I agree with Phoenix Fortune, can you remove the blue line?

Although, at my uni staff have free printing. I know several students that printed their thesis with uni printers that way and then paid for the binding. Also, most of the print shops near me offer thesis binding for £10.

Could you use https://mapstyle.withgoogle.com/ with some added photoshop on top?

I can't help you much with exact courses but I would consider what sort job you see yourself doing. Your career interests vary between entirely desk based and entirely wet lab based, which is a significant range. Whatever course you choose in may push you towards a more desk or lab environment depending on the modules, and I think you should be mindful of that. Personally, there are several areas that I am very interested in but I know that I do not want my career to be entirely desk based.

I am not that experienced with statistics but can you not separate the data sets for different analysis? Eg one study has 87 data points and the study with missing data only includes 54 data points. If you clearly state the number of participants for each data analysis it could be fine. However, I would also ask your supervisor about what is appropriate here.

You don't need research experience to get a PhD. If you are having trouble with what to write think about transferrable and show a passion. you could include any relevant modules from uni, or project work or any part of a job you had. I would say most PhD students have minimal to no research experience when they start, so you aren't at a major disadvantage.

Waiting two weeks is common for a PhD application and can be delayed for many many reasons. I wouldn't worry about they delay and if it is good or bad. It is perfectly fine to politely email the supervisor/admissions and ask if there is any update. Say that you are very excited about the role but that you want to know if you should be looking for alternatives.

Congratulations! I remember you posting a few weeks ago and feeling for you so hard. I am so glad you got it and can relax easily now. I hope you can now enjoy a nice stress-free Christmas!

I don't think you can interpret it either way. They equally could have background checked the entire list or just you. You honestly can't tell but I wish you all the best.
Fingers crossed you get it!

I feel obligated to mention find https://www.findaphd.com/ the benevolent owners of this forum. Seriously they have a lot of good advice on the PhD process that will answer a lot of the basic questions. They also advertise a lot of PhD opportunities.

Usually in the UK you apply to a pre-funded with a chosen topic. Alternatively you can write your own research proposal and apply for funding yourself and if you are mad you can self fund. Honestly I would look around PhDs advertised and start applying to the ones that you find interesting.

I am glad I can help :)
I am sorry about your Dad and send my deepest sympathies. You don't need a physiatrist, every PhD student has moments like yours when everything goes wrong and wrecks you. Though it sounds like you enjoy the research and that should help you contextualise whatever decision you make.

There is nothing wrong with switching subfield if you have the relevant transferrable skills. If anything some PIs like you having a broad range of experience.

I think you should consult the funder guidelines. Some funders can be a bit iffy with who can do what but usually you can contact them. Funding bodies can be really helpful and give some very useful advice if you are patient. Though, you can submit it regardless and see what happens.

Do you enjoy your PhD topic?
If you enjoy the research and genuinely like the topic a lot of things can become bearable. As getting a PhD is never easy and everyone has to decide if the end goal is worth the suffering in between. I think a lot of things can be fixed or made bearable if you like the research itself but if you have no interest in the work it is hard to be motivated at all.

You still have an undergrad degree in astrophysics so that should count. Having a masters in another field will not negate the undergrad degree. You can also find the transferable skills from your masters and teaching that you can apply to the PhD. If you are in any doubt you can contact the supervisor/university and ask if you are suitable.