Found out yesterday I was unsuccessful in the +3 competition (after much chasing on my part). Haven't even been told how I scored. So no PhD for me this year unless I win the lottery. Well done to everyone who's got funding.

Sorry that you didn't get funding - that's pretty harsh since you scored so well. I'm still waiting to hear! The waiting game continues.... I wonder why there is so much discrepancy between individuals finding out? I really think they should be more open about the whole process.

How did people hear the news btw? Letter, e-mail, phone?

Congrats - well done! What is your subject area? I STILL have not heard anything, but I'm guessing in this case no news is bad news. Ah well, I kind of knew it anyway - just need official confirmation so I can formulate plan B!

Still haven't heard!! This is ridiculous, why would some universities hear before others?!

Just to say I completely understand how you feel about this. I actually find the whole process really stressful, long-winded and frustrating. And it doesn't help when they keep you hanging without giving you a definite answer. My guess would be that as has been suggested, they are waiting to see who is allocated research council funding in August before they confirm whether others will receive departmental funding. I am in the same situation in that I have been told I am on the reserve list and will receive departmental funding if one of the other candidates receives ESRC funding. I would ring them and get them to clarify this.

Congratulations emskib! You must be chuffed. What is your PhD looking at out of interest? Sorry you didn't get the news you were hoping for Terrywogan. I still haven't heard! Probably because they have phoned the successful candidates and popped a letter in the post to the rejects!

Thanks - best of luck with putting together your proposal too. My proposal was rather rushed too and having failed to obtain university and departmental funding I am not holding out much for ESRC!

Anyone else heard anything?

Oh no, now I'm worried - I thought universities were not informed of the outcome until next week? Sorry you didn't get funding. I have a feeling I will be unsuccessful too but can't help holding on to that tiny glimmer of hope until I know for definite.

No success stories I'm afraid - just to say that I'm in the same position too and know how you feel!

I'm in the same position. Just been offered a place, chuffed to bits - but slightly worried it doesn't mean anything unless I get funding! I've looked at the website for the Uni I have applied to and it says the results will be published online mid-June. Good luck!