Consider doing a presentation skills course, it helps with self-confidence A LOT! The only thing I can say is, it gets better the more practise you get!

It isn't in fact the second best university in the world, Harvard, Yale and Oxford are all rated higher, and there may even be a few more. Look on the Times Higher Ed site to check it.

However, it is extremely hard to get a PhD at Cambridge, you would almost certainly need a 1st and good experience as well, at best you would need a 1st and a very good project.

Coffee ones are yum. I hate the stupid waste of time toffee ones. You chew for ages and get nothing out of it as you probably burnt off the calories from the chewing.

Alex, move them to another room at night. My parrots fall off their perches in the middle of the night and all u can hear is a load of flapping...poor things.

Send them to me, i'll eat 'em, unless you are hungry?

Anna,
I enquired about funding for a ESRC validated PhD in education. The administrator told me that the only way to get funding was with a first and a distinction at masters level. She said she had seen others who got funding without these, but they always had exceptional references.

I can't believe everyone usually hates the coffee ones. I love them ! They are foolish. We know better, Alex.

Get a pot plant. They are much quieter.

Or get a "pot" plant. And then you won't care.

I have got some gerbils for my new flat I hope they aren't gonna be too loud.

I hate presentations too and I'm dreading them.

My pet hamsters are keeping me up all night - I can't sleep with them in the room.

How many hours do you think is sensible to take on for demonstrating?? I was thinking one or two practicals a week.

I am SO worried about them..last time I did one I was so nervous my voice was actually quivering with fear. I made a right ass of myself.

I agree - the toffee ones are boggin'..I like the soft coffee ones though - yumbo!!

I'm not an international student (I am Irish, but I was born in England, UK). I will just keep trying (maybe it is more difficult to obtain a funded PhD in Psychology). Many thanks for your response. Anna