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Sorry eueu but I'm going with Java's two pages for my first draft.  That's some proposal but too much I feel at this stage. Thanks anyway.

I really do want to start my research as soon as I'm able but also feel that extra course work would help as well.  I just want to get on and start doing the things I want to do.

I don't know why the +3 comes up all the time - do many people complete in three years?

aah...sandwich spread sandwiches, one of the great nostalgic sandwiches.

This is the "thingy" http://www.newroutephd.ac.uk/

Basically it's a broader package of skills than you'd get in a traditional PhD. It's also a four year commitment not three (as a traditional PhD can be).

Be interested in your thoughts.

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Spare pair of tights and an umbrella (small compact). And if you are going to eat I would take a toothbrush.  Few things worse than suddenly realizing that the person you are trying to impress is fixated on a errant lump of spinach.

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Well I've made up my mind and I'm definitely going on to do a PhD hopefully starting in October 2010. I've spoken to my potential supervisor and have to write a draft proposal of the area I'm interested in on the standard application form.

There are two routes though and I quite like the look of the new-route PhD over the traditional PhD. I was just wondering if anyone had an opinion on either they'd like to share.

The other thing is, how long should a first draft proposal be? I've had a look on the net and they range from 500 words to 15 pages! Well that's a lot of scope however way you look at it.

The area I'm interested is cognitive systems engineering if that helps.

Thanks everyone.

I have a crock pot and at the weekend I throw loads of fresh veg in and let it cook, cool, then it goes in the fridge.  Through the week I just take a mug full as and when I'm hungry and pop it into the microwave. I eat other things but sometimes when I'm engrossed in something and don't want to lose my chain of thought - it is a handy standby.

In the evenings I always stop to have a good meal. It does your body and mind good to have a clean break so make sure you give them both a change of scenery at regular intervals throughout the day - just micro breaks (30 seconds for every 20 minutes of work should do it). Your body will thank you for it.

Gosh this thread is so surprising. I just didn't think Unis did interviews anymore for Masters.

Good luck Yuliya

Hi MudhOney.
Is there a Master's course at the university you currently attend that you are interested in? If so you could always pop along and ask them what they suggest. If you decide you are really keen you may be able to change some of your modules which will give you a better grounding in Psychology or Philosophy in preparation for your Masters. You may not need it to be accepted but I have seen a few students come unstuck when they realise there is a healthy selection of statistics in Psychology. An undergraduate module in this area will really pay off later.

Good luck.

My tingly spider sense is telling me that Agniparbon and other poster are one and the same.

Nice to have so many friends though ;-)

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I agree with magic.

You can also find out much about your future relationship with a potential superviser through what assistance they offer now.

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Well done Dr.Ruby (up)



Any plans how to celebrate 8-)

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I don't know how helpful others will find this but it may be useful to some.



I put all my research papers through "text to speech" and it really cuts down my time reading and note taking. I can listen to the papers being read (usually when doing house work), two or three times before taking notes. It is so much faster and you don't get that "groan - three hours sitting reading AGAIN" feeling. Also it's free if you look around the internet.



The only thing I would say is that it takes a couple of listens to get the accent - but if you wanted one in your own accent/language immediately, they are available but you'd probably have to pay.



Good luck (PhDer next year 8-) )

Have you spoken to your local University subject librarian? They really are a great source of wealth on these type of things and often know the ins and outs of how the system works.

You arn't the first PhD student starting off so they are bound to be asked the same thing every year

Good luck (up):-)

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The strop approach obviously worked!! ;-)



Shame so many people get to breaking point before they decide to strop - then it's amazing how quick the change around is and you just wonder why you never said somethig earlier :$

I don't know how much this will help but I have not considered myself a student since I completed my first degree. UNIs are now businesses and I see myself as a client if I'm bringing an income in. I expect respect and I give it.

I can't see to find anything in your post that you have done anything about this. Can you get a meeting organised between the two of you and explain you arn't happy and see what can be done?