Aww, thanks guys. Not quite as amazing as Doodles suggests - it' an art review, for an art journal, but pretty cool nonetheless. (up)

I haven't read the whole thread, but has anyone suggested starting a pg-forum syndicate?

I've been invited to write a review for an arts journal that is 'refereed'. I'll probably go for it anyway, as I'm quite new to this stuff and am sure it's all good experience, but just for clarification, can anyone tell me the difference between this and peer-reviewed (for instance)?

Thanks :p

======= Date Modified 03 Oct 2010 16:50:23 =======
It's going to be just like the US system at this rate, and a total nightmare imo. My fella and I fell either side of the introduction of HE fees. He was one of the only people at his uni protesting it in the late 90s (because he had the foresight to realise that it would only be a matter of time before costs escalated, whilst apparently none of his peers gave a shit as it wouldn't affect them directly). I paid £1k-ish a year for my undergrad, £3k for my MA. If I were stumping up for my PhD, that'd be 4k/yr.

The really depressing thing is that all the people in positions of power got their education for free. They got the benefits of fairer, post-WW2 reforms, climbed the ladder, and now they're pulling it up behind them (the ladder, that is). It makes me so angry :-s

I doubt they'll rise to 10k just yet though. It seems to be a ruse - make everyone expect the worst so we're grateful when it only goes to 7k. I wonder how long before everyone gets tired of this 'austerity' crap. So much for Vince Cable's pre-election talk of free university education for all. :-(

======= Date Modified 02 Oct 2010 17:40:04 =======
Blimey, don't worry! I'm 27 and probably 10-15 years short of the average in my department. Who's counting anyway? Best luck ;-)

Block grant partnership - where bodies like the AHRC assign a certain number of grants to a particular uni and then the uni selects students as they see fit. It just increases your chances a bit.

Is it not possible to apply to a uni which has a strong archaeology dept and also a strong genetics dept for dual supervision? I am coming from an arts background, but in my field it's more common to create your own project and then find somewhere that can support you in completing it. I guess this might not work if you need to do lots of lab work, but is there a potential for you to investigate similar things in a slightly more self-directed way? The project sounds intreaguing btw. I'm sure there's an answer!

I don't get it. Why aren't they together? Why will it never happen - he clearly enjoys her attention (because if he didn't, surely he'd have found a way to distance himself by now)? :-x

I'd apply anyway, but also keep other options open. Have a thorough look at the funding available through that uni and also from studentship competitions through the main funding bodies. Make sure you study the criteria carefully. Perhaps also look at other potential supervisors in places that have bgp funding. It's always worth a bash, but there's no need to put all your eggs in one basket at this stage! Good luck (up)

PS Got it thanks to irresponsible creditors just before everything went belly up. The credit crisis is on us :p(up)

27, just starting my phd on a part-time basis (because of a peculiar funding decision, but effectively aiming for 4 yr completion) and have a 20hr/wk job. Bought a wee one-bed house with my other half when we moved here for my MA, 3 years ago, and still happily in it. :-)

No, I meant it. You're right - from memory it'll all most likely settle down after Freshers week is out of the way. No offense caused at all.
8-)

Yes, on second thoughts that probably wasn't terribly helpful of me. Just transferring my own worries. :$

What Bleebles says.

x

Aren't you supposed to imagine them naked or something?

(Good luck - you'll be fab and they'll be on your side anyway, especially if you get flustered and sweaty ;-) )

======= Date Modified 27 Sep 2010 21:45:13 =======
Thank you all three! Lol at the narration. My head's just a bit swimmy and I just had another drive home with all the anxiety of a repeat incident. Luckily all fine.

Sorry to hear about the bus lane thing. I think part of the reason I was worrying is because a pal just posted up his caught-on-camera footage of him illegally turning right. Incidentally, it was pretty creepy camera work -zooming in and out a la Red Road.

I am irrationally afraid of being in trouble and fines in general though, that's true :p

Anyway, feel better just sharing. So ta x

======= Date Modified 27 Sep 2010 21:52:33 =======
Hello fellow newbies! Guess we're all in it together - I'm anxious too. I think we'd be a bit crazy not to be whilst standing at the bottom of the mountain.

The only thing I'd be looking to change in your position is the housing situation tbh. New undergrads are bound to have different priorities and need time to learn stuff like living away from home... Can you look into housing with other postgrads or even professionals (might be worth the council tax share)? You can usually get out of a contract before it's up.

Everything else sounds great. Imo it's very healthy to experience a different institution's way of doing things. And of course you haven't given up on history! Just bending its terms. Good luck (up)