Mind you, on the up side for anyone planning a seaside trip, they've been rebuilding the promenade and the sea defences over the last couple of years and (if they ever finish it) it'll be a big improvement.

Anyway, I must make myself go to bed and stop nattering on this forum now. Thanks again to everone who offered me advice today. Goodnight!

I expect so, missspacey, that or anthropological research into psychology of stag and hen nights!

Oh and by the way Lara - thanks for the tip about allowing oneself to "make a mess". I had a go at that today and it seems to have taken the pressure off a little. I definitely feel as though I've worried less and worked more - which is a very big relief.

If Smilodon is right, I agree, don't be put off if your undergraduate degree isn't great. Y've got loads of working experience by the sounds of it, which counts for a lot. Just go for it and keep on applying until you find a uni who wants you. It might take more than one try, but I think you've got everything you need to get a place. Don't be afraid to go for funding either - you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Also, although I speak fluent Welsh, I do like to get back to England at least once a year!

Quite right - no uni just a college. My PhD is based in Wales, but half my family live in Blackpool and I like to take a long break with them during the summer holidays. The change of scene does me good.

There are many different nationalities using this forum. As you've done a PGCE it sounds as if you are based in the UK, but it would be helpful to know for certain which country you want to do a Phd in and where you are from.

Yes, they will look closely at all your qualifications and experience.

Also, just in case this applies to you, if you want to study at a university in the UK and English is not your first language, they will want you to prove that your English language skills are up to the task.

Sounds plausible to me too. Just get your best organisational socks on and away you go!

Thanks golfpro - I know where that it. Looks like my summer holiday exercise regime is taken care of then, along with some walks on the beach.

Sounds like the best attitude to adopt to me. I'm sure something better will be just around the corner! Good luck.

Sounds to me as if the only thing you lack is confidence. As long as your PhD is Computer Science related, I don't think you'll have a problem finding a place. The key thing, once you've isolated a likely university, is to put together a decent proposal.

Most university websites provide a list of people to contact informally with regards to doing a PhD. Even if you haven't had helpful experiences in the past, I'd urge to email a few, outlining who you are, what you've done and your ideas. Somewhere along the line, you will find someone who'll give helpful feedback.

If they've already given it to someone else there's not much you can gain other than an apology. However, I would email and express your disappointment, if only in the hope that in future it may encourage them not do the same thing to someone else.

Very unfortunate for you. I'd be annoyed too.

Thanks so much for all your responses - I really appreciate them all and there are a few things mentioned which wouldn't have occurred to me. I think I'll try swimming - I do have a tendency be a bit lazy physically so maybe it would help.

(Golfpro, I spend quite a lot of time in sunny Blackpool actually... as my mother lives there!)

Hi, I've noticed that when I sit down and work on my PhD, I've started to experience a physical feeling of dread like something flipping over in my stomach. This doesn't stop me, but it does bring me down and is making the whole thing doubly difficult. Although my work has never been a laugh a minute, I didn't used to feel so low about it. I'd really like to try and get a bit of positivity going on in my brain before it gets any worse. Would be grateful for any ideas.