Most likely the topic I would be turning down is closer to her own research! This is a recurrent theme in what everyone in the department talks about when I mention my proposed topic, the "Hmm, have you thought about looking at [my personal research interest of this minute]?" response. Does everyone have this problem to some extent?

I want to do a PhD because (first and foremost) I really enjoy the subject, so I want to study it, and find more, and perhaps push back the boundaries of our understanding on the subject (without being overly optimistic or immodest!) Also, I would like either a career in academia or private research, and a PhD seems to be the best way in to both of these. So it's a bit of both interest and career. I wouldn't do it if I didn't think I could get a career at the end of it, but I wouldn't do it just for a career.

Thanks for the advice!

Hi everybody!

First off, my situation:

I have just finished an MRes, and have a place and funding for a PhD lined up at the same university to begin in October.

During by bachelors and masters I did some research work for a professor on some books and articles, and helped with material for modules she was teaching - all to gain a bit of relevant experience. When I applied for my PhD I got a lot of help and advice from her, as we discussed what I would research, how I would make it relevant, etc.

Now she says:

- She doesn't like my topic and thinks I should change it quite drastically (from a focus on 19th century Britain, to a comparison between modern Western attitudes and those of Enlightenment society).
- That I should do a PhD which relies on German source material.
- To that end, I should attempt to study abroad for a year of my PhD.
- And that I should do intensive courses in French so I can use source material from that language.

All to increase employability.

What I would like to say is that while I appreciate the advice, I want to do a topic that's close to my original one, that I don't mind using German source material, but I don't want to go abroad for more than a research trip (I don't feel it would be fair on my monoglot fiancée - who I will be married to by then - and I can't feel happy about living abroad, with my rudimentary grasp of the language). But I'm not sure how to word it. My natural response would be to just ignore her, more or less, but she's asked me to see her tomorrow, so I'd like to formulate some sort of response by then! So I could appreciate some advice!

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