I would be cautious of applying a general rule here. A number of posts have discussed, for example, facilities (labs etc). Whereas I can see why this is relevant to more technical disciplines, it isn't as relevant to some arts, humanities or social science.
I would repeat something that I think I have mentioned before, the external examiner is also fundamental, as they are the one who actually decides whether it is PhD quality. As far as I have been informed (by the Chairman of the UK-wide Professional Body that relates to to my research (Politics)) the external is now - in that discipline - more relevant than the ranking of the Uni.

You absolutely have to guarantee a more experienced co- or second supervisor, and I would strongy suggest that you push for meetings with both of them not just one at a time.
This is a major issue (although any supervisor can be rubbish regardless of experience) and research councils insist that anyone with an inexperienced sup has to have a very experienced co-. Its great that the supervisor is enthusiastic, but the enthusiasm has to be directed. A PhD is not just about researching, its a very specific piece of work that has to fulfil a number of criteria. Can I ask what field you're in??

Hey Olivia - yes there is something like it - the Financial Services Authority. I checked out their website and it does say that if there is a particularly strict clause that the insurers didn't highlight (the clause was not on the policy summary) then this is grounds for complaint. I have written a letter to the insurers stating this and if they do not respond I can take it to the Financial Ombudsmen Service. The problem is, I have to have a laptop in the meantime, but hopefully I may recoup something.

Thanks all for your help and suggestions... I have been locking my windows like mad since, which my cat is a bit gutted about as he can't just wander in and out anymore!

Hi both, thanks for the hint missspacey, I'll ask mum to take a look at her policy.
Yes, golfpro, basically the policeman who came said that the window was tampered with, but the insurers said that that couldn't happen if the keylock was secure, so no help really. Stupid thing is that I only went with Endsleigh because of their reputation... never again.

A couple of weeks ago my flat was burgled and my laptop and digital camera were stolen. We are insured, with Endsleigh, but they won't replace the items. I guess I'm just posting to give everyone a heads up - not on how evil Endsleigh are (although I think they are), but just as an information thing.
Apparently in most of the student/tenants insurance that Endsleigh offers (and I guess a lot of other insurers, but Endsleigh do specialise in insurance for students and educational staff) that says not only do windows have to be fully closed and latched but you also have to have windows with a key lock, and that they have to be locked with the key at all times. I do have keylocks but although it was fully closed I hadn't used the key, so I now have to buy a laptop on finance - rubbish!

I can't help but agree with smilodon and VeryPoor - getting a PhD place is not in anyway difficult, acquiring funding is the part where most people fall down. Your post comes across as smug and arrogant, rather than inspiring, when you really have not grounds to be so self-assured.
Two of my closest friends began PhDs with no Masters, and they were both fully funded. When you get that, come back and brag.

My Uni does offer a course for staff who are supervising PhD students the on-off boyf who used to be v. senior here told me about it. The idea was that all staff should have taken this brief course (one whole day, one half day) before they were allowed to have PhD students. But they all threw a hissy fit saying that it was too much admin; that it wasn't taken into their workload balancing, and they refused to do it...

And that is one of many reasons why my dept is about to lose ESRC recognition... pillocks

Mine's internally funded but goes up at the same scale as the related funding body, so:

Year 1 - 12,300
Year 2 - 12,600

And I presume next year I'll be on 12,900.

Do you mean theoretical transnationalism? If so, most IR scholars tend to accept that transnationalism is essentially the traditional understanding of Kantian liberal cosmopolitanism (see Vertovec and Cohen). So if you are theoretical go for wherever has the best academic in people such as Beitz/Kant/Rawls etc

In my experience (so just that, not generally) if you have a good Masters and are failing to get on a PhD there is a SERIOUS problem with your research proposal. Almost anyone with a Merit in a Masters (Pass even) can get on an unfunded PhD - they're glad to take your cash and have you on the books. Can I be very rude and ask what your research is in?
Btw I too have a very good (distinction) Masters from a top university - but that doesn't mean its research council recognised - some aren't. Mine had some research training but not loads and was not recognised by the ESRC, that could have something to do with it (re lack of research training).

What aspect of IR are you planning to cover as that could have quite an impact? The thing with UoL is that you have access to the rest of the UoL colleges, and SOAS has some great people... can you afford to live in London?

Hi Chris, that's great, thanks so much. I went into Unicorn (I live on the same road) and all the bakeries they are supplied by are only vegetarian not vegan (they're a vegan grocer!) which is pants. 8th Day said the cakes aren't big enough for 20, so I'll try zedz I'm sure there must be someone I can order from...

Thanks again
Sleepy

I went with the co-op too as they were just the nicest people to deal with. I bank with CrapWest and despite the fact that they are the same company Royal Bank of Scotland were rubbish with me...
And of course the Co-op is just a great bank to know where your money's going too...

Hi all
My mum's getting married this year and does anyone know where we can get a vegan cake? It doesn't have to be a big formal thing, just a vegan cake - and there'll only be 20 people there...

I have never heard of a university actually stipulating that, but it is pretty much understood that your MA dissertation is key when applying for a PhD. In reality you should be providing a ref from the person who supervised you for that.
I only saw my MA diss supervisor once regarding the actual work (although he taught me all year); and he was on sabbatical when I needed the ref, but he still provided it. Going AWOL is not a reason for not providing a reference. You need to get onto the Head of your old dept and explain the situation to them