Look for any funded placed first, narrow down to 3 or 4 countries that you want to live in, then look for good universities there that do your course, consider transport links for travelling and returning home, then apply to a few.

Sound advice Jack thanks. And I would say to you to keep applying for PhDs as well. You seem so close now. I also got told in one PhD interview that I needed lab experience (I already had a MSc) and then 5 years later, when I applied for another PhD with still no lab experience, I got it. Sometimes you really can't predict it - it is such a subjective process and the feedback received isn't 100% true or honest.

You will probably find it easier to start a new PhD rather than transfer at this stage.

Try to remember that this is not your fault Chopsticks. No one should ridicule anyone. You could have all the data in the world and it won't make any difference. It is not about your personally, it is about horrible people picking on you to feel better about themselves. They haven't matured since being in the playground at school.

It can be anything from a few hours to a few weeks, and some people receive phone calls, or emails or letters. Did they give you any indication of time? Do you know how many other people were interviewed?

Does your supervisor think you are going to have enough data for a PhD?

Well that sounds promising then I would say Janine!

Thanks all.

It is a hard one. I wonder if option 2 is even possible really when the students are that afraid of the person. I don't think they can speak up for themselves like some other students can. Also, manipulating someone to change their behaviour is difficult in this situation too.

Just wanted to get people's thoughts on this.

Several of my lab mates are bullied by our supervisor. I use this term because the people affected tend to be the ones with less confidence, who don't answer back and don't stand up for themselves. Other people (including me) have a good relationship with this supervisor so this issue doesn't affect everyone.

If this happens to you, what is the best way to deal with it?

1. 'Put up and shut up' so that you can leave with a good reference, decent PhD and some publications

2. Tell the person directly that you don't appreciate being shouted at and made to feel worthless, in the hope that they will stop

3. Tell the department head or some other people that you want the person dealt with in some way, bearing in mind that this is likely to have repercussions for you?

Changing universities, departments or supervisors isn't an option in these cases for various reasons.

This is fine, there is plenty of biomedical research with just a few specimens. Maybe check with your supervisor?

Sounds like you need a lot of help. You need to start by discussing this with your supervisor and then identifying a question to answer and the rest will fall into place once you start reading around the question.

If you haven't heard anything since the end of March, email for an update.

HI, don't worry about this. This is unlikely to matter.

Many students start their PhD without finishing their MSc.

They will probably ask this again in the interview and you can just say that you made a mistake on the CV and it actually finishes in Sept. They may not even notice you said Aug anyway. They won't think you are lying.

A few weeks either side won't make any difference - especially if you don't actually have anything apart from a poster presentation! Most PhDs start at the start of term, in some unis this is the 3rd or 4th week in Sept and in some it's the 1st or 2nd week of October. You can just clarify this in the interview. Also I know several students that started 2 weeks, a month etc after the official start date too.

Try not to worry so much! Look up strategies of preventing coming across as nervous in interviews, because it's really important to appear confident.

Hi,

Do you mean you won't get your BSc or MSc by then? Many students start a PhD in the UK without being awarded their MSc; some start the PhD without even writing their thesis yet.

You are right that you can start any time, but it's better to start in Oct because that's when the majority start and you will find it's easier to start then for the intros and to meet new students, have the right classes etc.

If I were you I would go along to the interview and discuss it with them at the time. If they really want you, they won't mind you starting later, or they will be able to explain whether you can start without finishing your degree anyway.

There will be a few PhDs advertised between now and Oct, but the majority will have already been posted and awarded. Most funded PhDs advertise for an Oct start.

Hello,

Welcome to the forum. I know it's difficult but you will often encounter these type of people, who pick on those that they deem to be weaker than themselves. This is not your fault.

Why haven't you told your supervisor about it? Maybe they can offer you some advice?

The advice I would give you is firstly to tell your supervisor, and then to stand up for yourself in a nice way. If it wasn't you that made the mess, say so. If you don't like being spoken to it a certain way, tell the person you don't like it. I bet they won't be so quick to do it again.