Signup date: 13 Jul 2008 at 8:51pm
Last login: 23 Jul 2008 at 7:03pm
Post count: 24
Ok well i'm sure you will make the right choice. Although it's a bit of a nightmare that he is a 'slave driver' I've heard lots of complaints from people who say they practically have to beg thier supervisors to meet them, or that they are completely disinterested - which I think would be a much greater problem!
Good luck!
My interview for my PhD wasn't great to be honest, everything in my proposal was picked up on and disected in quite an unpleasant and confrontational way. BUT, I still got it, so my advice would be to try and remain calm and unflustered, whatever they throw at you, and if you feel like you have screwed up at any point, then don't let it phase you-because everyone makes mistakes/has grey patches in their knowledge especially before they start. I've heard of some people having really relaxed/chilled out interviews, so yours may be like that, but I imagine the point is to test how well you know your area and how confident and convincing you are in speaking about it. So just try to be both. You'll be fine!
If I were you I would stay where you are. Even though your supervisor may not have a good doctorate, that isn't to say they can't see you through your PhD. Good knowledge, and expertise in your area is crucial. I think the fact they know you well is important, I was in a similar position after my masters, and decided to stay with the university I was at because I knew my supervisor would invest time and dedication into my work. Also, and I could be wrong, but it sounds a bit like the university you have applied for have accepted you so quickly BECAUSE they don't specialise in your research area. Often, universities are simply trying to expand their scope of research/get more publications etc. This won't necessarliy get you through a PhD.
I'd weigh up your situation with a lot of thought, but it sounds to me like your best option is to stay.
Dantheboi - No, I won't be getting the certificate for my masters, i think it might be different at different universities or for different subjects though. I am doing literature at Edinburgh. Hope that helps.
Jen - thanks for your advice and good luck in your presentation!
I have just completed my masters and have just been accepted to transfer to the second year of a PhD (in English Lit.) Although I am very excited about doing a PhD and feel very confident about my topic/research, I am a nervous person and still get quite intimidated by supervisors/ speaking in seminars etc/ being asked questions in presentations etc. I was wondering if anyone else doing a PhD had the same problem, I am going to a conference in September and i am really nervous about it (although i am not even presenting). Also, I will be taking undergraduate tutorials next year and even this terrifies me! Any advice? I'm starting to wonder if I should take a year off to grow up a bit.. (I'm only 22)
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