Take the advice given by the senior PhDers. Once you have a fall out, its curtains. Although both parties might attempt to bury the hatchet, the problem invariably surfaces like a bad penny.

Thanks all for the advice- it is appreciated.

What do you think of me and this academic having one more meeting to try and 'sort things out', and if not, then I take my other offer at a different Uni with diff supervisor?

Thanks all for the advice- it is appreciated.

What do you think of me and this academic having one more meeting to try and 'sort things out', and if not, then I take my other offer at a different Uni with diff supervisor?

Another meeting would be really good. The fact that you are willing to talk about the issues will make you come across mature and hopefully, your supervisor will respect you for it.

If it really isn't working, then definitely take up another offer would be a good idea.

I'm a bit confused about your situation - you haven't actually started working with your supervisor but you have already fallen out? This is a really bad sign and may mean that you have to think carefully about why you want to do your PhD, how you want to do it, and whether you are willing to work co-operatively with a supervisor at all. What is important to you regarding support / guidance and do you think this person can really provide this for you? I can't really offer advice because you haven't given us much information to work with.

Picking the right supervisor is definitely the most important thing you will do with regards to this project. I didn't think these questions through before I started and I am now in the position of switching supervisors at the point when I should be submitting - I've been given a 6 month extension but I still haven't met my knew supervisor... this is far from ideal and my PhD has been a really painful experience because I had the wrong supervisor. Don't make the same mistake.

======= Date Modified 03 Sep 2008 14:54:39 =======

it sounds to me like you should definitely ditch this supervisor - you don't want to be stuck with someone who isn't willing to give you full credit, or recompense, for your contribution. This will be min three years of your life and with a supervisor like that it'll feel like more. good luck!

I have said this before, but you do need to remember that your supervisor - potential or actual- does not work in a bubble. If you feel that this person is not the best person to be your supervisor, then that is one thing, to go off in a huff for whatever reason justified or not, is not a good thing to do. People in the field talk to one another and you should attempt to keep on good terms with them all, it is only a short time out of your entire career so tread softly when you encounter these problems. They happen to us all (unless you are very lucky) and you just have to be philosophical about it and try to see a way round hte problem, if you need to say sorry, even if it wasn't your fault, then do it. I really don't think your supervisor would allow you to fail, why should they?

During your PhD there will be lots of times where things, some big, some small, go a bit awry, that is the nature of the beast, but you have to get over it and get on. However if this is the person you want to be your supervisor, then go and apologise it will cost you nothing in the long run, and you will feel better too I expect:-)