Hi. I have just been offered a phD after only a short talk with the doctor involved. She checked my references but there was no formal interview. I got a 1st in my degree but does this happen often?

Yes and not just to people with firsts. It's hardly best practice and is a risk for the supervisor as they can end up recruiting students who are just after an easy option. You shouldn't let this put you off your potential supervisor, but make sure that the project is something you choose to do because you're interested in it and not because it’s convenient as it means you won't have to spend time applying elsewhere.

I got a First too, and so far have been offered 8 PhD's without interview. But I decided against them all because they weren't the subject area I'd be happy to spend three years, never mind beyond that, on. You'll probably have other people approaching you to offer you a project - but always check out the supervisor, the project AND whether it has funding..most I was offered didn't have funding fully secured.

Your example sounds promising! I haven't apply to the PhD programmes yet, but I approached professors at three universities over email, we discussed my background, interests and research topic, I sent them a draft of my research proposal. Eventually all three of them told me to apply and be sure to indicate their names on the application form. As for details of my research,we will discuss it when I start (exact words of one of them). Does it sound as an unofficial offer, I wonder? What are your thoughts?

Alex I think you should have a good talk in person with these potential supervisors - that way you can gauge how serious they are about you working with them. Keep all your offers in mind, but do also apply to other projects of interest that you see advertised, just in case you don't get offered funding or the projects turn out to be not so good. Let s know what happens.