I refuse to read this blog after the last blogging saga (the academic who got fired) declined into paranoid hysteria by both the writer and those commenting at the bottom of the page.

I've was told not to fall below 85,000, but if your data is in the appendices or tabulated, then the examiners will still see 'bulk' in your work (you won't be giving them a thin thesis). The appendices cannot be considered part of the wordcount (usually), but yes, try to put the work in the actual thesis if it slots in neatly and reads well. I was told to move some of my appendices material into my thesis, but I have the opposite problem to you -- too many words.

I got the same message. Are you using AVG? I sometimes find it to be a little over-zealous compared to Norton or McAfee.

I was pretty much told this was on the cards as soon as the credit crunch began.

I'm looking at other Commonwealth countries, and some places in N. Europe. I've pretty much given up with uni and private sector jobs in the UK - the only jobs I'm applying for are teaching-led uni's/low ranked, but my supervisor said it wouldn't be a good career move. I also read about research-led uni's being spared the austerity measures, but I've observed a huge downturns in the number of jobs available in RG uni's over the past 12 mths.

If I can get funding, I'm even considering another research degree abroad (so as to get my foot-in-the-door). Strangely, I have got reallly good feedback on my CV from foreign contacts -- a British education must still be highly regarded internationally (I thought we had slipped).

At least we are in a profession where we have the ability to move about and work in other countries quite easily.

Arunsam, why not adopt both approaches? Apply for PhDs and apply for Mres programmes, and see what happens. Generally though, a 2.1 alone will not get you funding (but you never know).

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Hi Arunsam, from a UK perspective, a First class degree is normally required in order to proceed straight to a PhD and win a scholarship ("scol"??). Depending on the competitiveness of your discipline, you may need a First class degree just to get entry into a PhD course, and thus, a Masters degree will be the most appropriate route for you.

Work experience isn't really a vital component of a PhD application, unless it's directly relevant or necessary for your research. I advise you concentrate on your academic skills rather than work experience. Eg. look at publishing your undergraduate dissertation, and working on a great research proposal.

Generally, someone with an undergraduate 2.1 degree will not get a scholarship (though there are exceptions).

I've never given my supervisor a Christmas card. I'd also feel a little uncomfortable doing so. Crickey, maybe I should have over the years.

@Walminski, yes that is cheapskate! ;-)

Olivia, if I recall correctly, you did a PhD in law (and you're from the States)? Ae you planning to go into academia the States? I'm interested to know how US law schools view British PhDs.

Hey Olivia, Cleverclogs, Danzig, many congratulations! (up)

I've also kept mine pretty simple. I think if you start quoting verses of greek/latin poetry or quirky quotes it can easily look 'over-engineered', arrogant or gushing. I kept my examiners in mind - it's the first thing they'll read, and I don't want to get off on a bad footing. When I publish I may make my acknowledgement a little more colourful.

This issue is a b*tch, but a very common problem. When I started my PhD my area was very novel, but it was also suddenly very topical. Within two years, there were two books, a major conference, and two students in other countries producing doctorates with virtually the same title as my thesis. This work has covered all bases and left very little of my work original. BUT! as long as you move the subject-matter along in some way, then it's okay. Remember what a doctorate is about: an original *contribution* to the knowledge of the field. (not a wholly original topic/subect-matter).

I was speaking to an Australian prof. about this problem, and he very quickly assured me that often it can be an advantage rather than a hinderance. Eg. you suddenly see the holes in your own research.

I've simply spun my research a little differently and focused heavily on the lesser discussed issues. I've also kept a distance from the research produced, so as to avoid duplication of ideas or similar wording.

I suggest you speak to your supervisor and get him/her to 'okay' the similarity in research.

The PGF has become arty!!!

(sprout)(sprout)(sprout)(sprout)(sprout)
(turkey)(turkey)(turkey)(turkey)(turkey)
(sprout)(sprout)(sprout)(sprout)(sprout)

In my discipline there is b*gger all funding for taught postgraduate courses. Excluding the odd few studentship and the usual suspects (Fulbright, overseas govt. funding etc), everyone pretty much has to cough up the tuition fees. Probably the best source remains approaching one's employer for funding.