======= Date Modified 26 13 2010 07:13:49 =======
Hi everyone,

I am a new PhD student from China, about to start research this October. I've found 2 questions hard to answer by myself. So, I really appriciate your help here.

1. How much chance do I have to receive my degree in 3 years?

My funding lasts for only 3 years and it would be tough for me if I spent a fourth year writing desertation, though I don't need to pay the tuition fees during that time. I have talked with my supervisor and he said that I could make it in 3 yrs if I try. I don't see any committment here. So I wonder is it really possible to get all done in 3 yrs and how many of you succeed?

2. How should I call my supervisor?

On written occasions, I just call him Professor + Last name and so do Chinese in demestic universities. But I know that you guys like to call each other just First names even if the other person is superior to you. In this way, it seems to show that you guys are very close to each other. So I wonder is it appropriate to call your supervisor first names on informal occasions.

Thank you very much.:-)

======= Date Modified 17 Jun 2010 10:13:28 =======
Hi, everyone!

Thank you for the information and advice. I think I'm gonna to Leeds. This is mainly based on the supervisor's research reputation, publication and RAE rank. As for other aspects, I believe that they are more or less the same.

I don't know whether this would be a wise choice, but according to what the situation is now, I think it is the one that would most likely bring me better prospects.

Thank you and thank Postgraduate Forum for providing such a good communicating platform. Wish you every success in doing your PhD.
:-)

Hi, Slowmo,

Thank you very much for your advice and sharing your personal experience.

You are right. Publications don't mean everything. Ive made contact to these supervisors several times and the responses are more or less the same. Can't tell them apart just from emails. What I want to do now is trying to find people who used to study at these universities and listen to their opinions. If it doesnt work out, only can I hope that the most prestigeful supervisor could also be the most easy-going and warm-hearted.:-)

Like you said, "Go with what feels right for you". I will and I also admire your job. ;-)

I can't log on twitter here. I think the government is blocking it. Pity!:-(

Hi.
I think ORSAS has been cancelled, but not in Scottland. You can still apply for SORSAS at Scottish universities. Besides, other universities also provide similiar fully-funded scholarship to make up the drop out of ORS.

As for the eligibility part, Im not sure.
:-)

Come on, guys. Say something! Make a vote. The deadline is approaching! ;-)

Hello, everybody! I'm new here and really hope that you guys can help me out. Thank you.

I've got 3 offers from universities in the title with the same funding. My research project would be MEMS-related (MicroElectroMechanical system). Supervisors in both Leeds and Birmingham are professors with excellent publications (Leeds is better, to be exact), whilst supervisor in Glasgow is not a professor with not so good publications. My follow-up plan after PhD graduation is to find a job in companies in UK or US.

Does anyone know about MEMS in these universities? Which university has the best research facilities and the best job prospects. Which offer should I take?

Thank you.:-)