My supervisor has suggsted someone as an external examiner and I am a bit worried that they are not suitable. They have published a lot on the subject matter that my thesis deals with but they use a different (and competing) approach to analysis. Does this matter? I would hate for them to say that my approach was wrong and that I had to redo everything!

I'm doing narrative analysis using positioning theory which is quite detailed.

I am also working in sociolinguistics and it is taking me much longer than I expected!

If I were you I would look at your data and start transcribing. Then you will have a better idea of how long it will actually to take you to transcribe. Depending on the type of analysis that you want to do, the transcription times will change considerably.

Hi - I can't really answer your question but I am in a similar situation. I am working, and although I am not a single mother, my husband is away a lot and I have three kids. I am also based abroad and have a tutor very worried about my lack of progress! Only difference is I have to submit before the summer!! However I am now at a stage where I am beginning to see this as a possibility. Last year it seemed very unlikely.

It is really difficult to focus as a mum (and I know a lot of people do it but it is difficult for me). There is always something urgent to do! However, it would be a real shame to not at least give it a try. Is there anyone who could help you out for a bit, to get some writing under your belt? What area are you working in? One thing to bear in mind is transcription is enormously time consuming. Have you started doing it? Do you need to transcribe everything? A lot depends, imo on where you are at with your transcription/analysis as this sounds like it is the heart of your research.

Congratulations! And thanks for the write up!

That's very kind of you but I would like to try and do it myself, but thanks for the offer!

I need to put a very simple map of Europe into my thesis and add some arrows showing direction of migration - I have no idea how to do this! Thanks for any help.

I am not sure of the etiquette of this. One of the main authors I cite in my thesis has contributed a chapter to a book which has just come out and I want to read it. I can't find it in any library or online and it is way out of budget (over £100) to buy. Can I email him and ask to see a copy or is this a no-no?

Part of my problem was also that I had to go back to work too - and I had three hours of commute to get there. There was no way I could study at night as I was always shattered.

I had twins a year into my PhD and it really has made things a lot harder. Five years on, I haven't finished! Maybe I am just really bad at juggling motherhood and studying but the first few years were really hard - couldn't afford much childcare, broken nights, no family nearby. It all depends on finance in the end - if you can afford decent childcare or have help nearby it is a lot easier.

Thanks!

Oh and the friends I have in the uk with a phd haven't changed their "dr" name - they kept the name they had when they were awarded it although some have changed only in their personal not work, life.

Hi - I think you can choose. I am married and live in Italy. I haven't changed my name because you don't here. I am Signora Timefor tea. At work I am Dottoressa Timefortea (if you have a degree you are a dr here!) in the UK I am still Miss Timefortea as I never changed my details!

I would be very grateful if anybody could let me know if they can access this article:

Thanks!