Hi, everyone, I'm a noob here.
I'm just about to apply for a few PhD projects starting autumn 2007. All are pre-defined research projects with funding attached. Two are at the same university, but in different departments. Has anyone on here been asked by an interviewer/potential supervisor what other projects they are applying for and did they feel that their reply put them at a disadvantage? Both the projects are in a broadly similar field but their focuses are different. Thanks in advance for any shared experiences.

I've just noticed that there is another thread similar to this, sorry for clogging up the board... still any other comments would be welcome, thanks.

I've posted on the other one, but may as well answer here too.

I think there's both good points - shows you're flexible, shows you're determined to work in the area, and bad points - maybe you might look less focused on one project, perhaps less likely to accept an offer. On the whole, I wouldn't let on that you've applied for vastly differing projects, but if they're similar then I can't see a problem. I have in the past and it didn't do me any harm.

Keep us posted!