Hi there,

First of all, I'd just like to introduce myself, I'm currently an M.Sc. student and I'm hoping to start a Ph.D. next academic year. I realise this may be the wrong section of the forum (instead of Prospective Student:Funding section) however it seems to be significantly livelier than the Funding one. Apologies. Anyway, here's my problem:

I've applied for a scholarship from my department with a specific supervisor Medical Imaging. We are now in the process of choosing our M.Sc. dissertation topic and I've realised I would like to pursue work focused more on combining Signal Processing with Imaging. I am therefore considering doing my dissertation with another supervisor, rather than with him.

My question is therefore related to switching supervisors after funding has been granted (touch wood!). My potential supervisor helped me draft my research proposal, introduced me to the research group and has been rather enthusiastic about my research proposal. Furthermore, there is a good chemistry between us.

However, I feel like it would be a slap in the face and quite impolite (whilst making me feel bad) if I suddenly turned my back and essentially said "Thanks for the help, I have the money now, I'm now going to do this...". My M.Sc. coordinator has mentioned to me that it is not uncommon to switch supervisors before the start of term (with funding in hand). However, I find this rather odd as I always thought once funding is allocated, it is specifically set to a research group and a supervisor.

Obviously, this is at an early stage. I have a meeting scheduled with my potential supervisor Monday and will hopefully get his thoughts on the matter. If there is potential to link two research groups together (which I think represents an exciting area of work) then the whole problem can be avoided. Furthermore and obviously, a new supervisor would have to accept for me to carry on with him.

However, I would just like to know what peoples thoughts are or if anybody has any similar experiences?

Thanks a lot for reading and taking the time to hopefully reply!

k_m

This Url might be useful for you facing dilemma

http://www.doctorate-and-phd-difference.com/What-Can-You-Get-A-Doctorate-In.htm
http://www.doctorate-and-phd-difference.com/Doctorate-Vs-Doctoral.htm
http://www.doctorate-and-phd-difference.com/doctoral-vs-doctorate.htm
http://www.doctorate-and-phd-difference.com/phd-and-doctorate-difference.htm
http://www.doctorate-and-phd-difference.com/doctorate-versus-phd.htm

My blog might help a little as regards general PhD-related stuff.

http://www.wearthesis.talktalk.net

Specifically, you need to be happy with the environment in which you're going to do your PhD. If you can switch your funding to the new supervisor and group, and that's where you believe you'll be more comfortable then do so. A PhD is a marathon and not a sprint, and you need to have the best environment and support possible to survive and succeed.

Explain to your original supervisor the reasons why and tell them that the alterntive project is that you really want to work on. Supervisors will be used to people initially accepting then declining a position. If they are truely professional, they will understand a candidate needs to be 100% happy with the decision they have made.

Ian (Mackem_Beefy)

Ian, I really enjoyed reading your blog. Thanks for sharing the link. :-)

I have to agree. Ian, that made for an insightful and interesting read. It would be very good reading for anyone considering a PhD.

Thanks for the reply. I'd just like to echo the sentiments of Delta and Lughna regarding your blog which is proving helpful and is deeply informative.

I guess this is at such an early stage that it's hard to speculate on these matters. Ideally, I'd like to combine both areas so maybe whilst that probably won't be feasible for a Masters dissertation, hopefully come the PhD, something will be sorted out. I think tomorrow, I will ask him if it would be feasible to do the dissertation with another group (although I may still stay in the original one!) and what impacts it would have on my PhD next term.

Thanks for the information though. I guess If I do my dissertation in a different topic and subsequently decide to stay, I will feel better explaining my situation

Last year I was due to do a PhD with a supervisor I had worked with over the spring and summer. At the last minute I got cold feet and completely changed my PhD plans and went to a different department.

It is hard turning your back on someone who you've been making 'yes please' noises to for months, however, you need to be totally happy with your career direction and you can't go through life only making choices that make others happy.

If you completely switch supervisors will you want to work with the other supervisor in the future? Will they want to work with you again?
Make sure you don't mess up future opportunities.

The idea of linking two groups together sounds great and, while it is difficult having more than one group to work as it can be a time management nightmare, you will gain so much from the experience. Good luck getting it all sorted.

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