Are PhDs graded? I got a first at undergraduate level but would like to breeze through my PhD with minimum fuss, being a whizz at research. I must admit that I am only doing it for the prestigious title of'Dr' and want to enjoy my time as a postgraduate, not bust a gut. I mean, nobody can take away the my first degree, can they? Is it possible to get a 'Douglas Hurd' in the PhD world? Thanksxxx

PhDs are totally different to taught courses. I fear that if your only motivation is to gain the Dr title and you do not intend to 'bust a gut' you are in for a big shock! PhDs are not (normally) graded, it's a simple case of passing or failing, however, the opinion of your supervisor (in the form of a reference) will be important in securing your first post-doc position. It is certainly possible to enjoy your time as a post-graduate but gaining a PhD requires a LOT of hard work and dedication. Good luck!

Its people like you who don't deserve to get offered a place on a PhD course. Just because you have a 1st supervisors seem to think you are worthy of doing a PhD. When it comes to research a 1st means NOTHING. Its a lot of hard work and dedication. So if your not up to it don't bother. There are other people more deserving than you. No offence!

Sheer arogance, I hope you fail miserably and end up on the dole

I totally agree ... you have to do it for the right reasons which involves a lot of hard work and busting a gut! You could be depriving someone who really wants to do research a place!

I think Garb Age is taking the p*ss

at least I seriously hope so!!

What's a dole?

'on the dole' is a slang term for someone who is not working and is claiming unemployment benefit

Folk, don't get hard on Garb Age. A good percentage of PhD students' main aim is to get the title 'Dr'. But that is certainly a narrow way of objecticizing ones PhD. Frankly speaking speaking, Garb got to withdraw and use his first class to look for a job. Obtaining a PhD is only an initiation into proper research.

I thought with most places they make you do the MPhil in the first year and only let you carry on to the PhD once you have proved yourself. Surely if Garbabge isn't putting enough effort in, his supervisor will realise and not let him carry on.

Hopefully the supervisor will get annoyed with the arrogant **** and kick the hell out of em

lol Stu, I sense extreme aggravation....

Don't you believe in Karma?

As it happens, I don't

Sorry, purely taking the micturation. I can't wait to get my teeth into the project and apologise if I have offended anyone. My true motive is to cure heart disease and eradicate obesity. PhD interviewing panels are not stupid.