Ady - thanks for your reply, it gave me a boost to hear from someone determined to finish within 3 years! Sounds like you are on track and very organised, I am hoping to be the same by Christmas and out of this rut I feel I am in. You are definitely right in that finishing in 3 years would be a handy selling point when job interviews etc come about - thats given me some extra determination, thanks!

Do you mind me asking what subject area your PhD is in?

L x

Hey


Yep I have written a fair amount - my first year report contains alot of introduction style stuff which I will add to each chapter (the report was 12000 words) so that helps. I have a rough idea of chapters but no deadlines yet - so will definitely bring that up with him, thanks!

I just want to get some help, some motivation and then get my head down and have this done by September (which is three years to the date when I started). I have even contemplated quitting and just taking the Mphil and the rest as work experience - but I'm so close to the end I think that would be crazy

Hi -

I am just curious as to what is the earliest people can finish their PhD and how people have done this? I am aware some phds the earliest is 3 years - anyone managed this?

the reason I ask is that I am in my third year now (the third month of it) and totally fed up! My phd was fab to begin with, I was so motivated and excited...but my group has dwindled down to just three people (one who is leaving in two months). My supervisor isn't often about - and STILL hasnt marked my first year report for upgrade. I am finding my days to be lonely - when I hit a problem with data there isn't anyone here to turn to as the experienced people have all gone. So I am going around in circles, losing motivation and wasting time. I have learned that I don't want to work in Academia and I am itching to complete my PhD get a job and move on with my life! I just want to get my thesis written up as soon as possible.

I am organising a meeting with my supervisor to put my foot down and ask for regular meetings with him so that I can set goals and get on track with writing up - but I also want to be brutally honest with him and say I aim to be out of here as soon as physically possible.

Any tips from people who have finished PhDs in the 3 year time scale?!

Thanks in advance

L
x