If I have to move away from home to study for a PhD will I get time off to come home to see my family? I feel a bit apprehensive about leaving my 2 year-old son at home for 3 years and not seeing him. The course I have applied for involves working weekends, will my time studying mean I will not see my family? Is this worth it? I mean I've heard of successful PhD graduates having children during their time studying! What's it all about, have any other students come up against this? Thanks Boggles

Hi Boggles PhD study is not like under-graduate degrees where you have long breaks at Christmas, Easter and Summer. PhD work is like having a full-time job (only you work more hours!) and although you are entitled to holiday, it's not much. As a Research Assistant doing a PhD, I was entitled to 20 days a year but due to work pressures, never took more than 10 days. I don't think you could do a PhD if geographically separated from your son, not without making you (and him) miserable.

cont. I have friends who had children during PhDs and it's certainly possible to successfully combine family and a research career (although at times not easy). However,my friends were not separated from their children in different locations. PhD research is very rewarding but difficult and at times incredibly stressful. You will need the support of your family and I'm sure you would find that it would not be worth being separated from your son during his formative years. Can you find a studentship in your home town? Best wishes.

It sound a bit strange. Why don't you take your family with you? You will need your family to support you both psychologically and even financially sometimes! That means it would be great if your wife could work while you are studying. Are you going to a different country?