Hi Dibley,

The only advice I can give you is start taking notes and writing down your thoughts from the very first day. Other than that, there are an awful lot of things you need to know but if I reveal it all I will take away the fun of the whole experience. So, enjoy the journey!!!!

Hi guys,

I have been recently awarded a studentship and my contract indicates that I shall remain in the University, for a minimum time period after I have been awarded my Doctorate, if there is a suitable vacancy available. Is anyone in a similar scheme/contract that requires for him/her to stay after thesis submission?

Thank you in advance.

Hi Liam,

From your e-mail, I couldn't tell if you are looking for a studentship or you intend to pay for it yourself. In the former case, I would say that there is no general rule regarding the timeliness of a PhD application. There are PhD studentships available all year around. However, it depends on your chosen topic, when and if a good opportunity will come up.
If you desire to contact a particular university/suoervisor,then... the sooner the better.

Hi nurseboy,

I'm not in your field but I think that it might be a good idea to develop some initial questions and carry out a pilot study. You could do a few in-depth interviews with nurses just to see if you are down the right path. A pilot study will not only help you refine your research questions but will elicit some new issues you haven't even considered.I have done a pilot study for my research and found it to be very useful.

Hope this helps

Hi Guys,

As I am new to the site, I would like to say congratulations for your very helpful ideas, arguments and conversations

I have a quick question: Does anyone know how long it takes to arrange an MPhil examination? Is it usually internal or external?

Thanks for your reply.