You don't have to make massive discoveries in your PhD..even little discoveries like the refinement/optimization of a technique that aids an aspect of your lab work is enough. None of us are going to find a cure for diabetes or anything like that, but small discoveries can help along thw way - that's where us PhD stdents can help!!

This is exactly what I did and worked really well for me. Be careful about missing lectures as I almost got into trouble by missing the lectures for an entire taught unit as it clashed with my P/T job. Don't expect any sympathy from staff either - if you're registered F/T they'll expect you to be there and to do the work of a F/T student

How do you find out the impact factor of journals??

Any chance you're a little bored of your studies at the moment????

Should we rename this post 'Stroke Stu's Ego'?

I am hoping to do a Full Time masters by research BUT work full time as well (40 hrs per week).
I am prepared to work constantly to get my taught modules done in the first 2 terms and hopefully carry out my research project with my company then I can spend time on it while I am at work.

Some of you seem to have had experiences of working long hours and studying full time as well. Does my plan sound completely bananas or possibley do-able?

............share knowledge, so every individual doesn't have to re-learn stuff, but does this really happen? It usually takes a lot of deciphering before I can repeat something I have seen in a paper. There are exceptions, but generally people are very secretive... Is research really worth all this stress and frustration? (I don't think so) Why not pack shelves for a living? (absolutely no offence intended by this - I often think I'd be a lot happier doing this). Is it just me???

Why is research so hard???!! I'm amazed that people get ANY results, I'm having so much trouble even collecting all the bits I need to DO an experiment! It seems that you need to be in an established research group (been around for years) to make any significant scientific discoveries, the rest of us are just messing around. I don't just mean experimentally - I reckon it would take me about 20 years for me to learn enough well established science to come up with anything new. I guess that's why we're supposed to collaborate..........

I think it's true that most people get a bit of an unpleasant shock when they start their PhD, so what you're feeling now is probably 'normal'. BUT looking back on my first few months and what's happened since then I'd say if you still feel the same by about Christmas you should quit - don't count on things getting better (sorry to be so depressingly negative!). Your research alone won't be enough to get you through the next few years with your sanity intact.

I used to think that I wasn't doing enough in a week. But, depending on the type of research you are doing, you have hectic weeks but you also have quiet weeks. And, if you have a flexitime policy like we do here, you are able to take a little time off in your quieter weeks to unwind.

Relax! I'm coming up to the end of my 2nd year and still haven't had mine! Mainly because of ill health that I have got behind with my work, but I should have the required results in the next couple of weeks to go through the upgrade process.

Hi,

I have a pretty weak question but its important for me, I don't want to do a bad impression with being impolite and neither with bothering the teachers too much.
Do you think it is worth to answer to their reply mails if they say, they will consider my application?

Thank you,
Mark

D, tell your parents you can have a bf for the next three years and then you can marry him after your done (or not done as the case may be) ;) My mum is still on my case, keeps asking me if I still want to do the PhD, even though I have already started. Told her, she and dad have spent so much money and time into educating me, why not let me finish! Getting desperate though, now wants me to marry one of my male friends. I'm too young to get married, I only feel 18!

I agree with Ann, give it a while before you go and try moving back. Just make sure you keep an open-mind about the new place though. I think a lot of people probably feel isolated during their PhD (it's one of the things my supervisor warned me about). Good luck!

I chose to do a PhD as I'm really interested in my topic and need to do one if I want to have a research career in this field! As for the place I'm in it's very small and it's not some where I would have ideally chosen but it did have a good project on offer! It found me rather than the other way round so I think it worked out for the best! Fate as some might call it!