Hi,

I'm looking to find a 5 - 10 day duration intensive statistics course. Ideally from a psychology perspective. Ideally in the South of England.

This would be much easier to undertake than a 10 week course (which I can do, but it is in many ways a bigger commitment).

Many thanks,

WYSIWYG

I think the "Doctor" bit has to be a reason for the majority of PhDers.

The title opens doors (and closes others), it's a peer group to get into, it's a card you can pull out when in a difficult situation, it gets you a job round the world, it looks impressive if you are a consultant, it's many things.

But at the end of the day it's just a qualification. Grit your teeth & get it if you can - then choose to use it or not in future.

HTH,

WysiWyg

I think the "Doctor" bit has to be a reason for the majority of PhDers.

The title opens doors (and closes others), it's a peer group to get into, it's a card you can pull out when in a difficult situation, it gets you a job round the world, it looks impressive if you are a consultant, it's many things.

But at the end of the day it's just a qualification. Grit your teeth & get it if you can - then choose to use it or not in future.

HTH,

WysiWyg

So I'm 8 months in, and I've read a fair amount of journal articles, moving into tech report.

I'm trying to get this literature written up - probably to produce 20-30 pages, but so far have about 5 sketched out. My trouble is where to start, and which way to present.

Trouble is I'm trying to prep up for a pilot study - which I've done some good work for already - and feel I'm juggling plates. Actually, finda feel like Grommit on the train track trying to lay track infront and behind me at the same time.

I hope by christmas to have an ok lit review written up - and a pilot study done. the two of which I could shove together to form a reasonable paper. It's a 4 year course - does this sound like I'm on track or behind?

Where were you after 6, 9, and 12 months?

the two times I've come a cropper have been with cue cards. For me, they are unnatural, and a hinderance rather than a tool.

I take my cues from the title of the slide - and use MS powerpoint. A good title - and you're 1/2 way there.

Practice is important, but I ususally just talk myself through them repeatedly; asking myself what I am trying to convey; and what i want the audience to learn.

In terms of sounding nervous - so what; if it sounds like you are; well at least you've the balls to get up there and present. once you've started; you'll get into it; and possibly even enjoy it! Speak slowly, yes. Also, speak loudly, and pauses, for effect - will make you a pro!

Best of luck - and seriously - the fact that you are doing it in the first place is a massive achievement.

I find the more confidence I have in the topic (my knowledge, experience etc); the easier I find to present the material. The worst is presenting on a topic you are unsure about.

Maybe you want to start with what you want the audience to learn and get from your presentation; this may help the structure and flow; but also the style.

no more than 1 slide per minute, include lots of pictures (but not nessessarily complex diagrams), and not too much text. Also - don't just read the slides; each slide can be a summary of what you are talking about.

Don't forget the trick - if facing a tricky question. "if you will allow me - I would prefer to give you a fuller answer at the end of this Q&A..." or that kinda thing.

you could do some consultancy on the side to boost your income?

No probs.

They're pretty much the same thing, but an EngD incorporates 25% modular components - and lasts for 4 years. Modules are a mix of science/engineering/technology, management & business, and administrative & professional skills.

The EngD for me was/is suited to industrially based students. Or at least, that's the impression I have of the differences.

LOL, so I guess the EngD thing iss not massively popular on here then!

Don't suppose there are any EngD students on here? If so - where are you at, and how are things going? How's the research / modular balance playing out...?

I realise that this may differ between universities & departments but as a general rule is the following the process for self funding (part-time):

Contact Uni, offer up a thesis proposal and perhaps propose a potential supervisor, uni then reviews your proposal and evaluates you for suitability; assuming all ok; they then sign you up?

As this is one of the less common ways of starting a PhD, info seems patchy on many university websites.

Many thanks, WYSIWYG

Sounds impressive!

The very best of luck - go for it!

What area/discipline are you looking at.

I've been working for 7 years since leaving uni (I have a degree in the human sciences), and am seriously now looking at doing a PhD part time, closely aligned with my day job.

I belive a phd will open certain career doors that are currently locked (e.g. working in industrial R&D in australia/usa).

I've known 2 people do part time PhDs. One took 3 years, and the other 6 years. THB, the 6 year one could have been done in 5.

I'm no expert, but I think it depends on how closely you can align your work (day time) to the PhD, and also what institution and discipline it is.

I think 3 to 4 is achiveable.

wysiwyg