cheers for that.
I have tried to put prestige to the back of my mind and concentrate on the dept, supervisor, etc.
The "vibe" is difficult to gauge with (option b) as it is a very small department at the uni and is physically isolated from the rest of the campus, whereas (option a) is dead central and part of the whole uni "scene".
Being a very mature student the location and "vibe" hasn't occured to me in my considerations.
Thanks for giving me something else to thnk about

Hi guys.
When in doubt, come to the forum. Whether I agree with you or not, at least i get honest answers!
I have two very good offers on the table. Really unsure which one to choose. Any suggestions?

Option A has a potential supervisor who is really keen on my research proposal (in fact I think they are keener than me) and is very knowledgeable in the area of research. Only difficulty with this one is the amount of time they need me to undertake research training. Commuting such a long way at least twice a week will cost a fortune.

Option b - requires the same training but spread over two years rather than squeezing it in one. The school has many many recognised experts in the field but the potential supervisor came across as rather disinterested by the whole idea (although they did give positive feedback after).

So, is it the excellent, keen supervisor and lots of commuting or the not so keen supervisor but lots of expert support and less travelling??

I really am torn on this one. Any advice would be welcome.
Cheers

Unsuccessful with funding??
That's your assumptions. I have not applied for any funding yet.

Poor advice?? What poor advice? I just told it how it worked for me. If it doesn't work for you it doesn't make it poor advice.

I didn't realise there were so many bitter people on here. Ouch.
I am in no way bragging I was just pleased that I had been offered places at such excellent universities.

Shame on me for being so enthusiastic and happy.

Obviously being self-funded makes me far less important than those of you who have received funding.

Mambocat

I think that the difference between us seems to be that I have been able to enter the interviews with absolutely no pressure on me. I am not fussed one way or the other, whereas you seem to be putting pressure on yourself and this is coming across in your interviews. Just chill and be yourself. If they don't like you, it's their loss. There is always another university. Keep your chin up. Good Luck.

Hi guys
Just to throw another spanner in the works, I may well be being offered a place at The Tizard Centre (University of Kent). This is a completely different research area but one I am very very passionate about. So what are your thoughts on that???

It's University of Sheffield that have offered me a place (unofficially at the mo). But Sheffield Hallam have entered me one of their studentships, so I could end up with a place being offered from both Sheffield Unis.
I will not be moving to any of the areas (starting off doing part-time), so cost of living etc isn't an issue. I live in MK so the commute to sheffield is 2 hours, Guildford 2 hours and Nottingham 1 hour.

Does your university being a member of The Russell Group really make that much difference to a PhD student?

Excellent advice by the way.

Thanks for the opinion.
What's RG?

Hi all

I am hoping to start an MPhil/PhD in Social Studies this year.
I have been offered a place at Nottingham University. Any comments welcome. I have asked for an appointment to meet my named supervisor but thought I would seek some "neutral" feedback first.
Also, I have "unofficial" offers from Surrey and Sheffield. comments on them would be useful as well.
Cheers.

Funding looks like it may well be a problem.
My intention is to start part-time and self-fund and then to transfer to full-time once I can secure funding. Most, not all, of the Universities I have contacted have said this is possible, but finding funding isn't easy once you have started a PhD.

Just a quick note to all the people out there who are doubting that they are good enough to go for a PhD. If I can do it, you can do it.

I have a BA (Hons) and no masters. I have a passion for my chosen research field and have a "never say die attitude".

I have already been offered 3 places with two more interviews to go.

The secret is to search down prospective supervisors who have a shared passion for your SPECIFIC area of research, then contact them direct (by-pass admissions). Get them on your side and your half way there.

The only problem I have now is choosing which one to accept. What a great problem to have.

Hi all
I have used this forum a couple of times already and found you guys to be really helpful.
As I entered the whole PhD application process late in the day, and missed a number of funding deadlines, I am looking at starting my PhD on a part-time basis and self-funding.
Is it possible to switch from part-time research to full-time and would I be able to seek funding even though I had already started my PhD research?

Hi everyone

I am currently applying to a number of Universities for a place on a research based PhD programme. I am having positive responses to my emails to professors etc.
What I am having problems with is the actual application process. After completing the online applications most Universities want you to send your original degree transcripts or a certified copy. As I am applying to a number of Unis I need certified copies. What are they and where do I get them? Cheers.

Thanks for that.
I am self-funding and wasn't expecting any support.
If I can find a suitable programme (that'll have me) and the funding is good enough for me to give up my part-time job I would consider a full-time programme.
Approximately how often and for how long are you expected to physically attend Uni when a) part-time and b) full-time?