On this note, my internal examiner (to be) and I are friendly with one another, and we have talked about meeting for coffee. Is this OK?!

I'm not sure. I think another way is to be mentored / supported (as should have happened on the PhD) by a good academic who is willing - take on an RA role perhaps and get the support you need to progress that way.

Then leave and be at peace : ) All the best with not having to pay back any $$!

I'd say the supervisor is more important than the uni. And probably supervisors play a role to varying degrees depending on your field of study.

Your account is eye opening starryeyed. I was beginning to realise this as well (as so wish I'd changed supervisors sooner). Do you have any suggestions for people later in the journey who realise that they aren't going to be as competitive as they need to be? Surely there is SOME way to get around this and land oneself a situation where they can make progress and manage to catch up?

So sorry to hear Karmah. I don't think you're expecting too much at all. What role is the supervisor supposed to have - if not to support and nurture your development as a researcher (e.g., giving feedback on presentations, ideas, papers etc)? I agree with ru40342. But please DON'T apologise if you've nothing to apologise for (which by the sounds of it you haven't).

Maybe try to have a plan of action... a) talking to supervisors directly (if it feels like there is any hope in a positive outcome from that - if not, skip that step), b) talking to someone external from the supervisory team or another trusted academic (not to criticise - even if your criticisms are valid - but just to ask for advice), c) enquiring about changing supervisors and then changing supervisors. You may know yourself and the situation well enough to know which of these is likely to work...

Not sure if this helps...

Sorry, I don't know anything about Salford University. But have you considered/sought feedback on why your application has been rejected from so many other places? I had heard that it was fairly easy to obtain a PhD if you are a self funding international student (or at least comparatively easy - as compared to applying for funding). So what are problems with your proposal / application. Is the English to a good enough standard, for example?

I think that if you have any doubts about a university being the right one for you, then it would be better to not accept the offer. Rather - figure out what is going not quite right with your applications and how to improve them so that you can be accepted in a university of your choosing.

People on this forum are very helpful when it comes to giving feedback and advice on applications and things!

Good luck with your decision and getting the information you need : - )

I agree with Nad75 but not sure that this is the main issue here (or perhaps it is - it certainly is a big one - that is appalling treatment).

Have you decided whether you actually want to continue doing a PhD? If the answer is yes, then the good news is, you are only 1 year in and this is the ideal opportunity to make changes - no matter how drastic. You can say because of differing (research) interests you want to change supervisor (much easier than going into the facts of the matter). That's not to say that even then it will be well received... to make it easier, perhaps he could still stay on board as a secondary supervisor. Then his limited input wouldn't matter much. Are you based in the UK? If so, then as far as I understand/have experienced, it is YOUR funding/scholarship, so it is up to you if you see fit to change supervisor. Even if you originally applied to work with that person. Perhaps see an academic mentor or advisor and get confidential advice on the best route to take around changing supervisors?

Hope this helps. It's what I'd do (given what you've said about your situation). Also just to say - when I changed supervisors, it completely changed my PhD/academic outlook/motivation/output - all for the positive! My only regret is that I waited till the start of my 3rd year, when actually I knew it was an issue by the end of the 1st year.

All best
Tudor

You could give them a ring and check? I would just treat it as a no and do other things (eg. applying elsewhere and for different opportunities). Then in the case that it turns out that it is a yes - then that is great! But if not, that is OK too - you've got other plans.

Congratulations!!!! I'm saving your advice for future reference - thanks so much for sharing.

I agree with ToL and wish you all the best - it can be so hard. Do you have a "foot in the door" anywhere so's to speak? If you're working (voluntary or paid) somewhere as an RA that can help, as they then know you and may be more likely to fund you. Also you can make sure your proposal is in line with the interests of a particular research group if you are associated with one in this way.

I still have no idea how you did that! My family are from the South East and don't know how I could afford just a flat (nevermind the car) on that!!!

Congrats both! So inspiring! Hope to still see you both around the forum from time to time (I shall be needing advice later!!!)