Hello,

I had my PhD upgrade (or transfer or whatever, we call it an upgrade) on Monday and have been deferred. I am really, really down about it. I thought I would have some warning it might happen, but my supervisors didn't express any concern about my work, so it was a bit of a shock. I was wondering if there are others in the same boat, or who have been in the same boat, and if anyone can offer any advice? I have to prepare a 4000 word document, it doesn't seem so bad but I'm TERRIFIED that it won't be good enough...

Relax - it is more common than you think. You should treat it as a positive experience - they have given you a chance to do better.

Thing is, most other people in my department have been upgraded so even though people keep telling me it's common, it doesn't feel that way!