Just to add to SillyBilly's comments, I find the general public completely devalue a PhD and 'Dr' title.

A friend of mine questioned why I should call myself a 'Dr' (which I'd only ever use in a professional context anyway), when I'm not a medical doctor. I try to explain the history of the 'Dr' title, and how it would have been easier for me to be a medical doctor, than what I'm doing now....but alas I'm just a fake (and she's rather ignorant).

I do also find that a PhD is granted more recognition and kudos in other countries, compared to the UK.

As long as your audience isn't the same, then I can't see the problem of repeating a paper. It's not common to present results or research to multiple audiences.

I started mine at 25 - I had to take a year out to wait for funding opportunites. I'll finish at 31.

Starting time and finishing time seems to vary a lot depending on the discipline.

I would have done that extra tiny bit of revision that would have took my 69% to a distinction ...grrrr.

Jouri, my b*stard just isn't as offensive as your b*stard.

Most definitely! After all it's an 'open book exam'. You can also take articles/publications, or anything else you want in.

It's also helpful to put sticky notes, and highlights in the thesis.

Now someone else can give the positives

What they don't tell you...

1. It often takes longer than three years to complete.
In my field, after I started the PhD, I was then informed it takes more like 4/5 years to finish.

2. You'll meet lots of not very nice people.
I started my Phd with something of a rosy tinted view of academia.
You'll meet more than your fair share of bastards.

3. Excuses, even if completely genuine, don't go down well.

I just found the article I was reading about the new '20 unis'. I thought I'd share as some of you may be interested in the new locations: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/article3471191.ece

Notably, for the NW of England, Bolton, Burnley, Oldham and Everton are also set to get universities. I imagine they will be affiliated to bigger universities though. Maybe Blackpool will link up with Lancaster or UCLan, and Everton probably to John Moores.

If I remember correctly, Blackpool is ear-marked to be one of the next 20 new universities. I guess it will do a degree in gambling

Lara, don't despair! Frankly, the next 3 mths are going to be a very bumpy road for you in attempting to meet your deadline. This will be the first of many setbacks.

You should take the evening off (what's left of it!), you've met a deadline so reward yourself a little.

As Hazyjane says, turn your attention to another chapter.

lol@shani - that's how I learnt to touch-type very quickly, on chatrooms and MSN messenger! (Oh, the wasted hours!).

sushidave, don't spend too much time actually trying to learn, touch-typing just sort of happens naturally, as long as you break away from using the two-fingered method.

A notary public (but they're not very common in the UK).

You may need to use a notary if your documents are say over 10 years, and the university doens't have your transcripts on record.

Certified copies are copies of your degree certificate or transcripts that are stamped (or in sealed stamped envelope) by the universities that awarded the degrees. You'll need to get in touch with your old uni's and request x number of 'certified copies' (they may charge for this).

Olivia, can you not continue in the academic field in your home country?