I disagree with the taught masters option!! The most important thing you need to stand out from the crowd is lab experience! I think doing an Mres would be the best option. Doing an Mres will allow you to see if you really like doing research without the 3 year commitment that goes with a PhD. It also will give you experience at techniques you will need when doing a PhD. This will make you more attractive to potential supervisors! I have an Mres and found the skills i learnt really helped me with my PhD. It does have taught module options too but the majority it pure research!

Good Luck.

No, you dont start repaying till you are in employment. You are still a student so they can not take any money off you. They are probably just enquiring about your situation since you finished your degree!

I would not worry about it! I have heard of this theory before but to be honest I think its a load of rubbish. You have enough to deal with and do not need to worry about odd and even chapter numbers. If your thesis has good data in it then thats all that matters!

Well I can only comment from my own experience but I found my viva more like a discussion/chat of my work. It wasnt "answer this question" more like "what do you think about this". Think it definately helps being published though as your work has already been reviewed.

Having justed completed my PhD in the UK, I can safely say that i was not spoon fed through my project as you seem to imply UK PhDs are. Most projects tend to come with a basic outline as most funding bodies require that. If you do a PhD in the Uk which is equal to PhDs in the US or Canada there is lots of opportunities to expand and contribute to your work.

Everyone including myself hit the thesis writing wall. There were morning when I could not face the thought of another day of writing. What u have to tell yourself is that its not forever. Think my best advice is have a day off clear your head and take stock of the things that are left to do. Write a list of the points in each chapter you have to complete and tick them off when u have done them. This will help with your motivation and u will feel that u have made progress. Dont forget to use your supervisor they dont want you to fail. xx

Thanks!!

Yeah the job is going well, just so nice not have to worry about the viva anymore.

Have done my corrections now so am finished. woo hoo!!

Hey, just to let people know i passed my viva this week.Woo Hoo. It was about 3 hours and have minor corrections. I am now Dr Clowning. Just want people to know that its not as bad as you imagine it to be. To be honest its the waiting that is worse. Just remember to take your time and think about the questions.They are not out to get you.

Yes its a defence of your thesis. Just been reading papers and my thesis. Am hoping its just going to be like a chat, am published so cant slam my work too badly as have already been peer reviewed. Just scary as can ask anything. Hopefully will be Dr Clowning this time next week.

well am suppose to be reading for my final viva next week but i dont want too. !! Its so nice outside, awww the end is in sight!

Cheers S!

Am working as a post doc now so the distraction is good.
Will keep you posted. xx

well done. Am pleased for u. Its my viva next week and am feelin the fear. x

PhDs are not given classes.
You either pass, pass with minor corrections, have to resubmit or get an Mphil.

Good luck, about 2 weeks till mine and am feeling the fear. Did not really want to look at my thesis at the weekend in case I saw some major error. Was ok though just a few typos!

You will be great!!!Will be sending good vibes!