Well, I had to give up my plush office space, access to secretarial support, phones, photocopier, kitchen and the list goes on. Any regrets? Just a tinge. The matter is not sorted out yet - its been 7 months and still counting. I am sure the whole complaints procedure is set up to deter anyone from even going there but I shall remain resolute. I am now waiting for written confirmation that my complaint is upheld and they will proceed with a new supervisory team. Keep your fingers crossed for me, girls and boys. Ta muchly.

Hi Jojo,
I used to hand in crap work and just got more crap in return. Its very soul destroying. I usually get about 2 people to read it before handing it in and this seems to work as I am now a more confident writer. Recently, one of the editors from a high impact journal commented on my article and said "its well reported and well written" and that was such a great feeling. Unfortunately, it was not accepted for publication as they were looking for current topics, specifically dealing with patient healer interaction patterns. Not my area of research.

Well done! What next?

I suggest you read "How to get a PhD" by Cryer and Pugh. Good luck!

Hi Rosy,
I had the same problem - leading supervisor knows nothing about my reseach topic; co-supervisor just wants to steer it to her area of expertise rather than my area of research. The academic guidance was poor and I failed the upgrade viva. Had to resubmit and re-viva but I got through. I should have sacked them back then but I didn't. Anyway, I've sacked them now, three and a half years later, 6 months before submission. Amongst many reasons, they were going to appoint examiners as hopeless as themselves and I fear a repeat performance. So my advice to you is request for a change of team to avoid being stitched up at the final viva. Good luck and keep us posted.

Hi Katq, I sacked my sups 6 months ago for poor academic support and bullying - yes, I felt like a crushed can after each pointless supervision. I made the mistake of thinking that I can make the lousy relationship work (not). My point is, it does not get better, just worse! Remember that your sups are only powerful because you gave them the power over you. The university has a responsibility towards you and if you want a change of supervisors, they will see to you that you get it. Go for it, girl. Good luck. Oh, btw, my postgrad research tutor was a total waste of space. Infact, he is a snake in the grass and was colluding with the supervisors to make sure that the complaint does not go beyond the department. So, beware!

Bullying is not exclusive to race or the lack of command of the English language. On the contrary, bullies are cowards who pick on others to massage their own egos, pathetic scum of the earth! Also, international PhD students get more help than home students because they pay - about £10 000 per year! Home students are left to their own devices. Good and upright supervisors are rare like blue diamonds, wishy-washy ones are like autumn leaves, found everywhere! I do not regret taking the imposters to the cleaners, my only regret is that I did not have the guts to do it earlier.

I ditch my well paid job to engage in intellectual discourse and yes, you guessed it - Knock, knock and surprise, surprise no one was home! They had nothing in between their ears! Also, they should not have taken me on as the department did not have the expertise to supervise my study which was conducted in Chinese! My first degree is in Chinese studies and I am a free lance interpreter. I think they were very greedy and ambitious to take on a cross-cultural study but they don't have what it takes. Hey, what about some of us getting together to write a book on " The PhD from Hell: I survived it!" Sounds like a cool title. Any takers??

Well, matey, I would advise you to stop the antidepressants. Its just symptomatic treatment. Sack the buggers! The uni is responsible for your well being. The QAA should read this forum. Doing a PhD is not about getting the title - it a test of your strength of character, definitely not for the faint hearted. If you don't report these incumbent academics, they will think that its their right to bully others! Ditch the pills and give them your piece of mind. You will be surprise how many people are behind you. Go on! This is what this forum is for - to encourage one another to be heros, not academic cowards. BTW, my advisor from the student's union thinks that most academics choose the profession so that they can have a go at students. I think it is not far from the truth. What do you think?

Yep! One who was bullied and left after a failed upgrade. Another filed a complaint - identical reasons. Third one was a member of staff. You're right! If I don't stand up for myself, I am just stitching myself up for the future bullies. I am prepared to put the PhD on hold and sock them in the jaw. The days for bullying PhD students are numbered. Afterall, its only a PhD! Integrity and self esteem is priceless. (I'm starting to sound like a TV advert!)

Thanks! It was a 'post it'sticker that did it! I think both supervisors thought they were above the law. Well, stuff the PhD and all the big boys can pull together but no one is above the law. Like I said, I hope the university will not let me down, otherwise, the Independent Adjudicator Officer will be involved. If it comes to that, I will make sure that the student papers, my MP and the local press will get to know of it. I did not come to this decision lightly- poor academic support, I can heck it but BULLYING? nope, the buck stops there. Scandalous, really. They should pick on their own academic fellows and leave the novices alone.

Hi,
You must all think I've lost it but my only regret is not sending them to the cleaners earlier. Just had enough of their bullying over the past 3 and half years. Anyway, matter is now in the hands of the university complaints officer. 2 new supervisors have agreed to take over the last lap of the thesis. So, it all hangs on the investigation of the university complaints officer. Hope they will uphold my complaint because the next step is the IOA. Wish me luck chaps. The whole thing sucks!

Well, I think its rather worrying too. Do you know of anybody who would read your thesis and give you comments on it? Also, make sure you have a mock viva before the real thing. Good luck