I have been offered a position for a PhD with a well respected researcher in a good institution - but I got a really bad "gut reaction" from the interview, and the funding is not guaranteed (but he wants full committment from me before he applies for funding!) and do not want to accept the offer. He wants to know asap whether I want the position (he tells me he has hundreds of other potential students for the post). How do I politely turn the offer down?
thanks,
elm.

I was in a similar situation in my Masters. My supervisor failed to explain the purpose and significance of the project. He just wanted me to write and produce a thesis.
As a result, my thesis was not of great quality.

When I started my Phd I had a clear view of what I wanted to do. A few months later my supervisor changed the topic to a large extent. I am more confused now and I have no idea where my research is going and what I should do next. Everytime we meet she doesnt give me important feedback and she doesnt seem to know why she has asked me to change the direction of research. Are there any chances that she knows and she wont tell me until I find it myself???????

What they all seem to be forgeting is that you will still have your first degree along with everyone else, but you will have that extra edge many others dont. There will still be those well paid jobs out there in three years time and a doctorate will only help to open more doors. Go for it Martin, but be comited xxx

The project in question is industry specific. I prefer to work on a project thats different but requires same techniques and theory (ie its aimed at another industrial product). If I refuse now, I might have to wait a year or two.

Following on fron the earlier post.
I have been looking for research assistant posts and very few offer phD study. Are phD's only offered if advertised or is it the case that most research assistant posts will offer phD study.
Any advice on this subject is welcome and also advice about how to get these prestigious posts.
Cheers

I am being offered a PhD studentship in the field I am interested but the precise topic of research is different from my interests. Should I take it? Will it make any difference, if, later I look for a post-doc (in the same field) but a different topic.

plus

Des, I am an English student and i recieve a BBSRC stipend of approx £800 a month, and i still drift into my overdraft at the end of each month!!!! Realistically, i reckon you need about 9-10K to be comfortable and to be able to go out and have a good time!

Hello!I just finished my medical studies in Romania.I want to aplly to a biomedical phd,genetics,cell biology , medicine-related field.The title of medical doctor is a plus or minus in the application?

not sure about UK, but in U.S., what matters are your GRE, gpa, Letters of recommendation, and personal statement. with two masters already, i would say your chances are pretty good but that depends on the school you apply to, some will be competitive (like ivy league schools, harvard, stanford, etc) and others will be relatively easy to get into. don't know about UK though.

I had 3rd honours in Chemistry and later two M.Sc (Engineering) in Oil and Gas Technology and later in Polymer Engineering. What are the chances of getting Ph.D in the US (with GRE) or in the UK? I need your advice

how can i get admission in p.h.d. in animal nutrition/production in german universities with scholarships

Its very hard to get funding from a UK based funding body. Try to get something from your government. Alternatively, try for a PhD in Germany which offers free education in some universities.

Can't I receive any kind of funds to complete my P.hD?. I have completed M.Sc from Nepal and topped the University in two subjects (Algebra & Hydrodynamics)