Overview of MamboCat

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EPSRC funded at mediocre uni with new supervisor or self-funded PhD at a great uni with known supervisor?
M

I had an interview a while back and the last thing the [potential] supervisor said was he had only just handed his PhD in himself!

That put me right off but there was another supervisor to oversee the entire thing.

Looking for a online college degree in Accounting?
M

Do UCAS still publish those MASSIVE directories on Degrees? Or is it all online these days? (I applied for Undergrad in Oct 2001!!) If so, if its undergrad courses you're looking for, surely that should be where to look? If not, surely the governments education info pages should have something?

Accepting my place - am I making the wrong decision?
M

Personally I would sort out my own life before starting someone else's... but that's just me. Having said that, I've only been living with my partner for a year and already my Mum and Nan are nagging me to get married and start a family! Which I find is quite odd considering they are also proud of my study...

I can imagine its do-able but it also depends on what kind of research you are doing? Are you working in a lab, for example where some chemicals may be harmful to you and a growing baby?

Tefal quick cup cure or curse?
M

Its the freaky non-stick coating that apparently is carcinogenic! Lovely(!)

Tefal quick cup cure or curse?
M

Hmmm... tea breaks are gooood. :D

I used to use a water heater to make my tea... didn't notice much difference that with a kettle. It's pretty much the same thing isn't it? :D

Anyone watched any good films recently
M

I watched Monster the other night... brilliant film! I did go to see it at the cinema when it was out, at the time I hadn't seen Charlize Theron in any films before so when I saw what the actress looked likt I couldn't believe it was the same woman!

How Many Projects...
M

Just wondering while I browsing through the database.. how many PhD positions have you guys applied for? I've gone for 6, possibly 7 depending on how well I do in my MRes project but when I went for my first interview yesterday (scary as hell!! :(), I was told I should be going for 10 or more!! Surely that's over doing it and I'd end up applying for projects that I'm not 100% interested in... Also, one of the students I met there said she just went for three!! :D

So yeah,.. just a bit curious is all. Not really after advice on this! XD

Research project selection
M

Where are you doing your MSc? I'm in Birmingham and there's a Cancer Studies institute here, they specialise in viruses mostly...

I'd look on University websites as well, try and find a supervisor who has a similar interest and give 'em an email? ??? Just a thought.

Career development loan
M

AFAIK you can only use a career development loan to pay 80% of your fees, if thats what youre planning on using it for. Personally I went for a loan with Sallie Mae, its a US company thats dealing with certain UK Universities as well (theres a list of participating Unis). You can use the money from that for anything you want including fees (Im lucky enough to have had my fees paid for me so Im not 100% sure on that) and you can borrow more than a CDL would give you.

Masters Social Life
M

The emphasis will be much more on you at any postgrad level, personally on my course everyone works really hard but at the same time theres a lot of organised socials going on as well. For example, on our deadline date for this modules submission we're going to be going out to celebrate! :D Its much more deserved when you put the effort in. I know I sound like an ole codger but its seriously all up to you.

Stuck about PhDs...
M

¬_¬ The Internet amuses me, well some of the people that post on it do...

Anyways I popped this here because Im a present masters level student, which from reading the forum title is where I assumed I should ask, rather than bothering the phd students with my stupid questions.

Thankyou kindly to the people that contributed constructive replies. :) Its much appreciated.

Masters grades: what are they looking for?
M

Some dont get graded AFAIK... My MRes doesnt get graded. Im getting consistent 65s and apparently thats a Merit, so I assume 70+ must be Distinction.

Stuck about PhDs...
M

Hello, Im not sure if this is the right place or if this thread is even appropriate and will get DELORTED! but.. Im studying on an MRes because my old supervisor recommended it, buut.. the previous year I applied to the same person for a PhD and got turned down, so is this persons advice reliable? Also, my present tutor reckons its too early to apply yet Ive noticed a University in London stating their deadline was December! Im just so confused, I think Ive been given bad advice and now Ive missed the boat inadvertadly. I have no idea where to look or where to start... Its really starting to depress me and Im considering quitting and going back to work before I get into serious debt. :(