Quick query ...

If someone has been diagnosed as suffering from depression (i.e. they are taking anti-depressents), do they need to declare this on academic job application forms? ... this usually only features on the 'Equal Opportunities Information' form, where they say: 'Do you have a disability? - Mental Health Condition (such as schizophrenia or depression').

I've got an Olympus DS-30 and it's fantastic! Is pricey (around £100) but definitely worth spending more money if you'll be using it a lot.

Hope that helps.

Well done on making a decision and sticking to it (that takes ba**s), and it's apparent from your post that this was the right thing for you to do.

I wish you all the best in the future, and ... don't worry, things always have a habit of panning themselves out (i.e. you'll be ok).

This post has annoyed me somewhat. You've no intention of finishing the PhD but are happy to take the money ... money that could be going to a student who really wants to do a PhD (and probably wouldn't be able to pursue one without funding).

If you have definitely made your mind up that you want to go (and it's not the end of the world if you have), then you should let your supervisor know that you are unhappy/considering leaving (and who knows, a chat with your supervisor might make you feel different about the PhD). If you aren't up front I'm pretty certain this situation will come back and bite you on your behind (and when you're least expecting it!!!).

I'm hoping someone can help with the following ...

I know someone who is doing a PhD (in Creative Writing) and is planning on *self-publishing* their creative work (a novel) *before* submission (the creative work is supported by a contextual piece but is the larger bulk of the thesis).

Is this ok to do? I thought if they published their work before submission/the viva it has implications regarding it's copyright/'originality'? Also, if it is published don't they have to declare this to the examiners? I'm assuming their supervisors are not aware of what they are intending to do, and fear they are going down a very slippery path which may lead to trouble!

If anyone can shed light on this matter it would be appreciated.

Hello,

Does anybody know of any good websites which advertise academic posts in the USA (... I'm already familiar with jobs.ac.uk, but this doesn't seem to list many posts in the States/worldwide)?

Thanks in advance.

You need to learn to bite your lip in these situations ...

(a) the concern isn't you trying to avoid your supervisor, but with this attitude would your supervisor really want to help you for the remainder of your PhD?
(b) you aren't going to get very far in academia (or any industry) with this approach
(c) what was the problem? ok, I'd be slightly peeved that I wasn't going but if you really wanted to (i) you could have arranged this yourself, (ii) you have done other conferences ... and ultimately shouldn't you be more concerned about finishing your PhD???!!!

Hi All,

Need some advice for a friend ...

My friend is 43 and is worried they are too old to do a PhD full-time. They have 9 years HE teaching under their belt (they left their last post recently as it was making them very unhappy - life is too short and all that stuff). Do you think they can still 'take the plunge', or do you think they'd find it near impossible to find work as a lecturer again at the age of 46/7 (i.e. when they would hopefully complete)?

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Hi,

I'm being given a budget of £1100 (maximum) to buy myself a laptop, but am not a techie person at all. I've been told that it would be good if the laptop was XP compatible (because I was told Vista is rubbish and word documents on XP won't work on this), and would only really use the laptop for 'regular' stuff (i.e. internet, typing word/powerpoint documents, reading/maybe creating articles on pdf, etc). Also, it would be good if it was lightweight as I'll need to carry it around with me when I'm travelling about.

So far I've been recommended the 'Toshiba Portege R500-1LZ' and 'Sony Vaio - SR and CR series' ... any thoughts?

ANY recommendations (obviously, I'm happy to use the budget up!)?

Hello,

Thank you for your responses - they are very helpful. I've actually completed my PhD (I used the 'paper and pen' method throughout when I was going through the zillion pages of interview transcripts that I had), but am now working on a larger project and wouldn't mind learning how to use a qual software package just to store/code the data (of course, I know I'll end up resorting to the 'paper and pen' method though!).

Also, after doing a quick google search, I realised that NVivo8 incoporates what used to be NUDIST (doh!).

I'll defo get in touch with my staff development/training department and find out about whether they run courses (even if I don't use it - it's all experience and handy to know how to use these things I suppose).

Once again, THANKS!

Hi All,

Need advice ... which software package do you find better for analysing qual data (i.e. interviews)?

Also ... has anybody done training courses in either of the above (UK based - and if your uni doesn't offer training)? If so, where can I get info from?

Cheers!

There's a direct train that goes from Manchester Piccadilly to Winchester (it's the train that runs from Edinburgh - or I think it's Edinburgh - down to Bournemouth).

Also, you can fly from Manchester to Southampton Airport Parkway (the train station is right next to the terminal, and it's only a 10 minute journey from Southampton Airport Parkway to Winchester).

Now, that's not so difficult ...

Most 'soc science' stuff (which I think you are) would do 'lit review' stuff first followed by 'theoretical framework' (which I'm assuming would sit in some type of 'methodology' chapter).

I just wondered how many of you use/would use the Dr title in everday life (e.g. would/have you changed your title on bank/credit cards, would/do you use the title when making bookings, etc)?

I only use my Dr title at work (i.e. within academia) because I don't see what benefits I'd gain from using it in the 'real' world.

Liam,

Don't let the issue of self-funding put you off (but do - as others have stated - try to find out about obtaining funding). Also, contact academics in departments you would be interested in studying at and explain your situation (... some of them are friendly and willing to offer advice/guidance!).