Hello,

I recently graduated with a 2:2 MPhys in astrophysics (with extenuating circumstances) but really want to go into research. I'm currently working in Science Communication and was thinking of picking up an MSc in Astrophysics part-time while I work. I really feel that moving from the institution and the counselling I have received will allow me to really do well in the MSc and then allow me to go onto a PhD.

I love Antarctic Astrophysics and Atmospheric Physics and want to go into a PhD along those lines. Do you think I should choose an MSc that is more atmospheres or choose the astrophysics one so that I'm not restricting myself too much?

Hey wowzers, I have an integrated masters - which is an MPhys. I was advised to do an MPhil or an MSc. Really wish I hadn't been called into interview as I really thought it would be a level playing field between me and the other candidate.

Hi, just an update - I didn't get offered the PhD because I have a 2:2 in my undergraduate masters degree and the other candidate has an MSc. I wonder why they bother interviewing candidates if it's all about qualifications. I was told that I did better in the interview than the other person as well. :(

Were you offered before the head of dept signed it off?

Do you then think it's likely they've given it to the other candidate?

I had my PhD interview 2 weeks ago on Wednesday and two of the interviewing panel had to go away for a week, so they've only really had yesterday to discuss. I did send an email today and they told me this:

"Thanks for following up. We are still in process. [interviewers] discussed it yesterday after they came back from a week trip. I will let you know as soon as I can. "

It sounds silly but is it likely that they've extended the offer to the other candidate and have yet to hear back from them before telling me the outcome or is it likely they just haven't finished discussing? I'm kind of working myself up with the possibilities. Which one is most likely?

Thanks for the replies! I emailed asking about the outcome and I was told that they were still in the process of deciding but will let me know as soon as they can. Guess I'll have to wait a little longer!

I had a PhD interview a couple of Wednesdays ago which I thought went pretty well. I was told that my answers to some of the technical questions put me ahead of the other candidate. There was only me and one other person being interviewed for the position, so I'm feeling I might have a decent chance of getting it. I also know the PhD supervisor for the project from my previous work and he told me that he really wanted an application from me. He wasn't in the interview, but I got to chat with him later on.

I've been told that I would need to wait a week or so because one of the people that decides between me and this other person is away but I keep obsessing and picking apart the interview. How can I just keep it out of mind instead of getting impatient and constantly staring at my phone?!