I have nearly published 2 journal papers and plan to include the data/discussions in my thesis. I am doing a standard thesis with a slightly modified chapter structure but not a PhD by publication.

My question is, how similar can your thesis be to be your prior papers? My supervisor says I need to rephrase everything and modify figures for plagiarism but I have realised that will require me to change 18,000+ words and over 30 figures! That seems excessive to me and I was wondering does have any advice on how to lightly differentiate your PhD from prior works.

PS: My supervisor thinks rewriting is easy and is not being that helpful

You should be able to find a PhD role in the UK if you have already secured funding. Generally the biggest obstacle for doing a PhD is funding and you have cleared that, so don't worry. A pass in your Master's doesn't look good but you can compensate for that in an interview. Goodluck!

Thankyou for the advice. I am sorry about the delay but I wanted to reply with some updates.

I found out I have an "EPRSC style" PhD but internally funded. So the university has offered me a free 6 month extension without stipend. However, the head of my research group might fund a 3 month stipend and organise teaching support contracts. It is rather annoying but I can't do anything about it.

Congrats on the PhD! You must be so relieved.

My advice, relax before you start. You don't need to do much before you start and you will need the break, as 4 years is a long time. Also, at the start of a PhD read as broadly as you can. Understanding the broader field helps you understand your research topic.

That sounds like a really good opportunity! It must be so reaffirming to be offered a PhD. I haven't been in the same position but you sound like you have matured and more confident in yourself, so trust yourself. You are different person than you were 14 years ago and you will fly through.

Goodluck!

Hi nutria,

If the company is partially funding the research project and the research is part of your PhD, they are in a sense funding part your PhD and thus your part of your salary. I think asking for compensation would be rather awkward as you are already benefiting from them via a better thesis. It would be different if the research was unrelated to your thesis.

I have had some experience with working with cheap companies. About half way through my PhD I did some experiments for an SME. I did some tests on their product and then did my own research with the samples they provided. All they gave me was the samples and a lot of lab reagents. They got a copy of the data and I got a thesis chapter (and hopefully part of a paper). It has improved my thesis significantly and the company saved money.

I am an engineer and not a social scientist but I think the answer is yes. As I know a psychology student who was looking at differences between former-USSR countries. I think it is completely acceptable but you will need a strong methodology.

I am lost, are you referring to psychiatry? Because that is an entirely different field and each country will have their own regulations and guidelines that you can refer to.

I am sorry this got buried and for the late reply. I haven't submitted my thesis yet so I am not talking from experience.

They won't fail you for typos and minor errors. Actually finding them before your viva is good, as it save your examiners time and they will appreciate it. Stuff like that is what minor corrections is for!

For the bigger issues about using the wrong tests, you need to determine the context. I know I did some experiments wrong (didn't consider a certain contaminant) and I know I will have to defend it in my viva. It is an annoying mistake but I worked out that it will only affect some of the results by 1-4% at absolute most. That error does not affect my conclusions and so I am not worried. Understanding the implications of the possible small mistakes gives you a better idea of how you should worry. Even if it is significant error you can still argue the overall thesis is still worthy of a PhD.

Hopefully some viva veterans can give you some better advice!
Goodluck

My Advice;
Take a break - burnout is real and can significantly affect your long term productivity. Overworking is a false economy

Re-find your passion - Before your supervisor, there was a reason you started the PhD. Focus on why you want to do your research and ignore your supervisor. Self guidance can be difficult but if you focus on your work you will consistently improve. Commit to a small piece of work and fully finish. If you compare it to some published materials, you will be surprised how good it is compared with other people. The fear of being wrong is worse than being wrong.

Find a new supervisor - Your supervisor leaving is a god sent, you should be able to request a new supervisor from your supervisor. Talk a with a few lecturers beforehand about your work and ask the friendliest one if they will be your supervisor. If you have issues, you can refer to your student guidebook

PS: I wish the forum's formatting allowed bullet points

I have never heard of pre-registering review papers.

Nead is right, you can email an editor in advance with a summary to see if they are interested in publishing it. It is virtually impossible to determine if someone is working on something similar but you can possibly find someone who will publish it regardless

I don't think tables are included but I have heard conflicting advice.

I was coauthor on a paper that got returned by an assistant editor for the introduction being too long (it was stupidly long). This was before the manuscript was assigned a real editor. The introduction was shortened and the re submission was then sent to the to an editor for review. So I think they check before the review process, so you might be able to submit and see.

I understand that you want to go to the best university possible but I would recommend you consider other aspects such as research culture, the project (if funded) and your supervisor. The university's reputation means nothing if you are not comfortable or working to your full potential.

I would consider applying to several universities that you are interested and deciding when you have offers. As during the application process you will potentially learn more about the department/supervisor and you can make a more informed decision.

Hi Misirlou,

I will be honest, what you want to do is relatively common but it might be difficult to find funding. Most universities are willing to accept mature students and highly consider experience during applications. However, it sounds like a niche project vision+psychology and getting a funded scholarship is difficult at the best of times. I would recommend you to investigate your local universities (I am assuming you don't want to move far) to see if there are any lecturers that have the same research interests as yourself. Then contact them about about a PhD as they will know far more than us. They will be able to tell you about funding, entry requirements or if your project idea is any good. Most lecturers are happy to take mature students like you but it is all about funding.

If you have any more questions just ask,
Goodluck!

Hi everyone,

I know COVID-19 has affected research massively and the universities don't know what to do about PhD student extensions. Can someone help me understand the extensions options or say what their university is offering?

As I read that UKRI is unilaterally offering fully costed PhD extensions for all their final year PhD students (see link below), which includes. But my university is being very coy about extensions and bursary extensions. They will only approve extensions close to submission date and will consider financial support on a case by case basis. The department seems reluctant to give firm details and says I should focus on finishing on time first. Which I think is inappropriate as if my bursary is ending in September, I need to know to look for a job. I just think if the government is offering free extensions we should be allowed to take them. Is anyone else in a similar position and what has your department told you?


www.ukri.org/news/government-announces-support-for-phd-students-as-a-result-of-coronavirus-disruption

PS: My PhD is funded via EPRSC and so should be covered by this.