I've accepted an offer of a phd, but have since been offered the chance to stay on with my 3rd year project group at my current institution in a lab that I love. How can i go back and withdraw my acceptance of the other project creating the minimum of probems for that group? Indeed can i withdraw my acceptence? thanks

I am going to Edinburgh, Scotland to start a Phd. Could anybody give me an estimation about living cost there

I wold go for the friendly lab anyday! Some labs can have a really bad working environment and it will be a nightmare to do a PhD in them. Don't go for a project that you are not interested in at all - but if it is a choice of am amazing project in a horrible lab or an Ok project in a nice lab - go for the second one. You have to spend 3 years there... interest in the topic alone is not enough to get you through it....

Hi all,

I've decided to take a year out after the BS Microbio and apply for PhD's to start around Oct 2005. I'll be abroad (sittin pon' da veranda, sippin a tall, cool glass a soursap' juice man!) so need to know how the application procedure will work if I can't attend interviews?

Cheers,
Ocean Drop

I'm currently in the process of applying for PhD's, and have decided that if it comes down to it, I'll go for a friendly atmosphere in the lab over project title. Am I right to do this? What are other students' views on this?

it's really the same PhD=Dphil and both means doctor of Philosophy or Phylosophy Doctor

Karen, you're right. Studying in a top university may be better for learning, but the competition is such that it really is harder to get a top degree. Which is why I also agree with Stella in that a 1st from Imperial is probably more valued than a 1st from say Wolverhampton.

Thanks Findaphd team.

I think deleting application without reading is not a fair thing to do. Any way I will email them again or just look for some other place.

I wouldn't disagree that studying alongside brighter students boosts motivation to work hard. However, students who are mature enough will be self-motivated. Furthermore, while some students may believe "in a research led department where all the lecturers are on the cutting edge of science.." as you put it is the answer, the point is whether you like it or not, the simple fact is that the difficulty level is correspondingly higher.

I'm a dependant of a work permit holder, living in UK at present. I wish to apply for Ph.D. Do i need to undertake an IELTS exam for my admission. How to apply for funding?

Thanks for your replies.
Is 3 weeks delay unussual?

Actually, it does. There's no better motivation than working in a competitive atmosphere in a research led department where all the lecturers are on the cutting edge of science. The enthusiam in the atmosphere is catching and makes learning easier!

Danny, you have to remember that they are very busy especially at this period when a lot of other students are looking for PhDs too. Give them a good week sometimes before you contact them again by email or even by phone (better!)

Dear puzzled student,
Don't be sarcastic. Be bold and do not hide behind the scene.You are no student!!!

How do I find a suitable college for doing counselling for masters and to carry on a Phd