Overview of aliby

Recent Posts

am I crazy?
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I dread to think the amount I've spent on books - though most of mine are around £10 a time so it doesnt seem such a big deal. It's ust too, too easy to press that 'purchase' button on amazon.

If you'll use it why not (take it you can't persuade your library/department to buy it? ). You can always sell it on when you've completed your PhD if you want. Unless it is a choice between being able to eat and getting this book that is...

Deciding on a project
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Supervisor(s) you think you can get on with.

what is practice where you are re . who attends the viva?
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Laney, it is just a question of time. They get almost hysterical at the thought of another committment.

what is practice where you are re . who attends the viva?
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Thanks for replies everyone, that's really useful. I've been pushing for an independent chair, but the academics are refusing point blank to consider it if they have to do it. We aren't allowed supervisors in the viva, and guess what the academics dont want to change that either. There's a suggestion of having an admin person as 'silent witness' and the more I think about it the more this seems like the worst option. Think we will be in for some more interesting discussions!

Do people fail the viva?
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Good friend of mine failed - not enough original material. This was an experienced supervisor too. And I know of others. I have heard that it is becoming more common, and suspect it is a particular problem for interdisciplinary PhDs. Although supervisors should be wised up enough to know what constitutes a PhD and to suggest appropriate examiners, i guess it doesnt always happen.

Thank you everyone
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congrats Dr Wickid. Hope you are enjoying the hangover

General viva question
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Are you allowed to have your supervisor present in the viva? if you are this would be a way of getting the process witnessed.

I know there is a lot of discussion going on about introducing ways of making sure the viva process is fair, such as independent chairs or recording. Not sure what the reaction would be if you asked for it if it wasnt actually policy where you are - might imply you dont trust the examiners which might not go down well.

If you have the option I'd go for having your supervisor present.

what is practice where you are re . who attends the viva?
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Hi all, after some ideas. I'm a student rep on the uni committee that looks at PG policy, and one of the things we have on the agenda is 'personnel in the viva'. Basically looking at whether to have someone in addition to student plus two examiners. Would welcome any info on what happens at other places (don’t need to know which place, obviously) and pros/cons of various scenarios - I realise most people here won't have had the viva yet, but any general impressions, anecdotal evidence or opinions welcome.

In particular:

Anyone have an 'independent chair' or similar? if so what is their remit - do they facilitate, can they only intervene in event of procedural irregularity, or do they just act as observer to be called on later in event of dispute. Are they an academic or someone else eg admin staff.

What is policy re supervisor(s) attending? are they allowed to, excluded, or required to. If allowed, is it encouraged/discouraged/expected/uncommon.

Anyone have any experience of different ways of trying to ensure 'fairness' eg making a tape recording to be called on in event of an appeal.

thanks!

Confidential research released without permission
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Like Bibi says, trust your supervisor. This is not your fault, and it sounds like your supervisor has things covered. Part of learning how to do research is learning that things out of your control can fuck it up - and your supervisor's job is to help you sort that out and come out with a PhD. Try and forget about it all for the weekend at least.

PhD viva on Monday
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Good luck DJW.

On significant occasions i think it is important to always wear feel good underwear. If that is any help.

Teacher Training Units
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I think jobwise they would probably prefer to see actual teaching experience rather than that you've done a course in how to teach (though that is just my opinion). If you're juggling time I'd opt for actually doing as much teaching as you can - that will be where you will really learn and what will prove you can do it to future employers. And as others have said, there is usually the masters course available to you when you have got your first academic job if you want to do a formal qualification. Though i have to admit my experience of these training things is that they are rubbish, all reflexive learning and dont actually teach you anything.

Is it bad form to...
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I'd say it was bad form to wear anything with any university logo anywhere. Sounds very Bamber Gascgoine to me.

I can never decide whether it is ok to re-use sainsbury's plastic bags if I am shopping in waitrose. I do, because i like to recycle, but always furtively.

How long is your...
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My stuff is theory-driven, and I've found I'm bringing in the literature all the way through like Ellay. I did do a couple of chunks of 'review' type writing in my first year, but although I am drawing on them they are not forming the basis for distinct chapters.

I've kind of come round to my supervisors way of thinking that I need to say something about methodology, because I need to prove that I know what I am doing and am competent to carry out research on my own. Having it within the thesis would really disrupt the flow of my argument though, but at the end i can use it more as a 'reflection on doing research' thing. At least that is the plan at the moment.

My supervisor is a grounded theory kind of guy, so we have had some interesting 'debates' about methodology!

Changing supervisor after a year
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You need to find someone else to focus your attentions on, someone who is NOT your supervisor.

How long is your...
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Oooh, ellay, you don't know how glad i am to read that. I dont have a 'lit review' as such either and keep worrying about it. I don't really want to have a methodology chapter either but my supervisor is insisting. We've reached a compromise that i am allowed to put it as an appendix rather than a chapter.