I've recently started a PhD (but haven't done much work as yet). The PhD is not really relevant to my research interests but as a topic it's OK. If I take the view that I'm getting paid to do a job I feel I could complete it (I was unemployed before the PhD and I'm not prepared to go there again) but would be happy to save some money and leave with an MPhil (but this could prove difficult). I've no interest in lecturing, quite like research but don't really want be a full-time researcher until I retire. What else can you do with a PhD?

Also how easy is it to move away from your PhD topic? I'm more doing this topic because it's funded but it's not where my interests are. I feel passionately about other areas of research and would feel happier if I knew it would be relatively easy to move on.

Making such decisions is never easy and I wish you all the best.

Hi Louise,

First of all, good going and remember that you're nearly there!

It could be that they are taking this approach to try and pull the best out of you (I'm not saying you're not giving your best but they may be testing you) and perhaps it's a tactic to help you prepare for the viva? Just some thoughts... Hopefully, your viva is a pleasant experience but it's best to be prepared to be able to defend very well and criticisms now may help with this.

Try to remember that you're near the finish line and this will be a distant memory at some point.

I would have to disagree. That's (largely) why I'm doing one. I had difficulty securing jobs close to home and I was applying for everything and anything as I just wanted to work. I was getting extremely depressed and quite ill as a result and decided to apply for some funded PhD's, partly because it would give me something to do and provide an increased income. The result is my health and quality of life have improved dramatically since starting. I'm happy, working away and don't feel under any great pressure because for me the PhD is not the be all and end all.

You have a point though, there are better reasons for doing a PhD, but I've no regrets.

Outright - but although it's on the market there has been no interest yet and I don't have a deposit as such but should be able to pull something together for this at least.

Thanks everyone for being so helpful. It's unlikely I'd be able to get a guarantor (age of parents) but I own my current property and just hope to upgrade and so I hope they look kindly on this. Must start scouting around.

Thanks everyone. Yes, the studentship is not acceptable to the bank I'm with and another declined because they have a minimum threshold of £150,000 and I wanted to borrow £125,000! I thought this very strange, especially in the current climate.

Will follow up the other pointers.

I hope it's OK to post here. Has anyone any experience, can you provide pointers about getting a mortgage as a PhD student?

You could always set up a yahoo group as this would allow an exchange of information, when needed, and allow people to send attachments and PM's regarding articles. PM's could be used for people to give their email to someone who may have an article.

Thanks. I do feel much better for knowing and am only upset about the lack of co-operation given in trying to get answers - there was really no need for it, in my opinion, as the department have known for some time.

I wouldn't do a PhD without funding, as I know I wouldn't stick with it and would spend more time worrying about the money side of things.

Now get on with your work!

"I think I just needed someone to tell me that this was a minor problem"

Not a minor problem if it's making you feel bad but I totally agree that "the phd environment can exacerbate emotions" which is understandable, but not particularly helpful when it impacts on people such as yourself.

OK. I'll be completely honest, I would need a dictionary to understand some of the words in the title of your PhD (I'm being serious) and so I'd be absolutely no help but hopefully someone on here might read the thread and be able to advise...

Just a thought but have you tried a Google search for people that share this interest or for forums where it might be discussed?

I'm at the application stage and was stressed yesterday with the waiting but am relieved to know that I will not be getting funding. Feels better to know than to be waiting. The waiting was just too much...

If you feel the need to ask questions they are not 'daft' questions because you want to learn and need answers. Please don't let this zap your confidence.

Keeping people informed of your plans. Use meetings to do this and send a relatively regular email to those that need to know. Don't overdo the emails but send ones detailing your plans.

If you can spare the time, ask if you can help them in any way, it might make them more receptive to helping you. However, be assertive and only do this if you can spare the time.

Without giving too much about yourself away, could you let us know a bit about your study because it could be that you could find someone on here to bounce ideas of.

Hope this helps a bit and I hope things pick up for you.

Hi,

I'm not sure of the set-up. Does your PhD make a contribution to a wider project and do you work as part of a team?

Anyway, I feel for you as it sounds as though it's a pretty uncomfortable atmosphere.

I've tried everything, ringing and emailing but to no avail. I would go so far as to say I virtually pleaded for an answer in my most recent email but no-one has responded. I think I've got all the answers I will get for now.

I have been offered another funded PhD but with an average department in an average university and I am very grateful but I've read a lot on here and elsewhere and I'm not sure what the implications would be for my career longer term. Put it this way, I was browsing another University website and they were encouraging applications for something and said something like they would particularly welcome applications from those who had studied at high ranking Universities.

Hope it works out for you.

Completely makes sense to me but I've been told that there is no reserve list...