I pressed return to take a new line and it added my message instead! I just wanted to add - 'thanks though!'

no problem... I just thought it would be useful as it sounds like multi-disciplinary research (including design and computers, where an HCI-related proposal could be submitted)

You're probably right. Maybe I'm just too choosey

What are your interests?

mine is use of haptic technologies in HCI, and inclusive design (in museums)

Are you more interested in Psychology? UCL has a great HCI group as part of computing and psychology departments. I wonder if they are still advertising PhDs.

Ah cool! I'd love to go to UCL - but I'm put off by the high cost of living in London. Have you done a PhD or are you looking? What uni did you go to?

I'm on my final year, funding ends in August(don't wanna say which uni, feeling paranoid ).

Have you been keeping an eye on that academic jobs site? Good luck with your applications. Who knows, you might be able to secure a funded place, instead of the MRes (unless you prefer the MRes of course). June is not too late to submit applications.

Unfortunately the deadline for research council funding was May

I do really want to do the MRes - I think it'll be great preparation for a PhD and it's taught by Alan Dix as well. My only problem is funding (it's only part funded) and also having to move - but these are more inconveniences than real problems. I'm hoping that having an MRes on my CV will mean having a better chance at getting PhD funding.

I check the job.ac.uk website pretty much every day lol - i'm that sad. If something comes up I'll definitely apply but I think realistically it will be Lancaster in September for me.

When you say final year - do you mean 3rd year of a PhD? Do you think you'll be finished by the time your funding is up?

Dix, Ormerod and Ball et al.

yes 3rd year. The reason I use final year is because it is the final year of my funding, with no possible extension after the end of August. I'll try my best to finish writing up by then, but it looks like an impossible task.

Yes, research council deadlines have passed, but universities still advertise their departmental funding, or funding secured from HEFCE etc.

Whatever you end up doing, good luck with your work. You can always try raising some money from other charitable organisations and your department once you start your MRes.

golfpro - yup that's the one. do u know them?

404 - thanks, good luck with your PhD

More than a bit. Nice crowd. Intense course. Do some reading.

Wow, did you go to Lancaster or...? Intense in what way?

Also, what reading would you suggest?

If you're comitted to going, ask Trish Harrison to email you a copy of the course handbook. I would also attempt to get a grasp of HTA [Ormerod and Shepherd I believe].

I am committed bar some worries about funding. Initially I'd wanted to go straight to PhD work but the more I've thought about it the more I think the Mres is the best thing for me to do.

Since you know Trish Harrison I'm wondering - do you work at Lancaster?