I notice that she says she won't be using material, names nor mentioning the website, but surely if someone is drawing data from internet sources, you at least have to name those sources otherwise the data could be fabricated?

======= Date Modified 06 Jun 2009 16:44:55 =======
Joyce, I had such problems with Word and PPT (particularly that the diagrams didn't look very professional), that I have now switched to SmartDraw, which produces much nicer diagrams.

Another good software programme is MS Visio, a few forum posters recommended I try it, but it's a little more tricky to use than Smartdraw (but you can get a 90 day free download).

I've never tried Publisher for diagrams.

I come from a very different field too, so I'm just having problems comprehending the fact that this type of thing is 'research'.

But...I wonder if her exposure is part of her research, to see how people will react to her deception. I does make laugh how the initial page is polite, and then is descends into mud slinging and bullying (it looks like a few posters on there need the services of a psychologist).

======= Date Modified 06 Jun 2009 15:01:03 =======
A similar question popped up on this forum a few days ago, so I'll assume you're the same poster.

Forum posters are unlikely to answer questions like this, which basically express a laziness to research this matter yourself. All UK postgraduate courses are listed on university websites and all clearly set out the costs involved...

======= Date Modified 06 Jun 2009 14:56:18 =======
I nearly quit my PhD but decided to continue because I had serious doubts about whether I'd be able to start again - the upshot has been I've taken a long time completing my PhD. Obviously you have reasons for wanting to downgrade your PhD, but think carefully about if you can work around them and possibly extend your time to finish up the PhD (the uni will probably agree to this if it's a choice between you leaving or completing). I would imagine most people who quit their PhD with intentions of returning, never actually do (marriages, mortgages and kids start getting in the way). Of course, it can be done as the other posters have explained.

You say 're-enroll' - does this mean you'd want to do the PhD at the same uni? Also are you sure you can get the necessary references for starting a new PhD? You say you're at the end of your candidature, so this means having to explain 3/4 years on your CV?

British uni's are being told to publish their PhD completion rates, which means they will be less keen on taking on students who have a history of non-completion.

I've voted 'yes' - you can have a second chance - but for many disciplines, I imagine this will be very hard.

My introduction starts with a two paragraphs on the wider context of my subject matter, what issues I'm bringing to together, followed with why it is important to look at the issue, followed by the actual hypothesis, and how I seek to test that hypothesis, followed very brief comments on what my conclusion is, then it concludes with an outline of chapters (which is always very important). It's about 7 pages long (and that's for a 100,000 word thesis), and attached to my first chapter.

As said, it seems to be more of a standard now that PhD students have a masters degree (both for funding and entry requirements).

IMO, the leap between undergraduate work to PhD is simply too big. I would suggest you compare one of your own undergraduate essays to a published thesis....it's the best way to gauge the difference. I found one of my old undergraduate essays not so long ago and was quite horrified at the simplicity of it.

Yes, apply for all...you have nothing to lose.

All factors are important - weigh everything up (content of course, faculty, RAE, status, location, cost, etc).

I have £10 in my pocket and three shiny 10 pence coins, but would like a 7 day holiday in a sunny location (South of France would be nice), what should I do?

I've found that publishing in other European countries is easier because universities seem to create more opportunities e.g. working papers, in-house journals, very strong relationships with academic publishers, lots of conferences/symposiums. UK universities seem to be lacking on this front, with PhD students competing with other academics to get published in standard journals.

Just to add... getting funding in law is a whole different ball game from getting funding in the sciences...i.e., it's highly unlikely anyone without a First class degree will get funding from a research council, because the competition is so intense. I know lots of lawyers who self-funded/part-self funded their PhDs, but if someone is working in a City firm they should have the money to pay domestic PhD fees.

You'll have no problem getting into LSE, KCL, QMUL, UCL law schools with your background (these colleges tend to be the best places in the UK to go for PhDs in law). Oxbridge will also be interested (I know lawyers who didn't get firsts/distinctions who are there) - but if your PhD is the commercial/corporate area you will better in London. Law schools tend to be more keen to take on international students because of the huge fees, so it may be best to apply as an international student, and then later change your status to domestic student once you gain entry. Beware that you're unlikely to get full funding unless you're a UK/EU student, but I'm sure there will be opportunities for partial scholarships (LSE seems to give lots of these).
A good proposal will go a long way to getting funding, so I would suggest you read all books on research proposals etc. to get an idea about what's require...obviously showing originality and focus will be a selling point.

If I'm not mistaken it's good to be bored with a thesis, even hate it - it shows you've spent time on it and now need to move on. I'm definitely bored with mine - so *hopefully* I'll pass!

I suppose it's like preparing for a presentation...when you become bored to tears with prep and practice, you know you'll nail it.

======= Date Modified 01 Jun 2009 08:24:08 =======
Hey well done!!

You normally officially get your degree when the 'powers that be' send you a letter to say you officially passed your PhD - up to that point you can't officially call yourself 'Dr'. You don't have to wait until graduation usually.

Try looking at the business section of printer manufacturers' website - they do no-frills, high ink capacity office machines that you won't find on the normal consumer sites (just remember to add on the VAT). I was looking for a laser printer, but found a HP Office Jet on the HP business website that has a really good ink capacity.