======= Date Modified 13 Sep 2008 11:38:38 =======
I'd also say the official answer is 'zero', and if it boils down to deciding where you need to spend your time best...use it on your thesis, not publications (I made the mistake of concerning myself with publications...that where not even related to my thesis!).

However, that said, I was told in a viva course that having publications does help to show you are of a 'publishable standard' and this helps to convey the standard of your PhD, and one should even slot the publications into the back of the thesis to take into the viva (I never heard of this practice before and won't be doing it myself).

Some reference to your conference papers should be more than sufficient...as you say, it sounds like supervisor is more interested in his publication record.

Get a distinction in your masters plus a very good dissertation, and this will get you a place on a PhD programme.

I'm not sure that going elsewhere in Europe you'll find lower entry standards.

You should practice explaining what your research is about as a question often asked in the viva is explain your research in 20/50 words of less, or explain it to me as a layperson.

======= Date Modified 11 Sep 2008 13:32:17 =======
London really isn't for everyone...if you have your doubts, then spend some time there over the xmas holiday in one of the halls of residence. I've moved out of London now...and I'm not relishing the thought of having to move back there for my career.



London is undoubtedly expensive, I ended up loaning additional money to my grant. Unfortunately, for my specialism, it's where I need to be.



Most people end up having a love-hate relationship with London...at times it's a great place and then at other times it's bloody horrible. I never noticed it as particularly miserable or nasty until I visited lots of other world cities...I now have a hard time accepting people who say 'London is the best city in the world'.

I would recommend living in SW London...but it's v. expensive.

Hi Lara, I sent u a PM (I've only just read yours sent a few days ago).

======= Date Modified 11 Sep 2008 11:54:15 =======
Excluding Oxbridge, she shouldn't have any problem getting into any of the universities you mention. Most require a 1st at UG, or 2.1 plus good masters....so she fulfills the 1st criteria. I got into LSE with a 2.1 and merit (although never went...didn't like it). Actually, she's probably got a good shot at Oxbridge too.


I don't think the MA marks will do her much harm, unless she has very low marks in a dissertation.



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Very good!:-)

Really studying crumbs...I'm in the wrong discipline.

I was more interested in the 'Best PhD Ever' (bottom left on here: http://www.null-hypothesis.co.uk/). :-)

======= Date Modified 11 Sep 2008 09:56:39 =======
Sue, I know nothing about AS...but most PhDers end up having problems of one sort or another trying to disseminate information, and going off on tangents (never to return)...so this is certainly something that will blight you.

I don't know if this will be helpful...but possibly the use of a sophisticated mindmap/flowchart software (that may also tap into your artistic side) may help. Some links here: http://mindmappingsoftwareblog.com/product-directory/ and www.smartdraw.com.

======= Date Modified 11 Sep 2008 09:15:22 =======

Try Google :-)

Try the British Council.

I use a WD Passport hard drive - I don't trust just using a memory/USB stick as if you drop them, the data can be wiped.

I also have an account with BT Vault, I managed to get a free one, but I think you have to pay £5 a month now.

I wear suits or something smart/casual e.g. suit pants, shirt and jumper. I'd never wear jeans/casual wear, but then it depends on the culture of your department.

I think, particularly if you're young looking, formal the attire is required in any situation to gain respect.

======= Date Modified 08 Sep 2008 00:43:04 =======
I agree Olivia...it's very much a case of 'luck of the draw' as to whether one passes a PhD these days...and on that basis, it is CRUCIAL that a person picks examiners that they or supervisor know and respect.



The notion of having only 2 examiners is ridiculous. There should be a panel of 4-5 drawn from various universities, and at least 1-2 should have no connections with the candidate's department. This system would hopefully stop behind the scenes politics and internal examiners being rail-roaded by externals (which seems to be the case described below).



I have said this before.... I do believe academia attracts a disproportionate amount of b*stards and narcissists with little or no people skills (hence why they're in an ivory tower).



Just the fact that examiners can behave badly in vivas is a very bad reflection on the current system. In fact, may be vivas should be recorded so the performance of the candidate and examiners can be used in appeal cases.