It just depends on your learning and working style. I have to get in a flow and I find that easier by writing in blocks so I can easily knock out 10k words in 2 or 3 days. I get into 'the zone' and literally do 7 hours straight with no breaks.

I can't work the pomadoro way because I loose my train of thought.

There is also something to be said for just getting it all down on paper, you can add your quotes and citations later.

For some people their work looses precision and clarity in the edit and writing style becomes more academese by over editing and overworking it so sometimes for some people their first drafts can be their best drafts!

The idea is to get to know which way works best for you. I'm coming to the end of the second year and I hope to have a first full draft ready by Jan 16.

Hi. I have just been contacted by an old colleague with some exciting and prestigious opportunities. One is to present at a Conference and the other is a project that is related to my PhD area but it is outside of the University. I have arranged to meet and discuss both. Re-connecting with this colleague in these projects could be an opening to paid work (they work for a large Gov department) once the PhD is finished. I am at the end of my 2nd year so to have something lined up for next year would be perfect. Do I have to put these by my supervisor? Would it be seen as going behind their back if I just go ahead? To add to this my team haven't been the most supportive in terms of opportunities i.e. other students are being sent to conferences, are asked to contribute to papers etc whereas I am not so I feel I have to make my own way so to speak.

Hi Robert. That is a very unfortunate list of circumstances. I'm sorry that you have gone through all that. I too got my degree with the OU. As you have offers what is it particularly you are worried about? Funding for MSc is usually pretty scarce and most commonly you self fund. Are you not going to take those offers and are applying elsewhere?

How long did you OU degree take? Mine took 6 years part time whilst I worked and I too had some special circumstances but obviously that didn't affect every module I took. Can you show the transcripts where your work is at a higher level? Also lots of people work full or part time whilst at OU and applications will often consider professional practice alongside academic qualifications. Do you have associated work experience you can highlight?

I suppose finally it depends on what you want to MSc for? Sometimes it is better to re-sit or take anew some additional modules to get a higher class degree. I am in no way doing down your circumstances but it can be very cut throat and many employers and academics think that many people get through despite terrible circumstances!

The courses you have offers for sound really interesting.

When and where are you doing your work? I work best at home tbh and put in an appearance about twice a week on average but this is only because it's a long journey in and I'd rather be working than travelling.

Congrats on baby :) I did my MA with a 1 and 2 yr old while working. Now during my PhD I'm heading into my third years whilst my now 7 and nearly 6 year old are trying to kill me with stress. I tell myself going to work after this will be a doddle and feel like a holiday...looking for the silver linings. Only tip is find what works for you and plan in some holidays! Good luck.

Wow Caro that was low for all year work. Seems like you're expected to work for peanuts! Let us know how you get on.

Yeah I worked in schools too obv that's the before deducting for term time pay just trying to make an example that it's not a great wage esp for Cheshire.

I was an employability adviser/teacher pre PhD and I'd advise If you are not going to take it and they aren't paying expenses it could be a futile exercise to just go for the interview experience. As it is a start up with that salary that doesn't make the job an attractive proposition the interview probably won't be indicative of what it is like to go for a really sought after position. You'd probably get better interview technique training/practice for free through Uni. Check first if they are paying expenses. If not I wouldn't go. If you think you have a chance of getting it and you would take it really consider taking it because even though it's a lower wage than you would like and probably lower than the market it is easier to get another job once you are in a job.

You need to weigh up how much you need the money and what other opportunity it would give you. Also weigh up what the move costs would be, not just your rent when you get there but actual moving your belongings and rent upfront etc (and out again if you plan to leave in say 12-18 months!).

Glad I've another 6 months grace before I have to start thinking about jobs! eek

You could earn more/similar in a hosp lab or school/college science technician! That's a low wage for Cheshire. There are a few labs etc in the area.

Anything by Bakhtin, Todorov, Bruner, Gee, Clandinin.

Your conceptual framework will be how you frame and approach your your problem, design the tools, represent and analyse your data in seeking answers to your questions. E.g. Is it quantitative (numbers, statistics, graphs, you can quantify interview data also) or qualitative (narratives, stories, interviews, pictures). Is it reductionist (like a science experiment) or constructionist (that what you are viewing is socially derived/constructed). What are the assumptions and belief systems that go with those ways of thinking and working - you may come across epistemology and ontology but at this level you shouldn't need to word it around that I shouldn't think.
E.g. Obesity
(1). Quantitative reductionist approach. I think obesity is caused by a gene. I'll study 1000 patients at the hospital, weigh them over a period of time and test for a specific gene in the lab. I'll analyse the data as numbers and statistics of how many people with that gene are obese. I'll present my data as graphs and tables
(2) Qualitative constructionist approach.I think obesity is a social problem. I'll interview 30 people about their thoughts about obesity and how things happening in their life affect their eating. Half will be obese. half won't. I'll look at personal stories and analyse for general themes in those stories. I'll present the data as narrative quotes.

Good luck

I suggested it because I don't know how you could discuss planning, government and public engagement without including her. See 'Governing the Commons' etc and because her work on co-production has been taken on by government as means to improve public services in housing, health and most recently education. It's one of those that's gone from academic theorising to government catch phrase, much like 'community of Practice (Etienne Wenger), which might also be useful.

Look at Elinor Ostrom. Co-production. Used in government/public engagement.

No work here. My youngest has picked up a sick bug = 2 hours broken sleep and sofa cuddles whilst watching kids TV. Tbh they'll be no PhD work hardly for 2 weeks!

It's really difficult to say. I also have husband, kids, mortgage etc and commute into uni so I have to be flexible. I have been spending about 2/3 days at uni a week involved with reading groups, research outreach etc. I'm half way through year 2 and just finishing data collection. I want to cut my time at uni right down for data analysis now and 3rd year write up because I work best alone uninterrupted. Knowing your learning and working style helps. I'm a binge worker. I'll do nothing for days then I can type up 10k worth of reflective notes in 4 hours - no break, lunch toilet - straight through typed. Not the Pomodoro style I know but that's how I work best. Sometimes it worries me that I feel like I'm not doing enough but I'm on track and possible even a little ahead.