Hi rewt,

I think you need consistency in your thesis. If you're going to use abbreviations - and I think you should, because they help your word count and save you time - then you should use them from the start, not half way through. This would mean reading through your thesis and adding abbreviations as required. It might take a some time, but it would be easy and save you more time in the long run. The first mention of an abbreviation should spell it out in full with the abbreviation afterwards eg British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). You might also want to consider adding a table of the abbreviations used, so that anyone reading your thesis can easily refer to the table and find out what an abbreviation means.

I hope that's helpful.

Jim

Hi, I am studying through distance learning so my entire course is online and the pandemic has not really affected my studies. But I can understand why you are finding it difficult, if you are used to face-to-face learning. I think the key is to remain active and speak to people. Set aside an hour each day when you forget about your studies and go outside for a walk or a cycle ride--anything that will get you away from the computer and get you some exercise. Do you have a forum where you can communicate with other students on your course, or do you have Zoom meetups with them? Your university must have a counselling service which you can use to talk through problems. Make use of this. Good luck!

Hi,

The University of Bristol has a course, but it's not cheap: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/2022/eng/msc-data-science-distance-learning/

Good luck!

Hi designphd,

Your story is an upsetting one and your pain comes through very clearly.

I am an MSc student studying through distance learning, and I have no understanding of your area of research. So, the advice I can offer is limited. But I hope I can be of some use.

I think the first thing you should do is give yourself a pat on the back. To have got this far in your research, during a pandemic, despite a change of supervisor and the birth of your baby, that is a tremendous achievement and it shows you are not the kind of person that gives in easily. You have worked hard and achieved a lot. You should congratulate yourself for that.

Second, you should understand that other people have been in similar situations to you before. That is important because it means there are people around who know what to do, and--hopefully--there are institutional rules designed to help you.

Third, you have the support of your supervisor and that is important. Have you asked for her advice? I think she is the person you should turn to first. You may also find the NUS can help if you are a member, and your university will have counselling services that will probably have experience in this kind of situation.

As for your specific questions, I would suggest:
1. Ask this of your supervisor and your research office. When you started your PhD, were you given any documentation or guidance that might suggest your next course of action?

2. Again, this is one for your supervisor and research office. But you will probably have to wait until you have received the revision guide.

I hope that is helpful.

Best regards,

Jim