I've recently had a horrid viva. My PhD was referred with major corrections to be completed in 4-12 months. I anticipate that I will have to pay more fees (which the Uni has now doubled across the board).

Any advice on whether I should/ how I should attempt to complete this PhD successfully would be much appreciated.

The story:
1. Awarded 3 year funding to do PhD. Proposal was do a statistical, methods based Phd with applications to social science research (health). (My academic training is in statistics and had worked for several years as statistician/researcher)
2. First two years of PhD, relatively ok. Main supervisor (statistician) dropped me - no reason, but 2nd supervisor took over (not a statistician or sociologist). Submitted regular reports for Board review with outlines, progress, plans. Even got a letter from Board to confirm all was ok.
3. Beginning of third year, my second supervisor (and Director) told me to drop the methods and do a research (sociological) PhD.
4. Somehow completed thesis after one more year of funding as full-time student and one year doing evenings etc as a statistician in research (current job) (PhD subject broadly sociology of health). I immersed myself in sociology - books, seminars, papers, as much as could physically bear.
5. Examiners were sociologists. In the viva had prepared some story about how thesis came about as had previoulsy been told not to mention the change of direction in the PhD. But was grilled on this issue in vivia and found it very uncomfortable to maintain the white lies. However, main stumbling blocks for not passing I think were sociological issues.
6. Current supervisor has been supportive but suggested seeking advice of sociologists at Uni or within Uni associated with my workplace (in another part of the UK).

Now I'm concerned that even if I get to grips with the sociological aspects and/or find someone to advise, I can still be referred again or worse failed when I re-submit. And how can I ask another academic not in the same dept or even the same University to help me out?
(And I'm angry about the fees...... ).

My partner has also dispaired at the thought of 'losing' me again for another year to "silly sociological books".
While the applications of the phd helped me to get my current job, the contract isn't based on my getting a Phd (though obviously it would help generally).

Aside from burnout, I completely stumped as to how I can make this work now.
:-(

If you have been given corrections / even a resubmission then normally your examiners would specify, in writing, what you need to fix. If you do that the normally there is a good outcome. I know two students in my department who were referred around the same time, and both got through in the end. Yes there is always a chance you could fail in the end, but if you follow what you have been told to address - and it should be specific / precise enough for you to do so - you have a very good chance of getting your PhD.

The drawback of not completing is that it is a failed PhD ultimately, and could look bad on your CV in the future. You might also find that you have to cover it up, or explain it away. Whereas if you knuckle down and get on with it you have a good chance of completing successfully.

Fees for referrals/resubmission are usually low. Normally universities require you to pay the examination fee. We're typically talking something like 250 pounds, not many thousands as in tuition/PG fees.

I think you need a break in any event. Give yourself a breather. But if you do decide to go for the PhD you need to be positive, and have a plan. And I think your supervisor's advice to speak to sociologists at your university is wise.

Good luck!

Oh and 4-12 months is plenty of time, especially the longer version of that. But don't let things drift if you do plan to resubmit. Get on with things, after you've had a short break. The quicker you get on with it, the quicker it is out of the way. And normally it's a lot easier to rewrite / rework something than it is to write it in the first place. It also takes much less time.