Thanks for the replies.

I am doing a part time PhD in the department I work in. My first annual review is coming up and I was told by an administrator that the postgrad head felt he and the head of department should do mine because I am a member of staff. It makes me feel as though I am being treated differently just because I work there. I am fully self funded and my PhD is not even related to my actual job.

My supervisor explained it's because if I was a different sort of person I may try to influence others and something about uni policy for staff members (I have checked and can't find anything in writing), and they want to make sure it is done without favouritism and positively. I said I would prefer someone else do my review as in their effort to not show favouritism they may judge me more harshly than my peers. I have no problem if I am not up to scratch, but I would like to be certain it is in relation to my peers and not because my bar has been placed higher because they know me.

Zoom ahead a couple weeks. I had a meeting with the head of department on an unrelated matter and he mentioned he and the postgrad head were doing my review. He even tried to say it was random. I explained how I felt and it made no bones to him.

I can't help feeling that I have been singled out first and assigned to them even before everyone else. If I have any reason to complain or appeal I feel I would have no recourse because the people who conducted my review are the two top people, so who would I appeal to? I feel a bit insulted that they would even think I would use my 'charms' to influence anyone. I don't hang out with the academic staff at all. Do they not trust their colleagues to be objective?

Am I over-reacting? Any advice will be appreciated.

You sound really organised 4matt. I have just started my PhD and was wondering the same thing as Natassia. I actually feel a little disorganised at the moment, so would like to get on the right track in terms of record keeping straight away. Did you know what sections you were using from the start, or did they develop as you went along?

I am a mature student doing a part time PhD whilst working full time. Does anyone know if there are any benefits such as council tax or working tax credits?

Thanks for the replies.

When applying to a PhD programme, does your research proposal have to be an exact match to a potential supervisor. What I am trying to find out is would you appear fickle if you are approaching a supervisor with a topic that is only in their general area, or do you only apply to somewhere (wherever in the country) if you it's the exact topic area? Are you ruled out if you don't appear dead certain about your research. Sorry if this is too stupid a question. It's just that I am willing to be flexible, but not sure how to put it across to a potential supervisor.

In a PhD proposal, is it necessary to have all your studies planned out in advance? I am just trying to understand how you can lay everything out in a plan when people say your PhD will change as you develop it, and many universities only want a proposal of around 1,000 words. How detailed was your proposal?

Then again, as her self confidence grows, she may realise on her own that he is shallow and will leave him instead. He may be the crutch that will get her out and about and meeting new people and doing things she wouldn't have tried otherwise.

As someone new to the PhD process, I was wondering when people decided to go to conferences - do you decide when and where, or does your supervisor suggest conferences? Who decides when you are ready to go? And how soon after you started your PhD did you attend your first one? Sorry,to ask such a silly question.

Sorry, to burst your bubble, Eska, but Lady Gaga is not on tonight. She'll appear on Sunday night. I too am hooked.

It would be difficult getting into a Psychology programme without related qualifications. If you have done some Psychology courses, you might want to consider doing a conversion course (usually 1 year) to bring you up to speed. Check the British Psychological Society website for a list of universities offering conversion courses. If you haven't done any Psychology at all, I suspect you may have to do another undergrad degree before pursuing a Masters in Sport Psychology..

Hi Izzolaw

Maybe it's just me, but I think people spend far too much time choosing a university based on its name or prestige. Your choice should depend on whether or not there is a project or adequate supervision to suit you. I am close to your age and also working towards entering a PhD programme. I think that anything is possible once you put in the effort. A great name will not guarantee a great degree, only the person that is actually doing the work.

I work at a university and what you have done is definitely more important than where you have been (at least at my uni).

Can anyone recommend a website where you can set up an anonymous survey? Preferrably a free site. Thanks.

Thanks for the replies. I have picked myself up, dusted myself off, and am moving on. Whatever it takes, I will get my PhD.

My PhD application was rejected. I was told that I should do their Masters course and even though I have proven that I can study at postgraduate level, the Masters I am currently doing doesn't really count because it is in a different field.

A friend suggested I appeal the decision, but I don't want to be 'grovelling' for acceptance. If I thought it would help, I might consider. Has anyone ever appealed and been successful? An MPhil is not possible, because the Uni doesn't offer it.