If you can't understand a paper, put it to one side and read something else. Frankly, some papers are written in such a specialist or convoluted manner that it's just better to cast them aside and read other literature.

Ultimately, you need to write, and submit more material to your supervisor. Don't be a perfectionist about this.

Check out the Guardian - they have calculated average rankings which makes it a bit easier to judge who did well.

Overall, Cambridge did best, followed by Oxford, LSE, Imperial, UCL. No changes in my subject....Oxford and Cambridge lead, with the London colleges and red-bricks following.

I didn't know there would be an 'unclassified' section...OUCH! I guess that's where the heads will roll.

Hi Yoplew,

I have also noticed all academic jobs are now asking for substantive teaching experience - even when they are entertaining entry-level academics. Gone are the days when just the PhD got you the job!

I suggest you still apply for the posts. One university was very interested in me because of my speciality, and they were not too concerned about my lack of teaching experience. They said teaching ability would be assessed on the basis of giving a seminar/presentation during the interview process.

Once you finish your PhD, you'd be wise to apply for part-time/ad hoc teaching opportunities asap.

Unfortunately it is becoming more and more difficult to get a lecturer's post because of increased competition from foreign-educated academics who want to work here (god only knows why!) and as you mention the economic crisis which may bring in more competition from industry and tighten university budgets.

...but well, at least we don't work in financial services.

======= Date Modified 17 Dec 2008 14:56:57 =======
Hi! A few people on this site are going through re-submission processes, so I'm sure you'll get good advice.

Although it is of little comfort, a good 20-25% of candidates are told to re-submit, so you're not alone by any means.

You need to get hold of the examiner's report as soon as possible - this should outline where you have gone wrong and then you can work specifically on those areas. You should also talk to your supervisor, or possibly your head of grad studies, about needing supervision from someone more specialised. I'm sure you'll be able to get supervision via email if you return home.

I have a final chapter due in early January, so there will be no Xmas cheer for me. I'm also a week behind schedule due to other issues.

I have the TV on the background playing lots of Xmas themed TV.... quite depressing!

You should get on to a PhD programme with a 2.2 and your experience; however, it may not be a good university and it may not be with funding. I would suggest you do a one year masters courses with a large research element. If you get a distinction in this, you'll pretty much be able to go where you want. Normally, an MPhil asks for the same entry requirements as a PHD, so you wouldn't really be gaining much going down that avenue.

Congratulations!! Have a great (and relaxing) Christmas!

Just to add, the RAE results should not reflect an individual's performance; if the faculty is very small then they are going to do something different so individual performances cannot be detected. But as you say Sleepyhead, a department manager will know exactly who is pulling in the 4* grades and who isn't. Also, I believe underperformers can simply be kept out of the assessment (which begs the question as to just how accurate these grades will be).

In the Guardian today, it says the Hefce have hinted that there will be a few surprises:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/dec/16/research-assessment-exercise1

I'm not sure how the departments will arrive at an overrall ranking/score since the single grading has gone.

I'm also looking jobs at the moment, and none have been advertised from months now. I'm hoping many will appear in the New Year. Apparently there will be no additional money though, so for every hiring there will be a firing elsewhere (in theory, at least).

They'll be out on Thursday! How exciting (well not really...).

They will be available here:
http://www.rae.ac.uk/

And according to the THE, a few heads will role:
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=26&storycode=404685&c=2

The grading has changed...so if you're at a 5* department, the top grade this time will be 4* and marks will be proportioned across the faculty (e.g., 50% get 4*, 30% 3*, 20% 2* etc.).

I agree with Coastman. I would lean towards doing another Masters or opting for work exp. Your current quals are not going to get your into a good PhD programme, unless you have something else to offer e.g. time in industry.

However, there are some people on this forum who have got on PhD courses with 2.2s.

======= Date Modified 15 Dec 2008 10:37:48 =======

More emoticons would be nice!! (We're never happy, are we?)

I read about this before. It's been posted on a lot of postgrad/PhD forums.