Hi Mike Don't worry, this is completely normal. Most institutions initially register their post-research students for an Mphil. The student then has the opportunity to transfer to PhD registration at the half-way stage (~18 months). This is a important process and the preparation of the report/viva required for transfer helps to focus your mind and to prepare you for the next stage of research. Even if you completed at the Mphil stage, you would still have a valuable research degree (to complement your taught MA). (BTW, 28 is not too old!) All the best.