i went through that last year. They are just lazy b******s and dont get any better once you are working for one either.

Tell me about it! It stuns me when I see some of the people that manage to get on one! They must be pretty hot at talking about themselves or something, I've seen many a PhD student whose lab skills are pretty poor!

can I know how to contact the supervisors

The subject im interested in studying (primate behavioural ecology)is not currently offered by any university department. what is the best way to apply for a self funded PhD?

P.S. Excuse the typos, I'm trying to watch the rugby at the same time!!

I know what you mean! It'd just be nice to know, even if it is a rejection. At least you can forget about that one then. It's better to know than wonder waht's happening! Like you said, it costs nothing & doesn't take long to write an email, or even forward a pre writted one!

Gavin - thats controversial. its all about how the funding bodies see it, because they are the ones that impose the 2:1 restriction (not the institution). However, a lot of them do state that a 2:2 plus an MSc does equal a 2:1 (e.g. BBSRC). But as im sure you can imagine, you would have a better chance of getting offered a PhD place if you had a 2:1 or higher.

What about if it is to upgrade a 2ii? Is a 2ii + MSc really the same as a 2i?

An MSc is a GREAT way of changing disciplines from one science to another - it certainly wont be frowned upon by anybody recruiting students for a PhD in the Biological sciences. If you're interested in an MSc in molecular/cell biology, have a look at:
http://www.biols.sussex.ac.uk/pgteach/degrees/dcb/Index.htm

Why does it take so long for supervisors to get back to enquiries about PhDs? I know they're busy with their own research but it doesn't take that long to write an email!

hi katapodi
YOU CAN DO A PHD WITH A 3RD AT A VERY HIGH STANDARD UNIVERSITY INCLUDING FUNDING if you have worked for 5 years it will automatically up grade your degree class to a 2i and will also be eligible for a ESPRC grant, 6 years of work to be eligible for bbsrc funding, even better if you have a masters it will automatically upgrade your class degree to a 2i therefore eligible for funding from the bbsrc and ESPRC then it is up to the supervisors whether to take you on or not, i am in same position.

consider in doing a PhD involving genetics due to the ethics and principles of genetic research, at present our ethics and principles are challenged buy the government, which can interfere with our brains unknowingly change body, physiologicaly and biochemically, there might be an involvement within psychotronic generators - look up on web. certain universities know about existence and is already in use. for certain staff in essex uni (biological science dept ) are aware plus kent oxford and cambridge

good luck !

How did you manage to get on a PhD & not know what a literature review is? It drives me mad how some of us are flogging away trying to get on one & others seem to just land on their feet! :o/ It's such a lottery!

Try the new fast track route at the University of Nottingham (sorry, a shameless plug!).

...and you're right, an MSc can look dodgy if you have a 2:2, because then it just highlights the fact that you basically HAVE to do an MSc if you want to stand any chance of getting a PhD. I think you'll find that very few people with a 2:2 and an MSc actually get funding. It might not be right, but its just the way it is