So my supervisor has gone on holiday, I've just realised I've done a section not totally right, I have 3 weeks left to finish it up, I'm moving house tomorrow and I have 64p in library fines. BUT the sun is shining, the birds are singing and I have a big box of Maltesers. So to anyone else writing up their masters dissertation, have some positive vibes from me :-)

Hey s. Like the others say it is possible, but don't sit around and expect it to fall into your lap. Apply hard for it in every way you can. Best of luck !

Here's a question then to the academics: do you find that european students who've spent more time overall any 'better' than UK students ? My friend from Germany came over here for a year and was shocked at just how much work we did in comparison for the same amount of time. Personally I don't know which I favour, but 10-12 years from starting degree to finishing PhD seems a long time. I'm going to have finished mine after 8 years and even then most people think I'm taking forever.

I was having this dilemma earlier this year myself. I have generally found 'lower level' staff to be more enthusiastic, less embittered and more approachable. Top level faculty are good for contacts and a boost when you publish, but trying to get hold of them can be a nightmare. Of course the best solution is to try and secure two supervisors at either end of the scale, that way you get the best of both worlds !

Ask ! Negotiate hard ! There doesn't seem to be any hard and fast rule - normally they reduce the interest free amount each year (as a graduate account), but i've managed to convince mine to keep it as it is for another year. If you've not been over your overdraft and used your account wisely they can look favourably. But ask and see what they offer, good luck !

Roan, I'm particularly shy and nervous myself..but I know nervous is the last thing you want to be in an interview. The solution lies with you though - which is why there is no easy way to do this. I can tell you stories of how I beat shyness and nervousness but it will be lengthy..if you are interested, send me an email and we can pick it from there. [email protected]

The Edinburgh one could cover some of the bioinformatics, indeed I applied for this exact course and there were some potential supervisors in related areas. Although it's EPSRC funded so to get full funding you'd need to be a British national.

can you still have a student bank account with a free overdraft when you are a PhD student?

Clara, I just let out the most dirty giggle reading that and everyone in my office turned and looked at me with a raised eyebrow... And after reading some of your other posts I think you are a bit of a naughty minx...

I'm off to Nottingham. And reena, I have exactly the same fears, so you're not alone ! My supervisors have given me a few papers to look at beforehand but a lot of it is rather hard, i'm doing a project that i've largely never touched on before. So it all adds to the excitement... and the fear !

A friend of mine graduated a few years ago with a third, didn't know what to do. Went home. Started computing classes at her local college. Now she works in IT support in the City. So things are possible, you just need to perhaps discover them, but perhaps an academic route may not be for you. Anyway, all the best !

Hey ms. First let me say - don't give up ! Taking a year out is a good idea at this point, providing you use it well. Explore some of the things that you would like to do and see where it takes you, but don't just let the time drift by. And don't let your parents pressure you into anything, YOU are the best judge of what you want.

Guys, Do you think having a supervisor, who is in top level of management such as, dean or director is advantegous? On one hand, though experienced faculty will help your research, they spend only modicum time with you. On the other hand, the lower level staffs such as asst. professors or senior lecturers have more time with you with less expertise. Please commend and argue. Chao

hi i m an indian student studying chinese history in PKU ,beijing , china . i want to know how to apply fr PHD frm UK

Absolutely, 40 hours a week + writing/reading at home when needed. Don't forget your all important downtime though or you'll go insane and start performing immoral acts and/or eating your thesis like this lot on the forum!