I very much doubt this would be allowed, unless there was exceptional circumstances.

If you are self-funding it may not be so much of a problem. But if you have a studentship or research council funding, I would imagine it's impossible. If you have a problem with your supervisor, the department will assign a new one.

The only time I have heard of people doing this is when the supervisor leaves and takes his/her PhD student with them.

I hardly think Liverbird is boasting - 4 publications is not huge amount during PhD time (particularly for anyone science-based). People do publish many, many more, and then some people do 1/2 or none. It depends very much on the subject and future career plans.

However, it's not fair to attempt to censor someone.

But....what concerns me is this theory of requiring X amount publications to 'pass the viva'...there is absolutely no connection there. While I have heard having publishing often tells the examiner the candidate is of a 'publication standard' it has no direct bearing on the PhD. In fact, it's quite often the people who do no publications and spend all their time on their PhD that pass it first.

Oliva, I believe you are doing a non-science lab based degree, so is it not possible to work from home, back in the US for say half or a third of the year?

Personally, I have noticed the need to produce publications has become more intense (10 plus). Having one to two doesn't seem to cut it anyone more.

Congrats!!!

Embrace the opportunity to present! It gives you the opportunity to 'sell' your Phd and direct the conversation that will follow immediately afterwards.

Good luck

Go to your GP and get some valium. It's an irrational fear that you have to deal with - your supervisor will only view it as an excuse.

I know someone who can help you - but because there is no way to send you my details on here without disclosing them publically - I can't help

Cakegirl, I'd advise not claiming the dole. The amount of time involved with such a process is more trouble than it's worth. Any money you earn in the 15 hours is deducted from whatever allowance they give - so you would be signing-on for nothing but your NI contribution.

I'm overrunning significantly because I didn't nail down my research in the first year and start writing; instead I collected a huge amount of information for which I could write about 5 different PhDs.

I'm now past my 'write-up' period.

I'd strongly suggest you have a hypothesis and a detailed outline of specific areas you need to research within 6 mths of starting.

PC Geek, 55 minutes! Wow. One would think your external hadn't thoroughly read your thesis

It's remarkable how different vivas can be. The longest I've heard of is 8 hours, and now the shortest 55 mins.

I'd suggest having a 1,5, 10 and 15 minute presentation prepared.
As a viva is an open book examination you could take copies of your slides in and use them on a small flip chart.

Try to find out about the normal viva process for your external examiner's country. I know some other European countries have more of a presentation and then q&a type set-up.

Obviously I'm making generalisations based on my subject area and my experience, but I rarely see US professors here - visiting profs yes - but I'm yet to meet one that's settling down here.

Hi Olivia, there is an equivalent (I say that loosely) to a PhD in law in the States - the JSD (Doctor of Judicial Science). This is the terminal law degree in the US and the nearest thing to a PhD in law over here. Although, some uni's allow JSD to be submitted in 1/2 years, so I doubt they are of the same calibre of as a PhD in law in the US. However, it most equivalent to a PhD in terms of being a substantial independent research work.

The JD leans more towards a British LLB in terms of calibre and difficulty.

I understand what you mean about the grass is always green mentality, but N.America does offer a better relative standard of living for academics (I think this reflected in the lack of N.American academics we have over here). If I remember correctly the best place for academics is Canada, followed by Australia (from a study in the Guardian a while back).

Indeedy, I will apply - I'm hardly going to rely on the advice on an online forum to make that decision for me.

However, I would like to gauge how British academics are viewed in the US. The subject field does seem to vary greatly with respect to faculty background. I feel my best chances are to aim at two/three tier schools.