Badhaircut,

Surely a level of competition is required in order to force research to move at a suitable pace? As for the idea that impressionable undergraduates go into academia blind isn't that their fault rather than the fault of academia?

I am currently an undergraduate and prior to applying to PhD positions I researched thoroughly and appreciate that even within a single research group there is going to be competition let alone within a field. I also appreciate how difficult a career in academia is to get into.

Did you go straight into a PhD or did you work first? Perhaps if you worked first your expectations were different?

Based on what I found when I was looking for projects earlier in the year most projects in the sciences have already been decided upon. In other words you pick an advertised project and apply to it. Best places I found to look were findaphd.com and new scientist. Some projects come with funding and are advertised as such.

In terms of research proposals I have absolutely no idea because I have never had to submit one!

Hope that helps

Thats brilliant, thank you!

I know its going to vary from city to city but it's good just to get some idea.

Hi guys,

My girlfriend and I are planning on moving in together when I start on a BBSRC funded PhD in October. She also has a place masters course with a small bursary to live on.

I was just wondering how much people end up paying on average per month for bills other than the rent. I'm talking water, gas, electric etc. I'm especially after responses from people just sharing a flat with a partner although any responses would be great!!

Thanks in advance

Jon

heh... i hope for their sake that they're not still trying to phone over a year later!

I had to give a presentation on a research article of my choice at one PhD interview.... pretty scary stuff! Once you get on with it though the time flies by, like most things in interviews. As long as you read plenty about the subject you're given i'm sure you'll be fine.

Good Luck!