Hi, I had a gruelling viva yesterday, which lasted over 3 1/2 hours. At the end they recommended I re register for an MPhil with re writes in three months. I do the have option of ignoring the recommendation, and doing a major rewrite, including more data collection in twelve months, and facing another viva. Has anyone else been on this position, and chosen to carry on with the PhD? I'm just feeling very despondent and slightly worthless at the moment, so anyone who has been done this route, and achieved their doctorate, it would be helpful if you could share your stories.

So sorry to hear that! But, you need to put your game face on and continue this fight.. Can you give us more info, why did they recommend MPhil (not enough data etc?) and did you feel it was a fair assessment (ie unbiased and no issues with examiners)? Without knowing the answers, I would 100% try again for a PhD!

Okay. Deep breath. You are not 100% at fault, your supervisors should not submit your thesis if it isn't to standard. Have they provided detailed issues w/thesis, and can you address these. If you can rewrite.