You should consult with your supervisor, they will be able to tell you whether you've done enough. If you don't want to speak to them untill you've made your mind up, then you'll need to speak to somebody else in the department in confidence.

If you think you are about half way through your PhD then you probably have enough to write up for an MPhil

There should not be much difference in how a PhD from the UK or Ireland is perceived - particularly if you continue working in the same subject area. What will be more important is the actual research you did for you PhD.

If you want to study in the UK then you need to have been 'Ordinarily Resident' in the UK for the past three years for reasons other than full time education. Have a look in our funding section for links and information.

It's worth emailing to ask. The supervisor can always choose not to reply.

Competition for funding is very strong. Look at our funding pages for links and information.

Whatever you think the reason for your 2(ii) is you should avoid sounding like you're making excuses and take some of the responsibility yourself. Once you have been selected for interview you shouldn't really worry about the 2(ii). If the supervisor's worried that you might not be clever enough they will judge based on your general knowledge and understanding of your subject together with your overall performance in the interview.

It depaends on the quality of the research group to which you are applying. Having said that, unless the one in Ireland is in a bad research group, you should probably go for the one that's fully funded.

You should get at rise in the studentship every year, which will at least be in line with inflation.

Unfortunately MPhils are awarded both to those who decide not to continue and complete a PhD and to those who do complete, but aren't considered good enough for the award. This can devalue the achievements of those who have simply decided not to continue.

Fortunately, outside academia or jobs which require a PhD, very few people know what an MPhil is and will think you are extremely intelligent either way. If you wish to start a second PhD, then you'll be able to explain to your potential new boss why you submitted early the first time around. Whilst they may be put off and think you might pack it in again, they won't think you weren't good enough first time around.

Yes it should be possible for you to find such places. However, unless you are paying for your own study, then the people awarding PhD places will want you to have chosen them because of your interest in the topic, rather than because you and your partner wish to study together. You will need to apply separately and hope that you both get offered places in the same city.

Sorry that you were unable to find any help towards funding this time. Try the funding section of this site for information and links. The Department of Education in your home country may have some advice for you (they may even provide scholarships). Also try the British Council who may also be able to help with scholarship advice.

Try the funding section of this site for information. You are right to begin looking for funding so far in advance as there are a great many people in the same position and not enough money to go around. Start by contacting the university who accepted you (both their overseas students office and your PhD supervisor) - they will be able to tell you about applying for the ORS and any subject specific or university specific scholarships. The British Council will also know of any grants available specifically for Palestinians.

Yes, see our funding section for information and links for students wishing to study in the USA.

You will probably have to defer your place until next year if you can't fund yourself. Try speaking to your new supervisor to see if he has any suggestions (some opportunities are subject or university specific). Otherwise try the British Council in Israel.

See our funding section for information on funding for EU students wishing to work in the UK.