if you think you will get higher than a third once you resit) as this will improve the course/school you can get into

You apply as normal, but it is worth contacting a supervisor prior to making an application to make sure there is someone who can supervise you (it is also worth having their imput at the proposal stage)

This just happened to my mate - he's got 12 months to make the revisions outlined by the examiners. He doesn't have to sit another oral exam, but the internal examiner can call for another viva if he doesn't think it is a pass when he remarks it

I still say mention the PhD - I tried to avoid it when I was looking for PT admin work, but it was a much bigger issue for employers when they felt I was trying to hide it. I was honest - I said I needed the job to pay for my PhD and tried to show them that, although the job was 'beneath me', they were getting someone extremely qualified in return. Show them why you want the job - even if you have to tell a fib - and how the PhD contributes to it. I definately recommend looking in the HE sector. You've shown you've got an interest in HE and a lot of HE managers have a PhD. Look especially in the professional services (strategy, PR, research) as there is more scope for someone with a high level qualification than, say, as a secretary supporting a course (although that work isn't bad either)

Don't leave out the PhD - not only do you have gaps in your CV, but if it comes out at interview then you look like a liar. It's too big a part of your life to be able to ignore like that.

I had this problem (currently have to work part-time to finance my PhD). I gave up a very well paid job to work in admin to allow me the time to complete a PhD. I ended up with an admin job at the Uni I study at. At some interviews I was told I was too qualified (and they were concerned about the job I was leaving, which was at a much higher pay grade), but other people were more sympathetic as it was a higher education establishment. They knew this isn't my dream job, but they appreciated my knowledge of HE and having been a student here was a bonus. Why not try your uni temp bank???

I can see how the situation with your supervisor may be an issue, but the way you feel you are treated and the progress other students have made relative to you won't necessarily change in another university

I would talk to your supervisor about your concerns first

Hell yeah! My hubby doesn't use his, but personally I'm even going to have a little badge made up that says 'I am a dr' so everyone knows

My friend is currently on his corrections - he said the other day he doesn't think it has been worth it (which made me feel great!)