======= Date Modified 31 58 2010 12:58:50 =======
This is going to be a very long-winded post so I apologise in advance! Here goes:

I started doing an MA part-time in 2007. I got all the coursework/exams done as required and was supposed to complete my dissertation last summer but had to defer because I just couldn't manage doing that with doing my job full-time. I got to the point of submitting a research proposal before deferring. My workload for my job increased a lot last year and remains that way. In addition, last year we had a very difficult employer (there were issues of bullying etc.) and though I had been promised study leave etc. and was then denied it due to the workload, I was simply afraid to pursue the matter and decided to defer. I also felt a bit guilty going on about study leave when everyone was having to work harder. (After I deferred my work situation got really bad actually, the boss tried to demote two of us, ignoring our contract of employment and refused to recognise union membership so that we had no representation. That situation persisted until December last year and took its toll I can tell you!)

My confidence was still in tatters after all the work drama (and difficult relationship/family circumstances also) but I started looking at my research proposal again and made an appointment with the supervisor in late February. The supervisor was very unimpressed with my proposal and made no bones about the fact that if I continued on that track, using the theories I had suggested, he would read my work but suggested I might be better off to look for another supervisor. This might sound really pathetic but on top of everything else I'd been dealing with the supervisor's comments completely crushed me. I admit that my proposal was not as developed as it should have been and I should have been more prepared for the meeting but I really didn't know what to expect. I know that taking the comments so personally is my problem and not the supervisor's but such was my state of mind at the time. And it hasn't improved. I haven't been in touch with the supervisor since. I also became ill about 6 weeks ago and was very physically weak. I'm starting to feel physically stronger now but mentally not so good. It really scared me getting sick like that.

I've been reading and reading and reading for months but to be honest have nothing constructive done. I just cannot focus and feel incapable of thinking originally. If I do have an idea I feel like its worthless and not good enough for an MA dissertation. I've been back and forth between about 3 different research areas. I think I have one now that I'm interested in but I'm so overwhelmed and only have until early September to research and write up the dissertation. Is it possible to research and write up a dissertation in 12 weeks or should I just defer?

It is possible to write up a dissertation in 12 weeks, but I would say it depends on whether you are working on it full time or not - I assume you would be working in your job full time and trying to squeeze it in in evenings and weekends?

Your best bet is to go back to the course director or ask to meet another supervisor and plan out what's doable. It may be you can have some kind of part time arrangement. I know MSc students in my department get until december to hand in if they are part time.

To look for the kind of work you need to do past-dissertations should be available in your department and your supervisor should really guide you into what is suitable and what isn't.

Firstly I am sorry to hear about your situation, it sounds very difficult, especially when you have already passed a significant amount of your Masters. Personally I think it would be a shame to defer now as I think it would give you something good to focus on, away from your work stress and personal problems, and then you won't have it hanging over you. I think you could do it in 12 weeks, but that will be difficult if you are working full time as well, being in a stressful job won't help either. At my university you can have until December if you want to write up your dissertation without having to pay any extra fees, it might be worth looking into your university's policy on that.

If you have an area that you are sure you want to focus on, I think you should approach your supervisor with a clear plan, I do think he was a bit unfair to you before but I think you have a chance to prove to him that you do want to do your dissertation and are capable of doing it. Be honest about the problems that you faced before, I know this is difficult as I've had to do similar with my supervisor ut he will appreciate your honesty and hopefully be able to help you himself. If you want to research a different area, maybe email a different tutor who is more interested in the area to see what they think?


I hope you can sort something soon, keep us updated, Nx

Thank you so much for your advice! I asked the course director last week about the possibility of an extension and he told me it wasn't possible as there is so little time to mark dissertations before the exam board meets. My new boss is much more approachable so I am going to request some study leave. I think if I had a good few weeks off together it would enable to finish the dissertation on time. Fingers crossed I'll get something. I will work up the courage to contact my supervisor again and not be such a wimp this time!

I'll keep you posted.

Sunflower