Just finish your PhD, you are so close to the finishing line. Think it as completing a mission. It maybe a bit hard to explain your 4 year gap in your CV too, if you quit now. Use that as a motivation to finish

Congratulations on a good outcome for your complain, Zena85. It must feel very satisfying getting that apology from the university.

eng77, I do agree that not every complaint will result in a positive outcome. I think rather than not expecting too much positive results, I'd advice those who complain to expect a lot of hard work in fighting for your rights and challenging the system that will do everything in its power to put you down, burn you out and force you to give up your complaint. If you have the perseverence to do that, then go ahead and see what happens. Like Zena85, I too have fought, 3 times I was asked to defend myself and my complain where they ripped me to shreds and asked for the mountains of evidence and "advise" me about how important a supervisor's referral is to my future because they "care". Anyway, I too won, but it was very draining and a very long many months. Oh, and you will feel pretty alone too because nobody wants to be associated with the "troublesome" person.

Stop collecting data, and put your PhD first. Your supervisor does not have your best interest at heart. He is being very selfish. The amount of data you collect will be used for his research projects to come. If you fail, he won’t care because he will just get another person to go over the data that you have painstakingly collected, perhaps even without acknowledging you. Take care of yourself. Doing a PhD means training to be an independent researcher and thinker, and that includes learning when to be firm and stand up for yourself. The time is now.

If the other supervisors are ok with you stopping data collection, then you have supportive ppl to back you up.Record carefully all the actions that A supervisor say and do, you may need it to prove bullying case later. I predict A supervisor will try to pressure you into continuing your data collection by dangling the classic recommendation later excuse. You can get recommendations from other ppl in the lab and other supervisors. Do what is right for you. Complete your PhD and get out

Changes now from your supervisors are better than answering comments from examiners. Don't worry. These are all worth it.

Congrats, Tudor_Queen!

Happens to a lot of people. You are not the first to panic over their research and won't be the last.

Breathe and try to relax. You'll be ok. You are training, not doing a Nobel prize experiment. People understand.

Referring to your previous post and the advices that were given, you probably should talk to student union or postgrad coordinator about your situation and seek advice. You had previously highlighted the conflicts between your supervisors and the lack of support from your head, so I have strong suspicion that you will have challenges even in with your appeal. You may have to accept to write up and finish with an MPhil asap and if you wish, start over elsewhere. But talk to your student union or postgrad coordinator first before making decision.

Persevere on. Finish the bloody thing and move on. It will be one of your best life's accomplishment. Imagine motivating your child one day "Mummy overcame bad people with you in my tummy. So mummy is strong. And you will be too"

Bad relationships with supervisor will not affect you especially if you pursue a career in non academia. So no worries there. I never used any of my supervisors in any of my job applications and I got them. Supervisor referral is so overrated.

Trust me. It gets better when you cross the finishing line. I had super bad supervisors (big bully, negligent) and academic life was horrendous. I dragged myself across the finishing line with my family and friends cheering me on. I had depression and still can't touch my thesis without palpitations. I absolutely enjoyed my convocation without inviting my supervisors and got my friend the special seat on the stage (meant for supervisors) while other students from adjacent labs looked puzzled at this bizarre arrangement. Oh the satisfaction!

Chin up and march on. If I can do it, so can you!

From what you have shared, I agree with pm133 that your supervisor (being the less experienced one) has been over-ruled by your co-supervisor (dean, super experienced and powerful). The inability to upgrade to PhD is a reflection of the dean's thoughts on your supervisor and his idea for your project -that it is not critical enough and not focus on details (ie below standard of PhD). It may not seem like it but it may be a good thing for you in the long run rather than having to suffer through a badly thought project.

Would you consider transferring to a different department and start again? The lack of chemistry between your two supervisors will most likely cause you grief in your academic journey.

Not sure why you posted twice but I am only replying to this post.

You have not given any detail on why you failed the MPhil upgrade. Was it the quality of the idea/project? Or perhaps the quality of your writing/proposal? Or did the examiners feel that you have not demonstrated the appropriate attitude or aptitude of a researcher? If it's the first two, it reflects badly on the supervisor. If it's the last one, it may be hard for you to change the mind of the examiners/school as they probably had input from your supervisor on this.

Talk to your student body or postgrad coordinator and see what they can do to help you. Since your supervisor is not on your side, it will be a tough battle. Read you postgrad handbook to know your student rights. On the flip side, do you really want to do your PhD under a supervisor who is seemingly unsupportive?

Congrats on getting your PhD. On your situation, I think it would be best to immediately look for a job and then when you get it, negotiate a start one month later so you can visit your family. Sometimes job search can take 6 months to one year, and you only have 8 months of visa left.

I would also like to point out at possible issues with your job search so you are prepared for them. 1) Visa - Companies may not be interested in sponsoring work visa. Do you have any way of applying for this or work permit on your own? 2) No work experience- companies value work experience above research publications or Phd qualification. Would it hurt your pride if you start at the bottom with other staff who are less academically qualified? Another option is to apply for Grad industrial postdoc position but there is an extremely small window of about one year after PhD for you to apply. These positions usually only open once a year with big companies so if you miss the intake, you have missed the boat. 3) Transition from academia to industry- This is usually not easy, but not impossible. Unfortunately, certain PhD holders have given us a bad name as being difficult, arrogant and not a team player, so companies can be a bit wary of hiring PhD grads. Just so you know.