Good - I think it helps that you are funded, as it makes sense for them to want to make it work for you rather than having to recycle your funding (a cynics view of the world). Good luck.

I recently changed supervisors too by the way, and I know what you mean when you say about it not getting anywhere when not facing it head on and dealing with it in this way. I didn't make a formal complaint myself, but did say that I was unable to continue with this person supervising because it was not working. Things are so much better for me now, though it was a rather stressful experience at the time - waiting for the unknown. Things'll work out! Maybe have some time off over Christmas and forget about it for a few weeks.

Best
Tudor

Congratulations Doc!!!

Hmm, it might have been better to have not put in a complaint and simply made up some excuse as to why you wanted to change supervisors... I can't believe I'm saying this being a pretty straightforward person, it's just that the way things work isn't always fair. Your complaint may be fair but there is no guarantee that you will be treated fairly.

I think right now you just have to wait and see what happens. Try to identify possible other supervisors - talk to people - don't speak against your supervisors' behaviour at all (even if it was bad). Once you have other people on board about supervising you it will all be a lot easier.

Are you funded by the way or self funded?

I wouldn't worry about your family member's comment... no need to work out how much you'll earn / when you'll pay it back etc just so that you can justify it to him/her. That is one of the things that taxpayers money is for*... and it goes toward enriching society ... directly, indirectly, in many ways - whether it is paid back or not. Sounds like your family member was just having a dig... let them dig away I say, and you what you want to do. We are very lucky to live in a country where, at present, such things are available.

Also food for thought - if postgraduate education was to become free (or substantially cheaper) - it would still be costing the tax payer all the same (except it wouldn't be repaid). At present, it gets repaid (in theory). So maybe tell him to be grateful!

*our money - most of us pay tax at some point and for a large part of our lives

On an initial reading of this, it sounds as though your supervisor may be having some issues of his own. I would get away as soon as possible and start anew elsewhere. Not because people can't have problems and stuff, but because as the student, you need a supervisor whose role in your PhD is student-focused, not self-focused with personal issues surfacing and affecting your relationship and research (and it will later - believe me). Get him to write you that recommendation letter as soon as possible! Also, keep a record of important communications to email - e.g., a summarising email after meeting stating you said X, I said X, we agreed X -
very courteous and polite but serving as that record so that it cannot be denied later.

Cheers. I think mine will be similar to that pm133 - as in a kind of joint decision guided by the supervisor. I mentioned it in our last meeting and she asked me if I had anyone in mind. I've got a list but am not sure who might potentially be particularly difficult... maybe it is just a risk I have to take as who knows how they might act in the viva. I think I would prefer it to be two people who don't normally work together so that I feel like I am actually talking with two minds, not one.

I've emailed it to you : )

It's fine as long as it is declared on all publications, presentations, thesis etc as a potential conflict of interest. (Others may have more to add here - my experience has been with public sector stakeholders such as schools and NHS trusts rather than private companies).

PS - you might find this useful in your quest for finding an alternative source of funding:

Not speaking from experience, but you are likely going to have to change some of your project goals so that that it has some strong practical application and is of more interest (having more potential for direct and measurable gain) to the potential funder.

Now I've had to just go and check the status of mine... Awaiting reviewer assignment... zzzzzz....

Hehe! I think this is one of those how long is a piece of string things and we just have to learn to be patient! Shouldn't be too long if you've already been through several rounds of revisions (it can be held up of one reviewer says they are now too busy and so it has to be reassigned to someone else... or it can be held up just if one party, ie a reviewer or the editor, is slow for whatever reason). Fingers crossed!

In reality, grades are relevant - especially when it comes to them parting with the bucks. They are part of the triage procedure. They serve as an indicator (merely an indicator, not a guarantee...) of the person's ability to perform well - and consistently - at a higher level. So they can't just be ignored/seen as irrelevant. They are part of the information that will help form the judgment about whether to accept/fund.

But that doesn't mean you're screwed if you are less than happy with your grades/don't meet the criteria. You just have to go for it!

I know someone who got into a RG uni for her BSc with no A levels (3 or 4 A/B grades including one in particular subjects were required). She managed to get on the course and ended up getting both her undergrad and masters with a Distinction. She had worked before going to uni and had good references about her abilities and performance in the workplace, which must have carried some weight. Plus she had shown she had held down a job for a good few years. Grades aren't everything. But you have to be prepared to be persistent and resilient to first get in so that you can prove that!

Nothing to lose either way. They may get you to tweak the proposal if you send it to them after. You may do a more joint writing process (well, you write a draft, they comment, you work on it again, etc) if you introduce yourself first. Do whichever you feel more comfortable with.

I think it is important to bear in mind that different unis have different procedures. My advice would be never don't try something just because you don't meet the criteria. You may just get in. And if you don't... never give up... even if it does end up meaning that you need to do a masters again and get a better grade to end up being able to pursue your goal. You'll get there in the end if it is what you want.

Thanks Pjlu. I am in the UK so I think we do it a little differently here. I'll raise it at my next supervision and see what the status quo is.