Hi, sorry to hear about your difficulties. I think you should still be able to find a job. I would just put PGdip on your CV and leave it at that. They probably won't ask about it in interviews.

Hi, most people on here are from the UK so you might not get many responses.

I've not been in a similar situation bluefirefly but I'm sure this will turn out fine. You've been through a really difficult year or so and you've done well to get this far. Do try not to think about it until you hear back from your supervisor.

I'm sure the university will be sympathetic in the end. It's probably just someone taking their job a bit too seriously or not realising your situation.

Drop them an email and say hi. If you have been given a topic, discuss that. If you want to meet with them, suggest that.

You've got a merit in your Masters, it doesn't really matter what grades you got in your modules or thesis. By Ivy League I assume you're talking about the US?

Many PhD applications aren't as competitive as they have you believe - I expect you will get something if you apply to many different options.

Maybe there's some sort of MOOC? Have you tried edX or Coursera or similar?

No one will know on your CV if you have taken time out - just list it as a PhD from xxx year to xxx year.

Bear in mind you might struggle to even find a basic job - it's hard when you have a lot of qualifications as people think you will leave shortly afterwards, which of course you intend to.

But if you need to take time out, then you should do so.

1. It might be difficult with your educational background - you would have to email the relevant organisation where you wanted to do your PhD to find out.

Are you planning on doing ti full time? How are going to fund it?

2. It's never stupid to follow your passion, as long as you can fund yourself and you are realistic about job prospects afterwards.

3. Yes

4. I don't know.

If you pass your MA then you've got a good chance of getting onto a PhD. I doubt anyone will ever ask what grade you got in your dissertation, even if officially you may have to upload a transcript.

Bear in mind, academic jobs are scarce and competitive.

Anyone on here with experiences of Australian unis?

No. They don't like giving them because it impacts their 4 year completion rates but I know a couple of people from my uni that have had extensions.

Can you see what other people in your research group or department have done? There's really no hard and fast rule.

Thanks both!

Yes this is first teaching job as a member of staff. I'm looking forward to learning more about the intricacies of academic life as you say IntoTheSpiral! Yep I've got to do some training like you are describing - so far I know it's a two year program, so I will do the first year this year and then if I continue in the role I will do the next one next year. If not, I can take a break between the years and pick it up again later. I'm not sure yet what I get on completion, whether it's a certificate or accreditation or what.

I start in a month due to my notice period - they were ok with this, partly because I've always known the department to be pretty flexible, but also because I think the teaching allocated to me will start in November. I'm not sure how it will work with 3rd year project students that should start next week, but maybe I will get the ones that start in Jan instead.

Technically I doubt I actually have to work my notice, since I am only switching roles, not leaving the institution, but anyway, my line manger is insisting I do. When I handed my notice in, she didn't say much, just 'thanks for letting me know' and 'I expect you to work your notice'. But yesterday she didn't speak to me at all and left without saying goodbye like she normally does (she has to walk by my desk on the way out). Very childish. Lucky escape if you ask me!

I haven't done any of these masters, but I can comment on the cities as places to live. Reading is quite nice and I like the uni campus. Bristol is a great city but be aware UWE is not in the city centre although again it's another nice campus. I don't know much about Nottingham or Manchester, although I don't think much of Nottingham as a city. Reading is the best ranked uni out of the 4.

Ok, so why not try to find an academic position rather than doing another PhD?