I don't know too much about international universities but the impression I always get from those doing PhDs at not-so-great UK ones is that really it doesn't matter that much at all. The rankings in the league tables are normally based on statistics from undergraduates and sometimes refer mainly to the teaching/study resources that as a PhD student you won't be dependent on. Where it's so self directed it's much more down to the work and research you do under the *guidance* of the university. Having said that, if this guidance or the supervision you're receiving is substandard this might affect the kind of work you produce, but ultimately, if you still manage to pass your PhD no-ones going to turn their nose up at that, irrespective of the university you got it from. Bottom line is if you're feeling OK about the level of support you're getting and it's literally just the perception of the university that's bothering you, I really don't think you should worry - it's only if you feel that the university isn't that great based on what they're providing for you that it could be an issue. That's my opinion anyway!

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Hi Phoebe - I'm so glad I came across your post, as I'm feeling exactly the same! I've just started a psychology PhD and although I have a supervisor meeting every week, I don't feel as though I'm too clear on specifically what I should be doing and never have much to show for my week's worth of work. I have the task of "do an experiment by November" which isn't providing much direction, just panic!  My issue is that I've come straight from doing an MSc, which I did straight after my undergrad, so I've got very used to an imposed structure, small definite deadlines, and a pretty solid social support base - for this, I have a huge amount of work, a seemingly indefinite time to do it in and no-one to really talk about it to as I haven't had a chance to meet anyone.



But I'm sure complaining about my problems won't exactly help you with yours...! I think the person before me is right though, it's a self imposed structure we need and to break larger tasks up. I'm still trying to figure out where I work best, as my office is horrible, the library is loud and home has too many distractions. Maybe once I've got this sorted everything else will fall into place..? I guess I can hope!



Good luck!