I am currently registered on an MPhil part time and will have completed two years of part time study in January 2010. I am doing research by practice and admit I'm struggling to work out what my proposed significant contribution to knowledge is going to be. I was asked to hand in an end of academic year report by my three supervisors none of whom is expert in my subject area.

I saw the report today and was shocked to discover that all three are recommending I complete the MPhil and not upgrade to PhD. There was no prior indication of this in our tutorials. My main supervisor told me only one week ago that she was looking for an external examiner for my upgrade viva and that she was very happy with my progress and end of year report. In addition, there are shortcomings with access to facilities needed for my research. I'm sure my contribution to knowledge will emerge over the coming months but I am very upset and stressed out over the whole affair now and feel like a goose being forced to lay a golden egg. Any advise is welcome.:$