My fear now is that I will be expected to use my old supervisor as a referee in my PhD applications - but given his previous behaviour, I fear he could give me a fairly negative reference, which could obviously affect my chances.

So... does anyone have any advice on this situation? What are my options in terms of using this guy as a referee, asking to see any reference he supplies and/or explaining the situation to any potential PhD supervisors if the need arises?

Thanks for any and all help!

I'm just hoping for some general advice here really - especially if anyone else has been in a similar situation.

I'm currently looking for suitable PhDs - but have real concerns about using my masters supervisor as a referee.

Basically I had a classic case of unsupportive supervisor, which turned nastier when the course co-ordinator stepped in on my behalf and arranged for me to have an extension due to my supervisor’s repeated absences. This actually came about after two other students made a complaint about THEIR supervisor not being available and were offered extensions... and the course co-ordinator then offered me an extension as well, as he knew I was in the same situation. I took it but wasn't expecting my supervisor to react so negatively - he made it very clear that he felt that I had no right to the extension and shouldn't have taken it.... and even implied that I was subsequently undeserving of my ultimate project (and therefore degree) grade.....