Thank you so much, even hearing that someone else is going through something similar, makes it a bit easier.

My writing was also criticised, which i thought was a low blow. I did my degree and my masters with the same university and the same faculty. I understand that writing a thesis at PHD level the writing should be a higher standard but i am only in three months. I surely cant be expected to have that higher standard in that time.

When we were registering, everyone was told if there was any issues we should contact the head of the research school. But i don't want to labelled as causing trouble.

I have lots of experiences defending subjects and public speaking both at Uni and the work i do Outside the university. But this man, had such an effect on me, i was so nervous (actually shaking) and was close to tears. But i wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

So annoyed !!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you

I am having the same problem. I am three months into my PHD and feel i am reading, browsing and doing little bits of writing. I was concerned so asked some of the other second year students, they said they were doing the same for the first 9 months and it was only after the viva that they realised "oh, i have been doing concrete work".

What i have been trying to do to keep my anxiety at bay, is by choosing specific things within the Uni and outside the Uni to keep my mind active.
My PHD is on film and script.

So i have joined creative writing group and have a weekly film club. Just to keep my mind active. I am hoping that as my work load increase i may have to take a step back in the activities and use them more as fun.

I hope this helps.

Hello, All



I am having a real issue defining my topic, i thought i was doing well. I got it into specific fields and a rough structure, with key texts and key theories. After speaking with the other students i thought i was level with everyone else. However i had a meeting today with my 2nd supervisor (who is also the head of research school) and it didn’t go very well. i was ready for constructive points on how to make it better or even negative points to change but in a way that will make it better. What i got back was negative feedback with no direction. My topic is a field that he isn’t interested in and it shows when he talks about. The topic is very modern and i will be using various theories and relating it to my new idea. It is 100% original. I have got a 1st supervisor but she is practiced based and my topic is practice and theory. She agrees with alot but doesnt seem to encourage the positive aspects in front of the 2nd supervisor. The practice is something that i think i am good at and have built experience by doing it in my BA and MA. I got a few things out of the meeting, but really feel like throwing in the towel as i have no support.

Alot people say that it is your PHD thesis so you should decide what it is about. But now if feel now that my ideas aren’t good enough. I didn’t have a great interview when i applied for the PHD and the panel questioned things that I didn’t think were important or relevant. The 2nd supervisor was on that interview and i felt at the time was rude. Its knocked my confidence.



I have looked at other universities and can see similar research and seems to be encouraged. There is a field for my research.





Has anyone else had similar issue or any advice on how to tackle this situation.