Approach the supervisor you want, or a friendly lecturer from your course, and discuss ideas with them. I went to my supervisor with a vague idea and started to narrow it down that way.

barry did your supervisor give you a list of papers to read or just an are to read around? I just got to told to read around certain things. I am trying to make notes now on important things I have read and how it applies to my work but its not going so good!

hey at least im not the only one! has anyone done anything other than literature review yet?

There is an obvious trend here. I have spoken to supervisor and arranged the literature to be read by the next meeting (04/11/05). I have been asked to come up with more refined research question in next meeting. AAAAH. I am still reading the first reference (hope supervisor not reading this) so not making huge progress. Still, we all appear to be in same boat so good luck to the rest of you. (p.s. if i didnt spend as much time on forums lile this i would be making more progress-but i need a break)

i agree with you gingerly

I have just completed Masters and am awaiting confirmation of passing but have still enrolled provisionally on the PhD programme so it is possible. Abubakar and DanB are correct. Contact department/supervisor to discuss. All the best.

I have studied at UCL and am now in Leeds. For me there is no contest, Leeds wins hands down. It has a thriving student community and in terms of research, is one of the best universities. Also, I live with two housemates who are doing transport. One is doing the M.A. in Transport economics and the other is doing the M.S.c. in transport planning. They appear to be having a great time and the course is both challenging and rewarding. All the best. Hope to see you in Leeds soon

I am working in Jimma University, Ethiopia. I want to continue my Msc education in Molecular Biology or related subjects to molecular Biology. I am Medical Laboratory Technologist I need your help in geting scholarship to study in abroad.

my cats breath did smell of cat food because she needed a dental. Best get your cat to the vets and let them have a look at his/her teeth!

I feel the same I started two and a half weeks ago and I feel bogged down in all the papers, I'm not sure if I am reading the right things or not. I have not seen my supervisor for over a week and as yet he has not answered my email. People in the lab keep asking how I'm getting on but there is not much to tell!

As for the hostility, these people deserve it. They are obviously people that only want to do a PhD because of the title, otherwise they would have more initiative and know more about it.

DanB- You sound like some sort of CAMRA member when you talk about old speckled hen. You also need to eat something other than chocolate, you will be massive by the time to finish your PhD

I still think its a big green ball of play-dough.

Dan- DO SOME WORK!!! you can't put it off forever by making up forums.

Yeah Dan, back off!!