Yes its one of 'those things'. It will go in the Person Spec [must have or be near to completeing a relevant PhD], and those not meeting that criteria probably won't get a look in.

I would imagine if we re talking Uni's [and lecturing jobs] here it will be the latter. I have yet to see such a job that doesn't ask for a PhD.

Retrospectively? I very much doubt it. You can only ask [why not] but don't get your hopes up, as I don't see what's in it for them. After all you're already on the course.

Its also a bit dull by the time it gets to page 14.

Can any body please tell what are my chances of getting a scholarship for phd?

Thats impossible to say [even more so as no subject area was mentioned]. What I can say is that competiton for UK PhD funding is intense and the overwhelming majority of the funding goes to UK [and EU] students.

I think that MPhil time-scale is very [VERY] unlikely.

Being a UK based forum thats very unlikely to get reply. No ones ever asked that question in my 14 montghs of reading. You're best bet is to do the leg work on some foreign University sites or email a few. Difficult email to phrase all things considered though.

Two years and four papers sounds [in all honesty] a bit thin to me re a PhD by publication. If I was a betting man I wouldn't back him to get one. No offence intended, but based on my knowledge of the subject matter it doesn't sound anything like enough.

Without wishing to sound like the Council for the prosecution, over how many years since finishing his MSc?

Could I just ask how many papers this person has had published, and over how many years? It may cut to the chase far quicker.

'Its quite clearly difficult to do in the UK. What about the rest of Europe?'

Wouldn't it be easier just to buy a PhD ala Dr. Gillian McKeith. Thats the easiest option, which is what said party appears to be looking for.

'Can anyone suggest any means of funding source/agency for study in europe'?

Popular question and I have yet to see any answer in 12 months plus of reading that doesn't come down to self-funding in the end.

www.findamasters.com as opposed to this forum.

'Sounds like you are trying to collect letters after your name'

...in a funny order. Potential employers will look at WHEN you attained these qualifications and ask the same questions we are asking here. You won't be able to get by with just saying I have a BSc and an MSc. On paper [job application forms] it will say the dates too you know..

Sorry if that rains on your parade a bit.

You want to undertake a BSc in something you have an MSc in? Is that correct? Well I don't understand why at all. It can't be for CV purposes as that would ask more questions than it would answer for potential employers. Frankly, I don't see the point.