if you really have decided to quit this opportunity, just tell him your situation. as he have mentioned he has other potential students, i think he has been used to this and can understand you. But did you applied to other institutions as well? if you only applied to this one, might this mean you will not study for a phd? consider it seriously if this is the case

Have you noticed the favourite pastime of phd students is slagging each other off behind their backs.

So do i join in or not??

Can I expect to finish my PhD in three years? In my country the PhD research takes three years, but there is also one year of courses + you usually do some teaching. A normal PhD would then take approximately five years. Is it a similar situation in the UK?

Get in touch with University of the West of England - especiall Faculty of the Built Environment.

Hi - Can you tell me where I can get good careers advice. I study in the area of environment. I am having no luck with careers advice at my university. I have searched the net for government sites regarding careers advice but only found advice suitable for school leavers. I have a BSc, I’m now finishing my MSc and would like advice on the rest of my life and career (including possible part-time PhD). Thanks.

Thank you!.x

Fantastic, thanks. I was hoping that might be the case - especially in environment as you pointed out. Thank you. C.x

The UK is expensive - and becomes more expensive the closer you are to London. If I was you I would be looking for at least £500 a month for rent and bills - more so if your not planning to share accommodation. And don't forget spending money, everyone needs a night out with mates now and then!

Can you work a PhD so you can carry out research in more than one country? My area is environment. Thanks.

Hi - Is it possible to come up with your own research idea for a PhD? Can you get funding this way? If not - what if you paid for the PhD your self - then can you make up your own project idea? How would you go about doing this? Thanks.x

Jonathon - 3K a year, are you sure??? I really dont believe that. It works out at £250 a month (assuming you are a postgrad and do 12 months a year). That amount would not even cover my rent and bills. How much is your rent mate? im intrigued! Never mind spending what you dont have, i would starve on that amount. . . . literally.

fantastic! Thanks for your help

Thanks everyone!!! It sounds as if I'll be fine if I can just get a good place to stay. And Steve - I know your budget was supposed to scare me off but I think it sounded reasonable. :) Maybe it's a different situation for me because I know I will eventually have to pay back everything i spend.

Is a PhD from Open university worth the effort?
Do employers discriminate when hiring Open University PhD graduates ?

hello. Try the open university they are very good. best thing o do is to contact physics depatments at certian universitys to ask. Bristol has good physics dept