Maybe you could be a vicar?

We have to do it at least 6 months before submitting. We can ask for an upgrade once we've got a good draft of the thesis

Is there any way of chopping it in half and making two chapters (I've done that successfully in my plan)

Going to scream if I have one more problem with Endnote - it is crap crap crap

Is anyone else inputting references themselves instead. Know it will take longer, but at least I won't have the problems that are getting in my way now

You should be able to list the editor of the book in the refence - the person who wrote the chapter goes first so:

Chapter author, chapter title, in ed. editor, name of book, pages

You should only cite the whole book if you have used all the chapters in it (which will be listed separately). If it is just this one you only cite the one chapter

I have seen so many people say they will complete in two years and none of them have yet - don't think I've seen anyone complete in less than 3.5 years

It may be worth identifying an area you'd like to work on and get in contact with a potential supervisor asap - they can help shape your proposal

You won't regret it. There will be days (usually when you have no money) you ask yourself WHY WHY WHY am I not more sensible and kept my sensible job and just go about a sensible safe life, but you won't regret it!

I ditched a very good job (like you was looking at a promotion and large pay rise) to do the PhD and definately made the right decision. I can't lie - the drop in money and giving up a promising career was, and still is, tough. BUT there's no comparison with which I'd rather be doing. I love the PhD and have no regrets

I was wondering that too sylvester

The internal can do both and you should keep this in mind when selecting one i.e. don't choose anyone who may make things harder for you

I'm sure the almighty will be thrilled to hear about your attemtps to get off with this lovely lass; dating is certainly an excellent reason to commit to a religion

I'm in social sciences - done a lot of reading but feck all actual work (have officially written one sentence)

No you don't need a 'reason' - I know someone doing it PT because the fees are cheaper overall than if he did it FT (but he doesn't have any other commitments). He's committed to beng enrolled for more years than if he was FT, but as so few FT students finish in the three years anyway he's decided to do it as a PTer

Probably similar to you zelda - no definate guidelines, but expected to have several chapters in draft (although in reality most students don't upgrade until most of the thesis is written)