I graduated in 2007 and have been working in industry since september. People always asked why I didn't do a PhD and I always said I couldn't find a project I really wanted to do, but I've now found one and have applied. I've applied for a Chemistry one at St. Andrews, but I spoke to my supervisor at work and he kept encouraging me to apply to Oxbridge or Imperial college. I don't really want to live in any of those places, I'm living in Cambridge at the moment and would like a change of scene, I would really like to live in Scotland. My supervisor also said to look around more and don't just do the 1st one I see, but St. Andrews want me to mke a decision soon.
So I was just wondering if anyone had any advice.

If it is a project you really like and you like the place then go for it. Of course it's nice for the CV to have a PhD from one of the 'leading' universities like oxford, cambridge or imperial. But at the end of the day it is your PhD and 3-4 years out of your life so go for the project/uni of your choice not your supervisor's, besides it's not like St Andrews is exactly scraping the bottom of the barrel, it is a good university! From my experience things are alot easier and enjoyable if you are in a location that you like. Also when things get tough in the lab and you start pulling your hair out when things don't go to plan if you are stuck in a project you don't really like as you can really loose your motivation.. Go for it I say

Beautiful part of the world. If it's the right project then the decision is easy. As for the other places - well, they ony have a limited range of projects in any subject so a suitable one might never come up, depending on your interests. I'm sure a lot of people who technically would qualify for a place there don't go for this reason. That would be easy enough to check though - just check which areas are being researched there these days.

trust your judgment - think about everything from the project to the new supervisor (very important that you can get on with them) to the change of location (what is there to do in your free time) St Andrew is very beatiful - but it depends what kind of life you are after- remember in Scotland you really need to drive to get anywhere - public transport is way more limited - although not terrible - just not of the same standard you'll find in a big city.

personally would never base my decision on being in a top university - more on the strengths of the research - look at their track record for grants and publications - and also is their a well thought out PhD

I suppose the question you are asking is will it be easier to get on in life jobswise with a Phd from Oxbridge or Imperial - it rarely is the case.

Hard work and good science will always prevail!

Good Luck

Thanks for the replies. The supervisor seems really nice,fairly young, which is another thing people have been saying that it would be better to work with someone very well known in the field. But he's published in some well credited journals. I spoke to 4 supervisors when I went to visit and one I had looked at his projects which looked really interesting, but when I met him I decided I didn't want to work with him. I think if I do want Oxbridge on my CV I could always postdoc there. How can I find out about things like their position on grants proposals?

The easiest way is to ask about grants - publications are more important though to you

But I agree with you, working with someone early in their career is great - its what I did for PhD and What I chose (over a more experienced PI) for post doc.

The big reason is that it means you are more in control - plus you will usually get way more support from those types of supervisors

If you like the area, the supervisor, the field - the choice seems obvious

If you are really unsure you could go back up for a visit - tour the lab again - talk in more detail about the project get to know the supervisor and make sure. Only do this if you are really unsure - you could always phone the supervisor if you have specific questions about the project you feel are unanswered.

A helpful supervisor will always answer questions for you