Hi, it depends on a few factors such as: undergraduate mark, subject, previous university and the university you want to do a PhD, whether your masters is related to your PhD, other experience, feasibility of topic, availability of supervisors. Good luck

I've got them on both sides--very annoying. And by the way, the ones on my facebook always say things like: "More than 5k debt?", or "Need debt consolidation?" HOW DO THEY KNOW??? Incidentally, the one to my right here says "Date Girls in Sheffield"--not on the money quite so much...(excuse the pun).

Yesterday afternoon I was in my weekly research class, there are 14 students. I'd say half of us are in their 20s, a few in their 30s, a couple in their 50s and a couple in their 60s. There's a bit of a divide between the younger and older students in terms of socialising, but everyone gets on okay, and I've always thought it was nice having such a mixed bunch.

However, one of the older women said she'd encountered problems and a bit of ageism being an older PhD student--supervisors not so keen to work with her because of her age, isolation, etc. Being one of the younger ones, I actually think it might be quite nice to do a PhD bit later because at times I feel a teacher-student power binary, which I need to grow out of. Also, I think mature students are (often) more confident, self-assured etc. I was just wondering if any one else had any thoughts on the pros and cons of being a young and/or a mature PhD student?

Just found out that I will not have funding for my second year. While I don't have it this year either, I had a little bit of money saved, and help from my parents. Next year, I will have neither. I will have to work to earn enough to pay my tuition fees for the year (£4,000), my rent, bills, living cost. Basically, I'll need a full time job, plus full-time study. Is this possible or am I going to have to think about my options and consider part-time study?

Clevercloggs- I'd love to be naturally more intelligent (especially since I am in academia), and I'd never shoot someone down for being very clever. However, I do get along fine as it is - in terms of both my PhD, and my social life. Intelligence comes in so many different forms: scientists, doctors, artists, writers and comedians are all very intelligent in different ways - a brilliant scientist may have an IQ which is through the roof, but he may not be able to think on his feet like a stand-up comedian for example. My ex-boyfriend is the most intelligent person I've ever met. All the way through school he was hailed as some sort of genius. However, he is only interested in travelling, having fun, and living. He works in a bar and spends what he earns on travelling. So, while he doesn't use his intelligence for academic/career purposes, he has a lot of fun, and he is very likeable and interesting.

So, coming back to KB's original post, I think people do tend to assume that all PhD students are very intelligent. I wouldn't say that's the case. I would say however, that we're all suckers for punishment. . .

Go to your Doctor and explain, I think in this kind of situation GPs are usually quite supportive. Don't get a false note, you'll jeopordise everything. You haven't handled it badly at all: dealing with depression is difficult, and only those who haven't directly or indirectly experienced or seen how debilitating it can be would write you off as 'another "depressed" arts student'. Don't forget that most people appreciate that independent study can be lonely, intense and stressful - your GP will certainly understand. If I were you, I'd see him/her asap.

Hi Krishna,

I think you should ask someone at the university - perhaps a postgraduate advisor, or administrator, or your supervisor. I know that it is possible to switch to part time study, if you are having financial difficulties, and so I don't see why you couldn't just switch back later on if you manage to get funding. Your best bet is to ask the university, because different subjects and institutions have different regulations as far as this is concerned. Good luck.

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Keenbean that kind of comment would crack me up! Seriously, I'd have laughed right in the guy's face. I knew a guy during my MA who frequently told everyone how incredibly important and difficult his work was. Once I noticed he was reading Jacques Lacan, and I pointed to the book on his desk and said to him "How are you getting on with that!?" (Because I found it horrendous to read). He looked at me in all seriousness and replied "Maria, this is light-reading. I find it very basic - almost childish. And by the way, Lacan will not feature in my dissertation. I will be consulting much more complex materials than that." After a few moments I realised he wasn't joking and I had to move computers to one further away from him, because I couldn't stop giggling to myself.

I think my second-supervisor is misogynistic. It's taken a while for me to figure out what his problem is, but I think he's a bit sexist. I'm giving a presentation on Monday, am not too confident about public speaking, and so he asked me to practice part of it in front of him. To give me help and feedback, he then IMPERSONATED me twiddling with my hair and being all 'girly' (his word). He's quite funny, and wasn't being too mean, so I did laugh at the time, but the more I think about it the more I think - how dare he mock my demeanor? Am I being too defensive? I actually can't help being 'girly'. Is there something wrong with that? He kind of made out that no one would take me seriously. I feel a bit silly.
Any one have any advice about what makes a good public speaker? Is it better to try and adopt 'masculine' qualities? If so, how can I do that? M.x

You're writing up and you're only 27!!! Yeaaaaaaaah!! :) I'm 24 and have only just started and can only HOPE to be in your position in a few years. Lots and lots of people your age who have gone down a more conventional career path (after undergrad) will have only been working for 3-4 years (if that), will not necessarily have saved a penny, and may be in unsecured jobs or thankless jobs. Soon you will have a PhD, so just think of the sense of achievement which is just around the corner. You have plenty of time to do something amazing with it, and to (secretly) bask in your own glory for a while. The end is in sight: GOOD LUCK.

PS. My parents are EXACTLY the same. You just have to take it in your stride (they are very proud, I'm sure)

Sure, so so sorry!

Sincere apologies, I deleted one yesterday and it was purely to protect my anonymity because I had put too much information in it. M.

Does any one else in the Humanitites have a supervisor who INSISTS on reminding them 2-3 times a week about how utterly bleak their job prospects are? I know they are only being honest but for God's sake I'm here now, do I really need to be reminded of this? Today my supervisor made a joke about how I ought to brush up on my secretarial skills. I nearly put my middle finger up at him.

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Hi Lostinoz,

I experienced a very similar problem while I was studying for my MA. I know you don't build up the same relationship with an MA supervisor as you do (potentially) at PhD, but I can sympathise with your situation. To begin with, my supervisor was very hands on, very involved with my project, chatty and friendly etc. In our meetings we'd always chat for a while about things which were not work-related. Anyway, I started struggling with my topic, falling behind, and the more help I required from him, the further he pulled away. He started ignoring a lot of emails, or sending curt responses. He then became completely unsupportive and made it clear to me that I was a nuisance. His advice was far from encouraging and he stepped back entirely.
Of course, when I handed in my thesis, and did very well, his attitude turned around altogether. He was supportive and tried to be involved with my PhD applications etc. I have a new supervisor now and try to avoid my old one. (Well, not *avoid* him, but I treat him like any other academic member of staff). His influence and presence were destructive; I spent a lot of time worrying about him, and not enough just focusing on my work.
I've learned from this that not all supervisors have the best interest of their student in mind. Mine was certainly thinking about his own reputation etc. My new supervisor is nothing like him, but I'd still keep a polite, distant relationship with her, to avoid this kind of problem in the future. If they are prepared to turn around and abandon you when the going gets tough, they are not doing their job properly; the supervisor equivalent of a fair-weather friend.
My advice is to be formal and direct with him when he is pulling back, and when he is trying to be best friends, maintain the same demeanor.
Good luck, M.x

I had one and it was pretty informal: she asked me what I was particularly interested in, what my research objectives were, why I was doing a PhD and why I chose this institution. I didn't think that any thing I said sounded particularly impressive, and I remember feeling a bit deflated. BUT, I got in. I'm sure it will go well, you have the grades and references behind you. Good luck!