Hi to everybody. I am thinking seriously about doing a PhD. But I am not sure if this is the right choise for me, since I consider it as a big step. My question is: let's say that I am being accepted in a PhD program and I get a studentship. If after some time, i.e. 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, I decide that I do not want to continue, do I have any consequences from the department/university I am doing the PhD?
Thanks in advance.

Hi Michael, A PhD is not something to be started unless you are SURE! It's extremely hard work and you need to be very enthusiastic about your project to get through the difficult times. A failed PhD is not good for your CV or for your supervisors (who may lose funding). There is, however, usually the option of submiting a thesis for an Mphil degree after 18months/2 years, instead of continuing. I recommend that you talk to some current PhD students and/or get some relevant work experience (research lab?) to help you decide. Best wishes :o)

Ditto. Under most grants there is no recrimination on the student if they fail or give up (although any money paid to the student in advance will have to be returned). It may however look bad on your CV and your reference may not be too good. It's a different case for the academic concerned. Drop out rates are a factor in calculating the future research council funding a department receives. Your particular supervisor may also be subsequently overlooked for internally funded or allocated studentships.

On a research council grant, if you leave in the first year the supervisor will be able to replace you with a new student and carry on the research project. If you leave after this they will have to start again from scratch and re-apply for funding.

Despite all this departments and supervisors are, in general, sympathetic to PhD students who decide to quit. They may not be so kind hearted if they knew you started out with the possibility in mind.