They definitely can if the job description is non-specific or says things like "reasonable qualifications" since that can e interpreted to be whatever they want, if they wish to change the rules.

I have to say though, I have been in a job where they made working towards qualifications mandatory retrospectively and it was really wasn't (unless it was explicitly stated in the contract, as was the case for some more senior roles). As long as the staff were meeting their other objectives, it was fine for this one to be missed. In cases where the staff members weren't very good however, this was used as an easy dismissal tool.

Have you tried posting questions on Research Gate?

I think that is a great idea and your supervisors will hopefully see that too and support you. Just pick a great group and maybe someone that your supervisors have contact with and you should be able to get the skills you need.

I don't think you need to worry too much about your job titles, it's the skill set employers are looking for.

Keep a graduate CV. Your graduation was recent. This wouldn't make any difference when applying for graduate schemes. Research the grad positions thoroughly before the interview or assessment centre, because not knowing what to expect is often the recent good candidates don't get the positions.

Well here's my opinion for what it's worth. From your above post I would be inclined to agree with the director. You haven't demonstrated any reason for me to think that your supervisor is wrong to be 'concerned'. A thesis is a never ending story of corrections. Sounds like you need to communicate more effectively with your supervisor. You need to pin her down, tell her you want to submit asap, and get a list of what needs to be done and then do it.

Have you had annual reviews throughout your PhD? Usually one of those people will be your internal examiner. You should still be able to choose your external I think.

Why don't you have approval from your supervisor to submit?

Very true Marasp.

I'm actually really surprised they are trying to force you guys to do a PhD. That is crazy! Even if it's a 15 hour per week commitment, it sounds doable - but for 6 years?! That's a ridiculous expectation in my opinion. You have to really want to do a PhD to be able to stick to doing one part time. Employer coercion does not fit into this category.

Ian, try dating websites, seriously, there's a lot of weirdos on there but for some reason I thought I'd take a look a couple of weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised! I think there's a lot of people that feel the same way as you about finding someone that 'gets' them. I agree that if your mindset has changed and is now different to people around you, you need to expand your horizons because you are unlikely to find like minded people down the local pub etc

Pineapple, don't forget, there are other options such as sperm donation that don't rely on you meeting someone... That's likely the route I will be taking.

I was, for many years. I thought I didn't want children, and then one day I realised I did. I'm still not sure why, I think it was probably because I've got to the age where everyone else seems to be having them and life is changing around me whether I like it or not! But I've got a few years yet before I need to do anything about it.

I totally get why people don't want kids, but as in my case, I would say make damn certain you won't change your mind when it's too late.

Love this! I hope you find some good people and get something started :)

Your work experience probably won't make much difference for getting on to a MSc course, unless it's in a related field.

It is possible to be accepted even if you don't meet the minimum criteria, particularly if you are self-funded, you have only missed it by a bit, and they don't have too many applicants.

You could email the admissions dept and ask.

And also, last night this must have been in the back of mind and because I haven't seen my pets for a year and i miss them, I had a lovely dream about my cat!

It was such a nice dream, he could talk to me and he was telling me how much he missed me! Cute :)

You've had so many interviews because you are worth interviewing. I doubt the number of applications made correlates directly to number of interviews given.

Have you received any feedback from any of them? I know it's a basic question, but if they ask you things like strengths and weaknesses, what do you say? Do you mention that you are looking for a basic research job, and if so, do you think that this could be misconstrued as a lack of initiative or capability? What you do think the reasons for rejection are?

I think it's great that you have gained more confidence by learning Italian and swimming, and I expect this will continue to improve as you continue to make progress in these areas.