PhD Thesis Advice

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Scott Henley, May 28, 2003.

Loading...
  1. Scott Henley

    Scott Henley New Member

    I was accepted to do a PhD at a top-ranked British university (Top 10) for a start-date in October 2003. Except for one visit a year, I can do my research in Canada.

    However, I have since lost interest in my original research topic (I applied a year-and-a-half ago) and have no idea how to approach the research director on this.

    Is this common? Unlike North American PhD's, the thesis IS the British PhD. There is no course-work so you usually have to know what you're doing when you enrol.

    Advice?
     
  2. Tom Head

    Tom Head New Member

    If your research proposal hasn't been approved yet, it might just be worth frankly bringing this up with your research director; it's often possible to refine or redirect your research topic this early in the game without missing a beat, provided that it's in the same field.

    Good luck. (And congratulations!)


    Cheers,
     
  3. Scott Henley

    Scott Henley New Member

    Actually, the research proposal was approved. My idea was based on some coursework I did in this field and some papers that I wrote for my MEng.

    However, I think the topic no longer reflects my current interests (they have broadened somewhat).

    Really, I want to change the topic completely!

    Quite the quagmire!

    Scott Henley BA(Hons) MEng MIEE
     
  4. Jack Tracey

    Jack Tracey New Member

    A friend of mine who completed her PhD in psychology approximately 18 months ago gave me what seems like good advice on this topic. She reminded me that it can be unwise to consider your dissertation topic as being your "life's work." It is difficult enough without throwing that weight on top. It need only be interesting and valuable enough for you to see it through in good form. You may want to simply bear down and finish your research so that you can then get on with matters that you now find more interesting. This is a remarkably common phenomenon and, perhaps, constitutes the most difficult aspect to obtaining this degree . . . maintaining your focus over an extended period of time and finishing up your work (even if your interest dwindles somewhat)
    Good luck,
    Jack
     
  5. Javad

    Javad New Member

    Is the school funding you? If so, I've found out (based on conversations with other students) they're pretty picky about the research topic. If you're paying the fees, your Advisor may be able to help you out.

    The very same thing happend to me. With the help of my Advisor, I have changed my research topic a bit. It's still in the same field, but with some corrections. It never hurts to ask, I gues...

    Regards,
    J.
     
  6. Scott Henley

    Scott Henley New Member

    I'm paying the fees myself. There is generally no provision for the funding of part-time PhD students in the UK.
     
  7. Mike Albrecht

    Mike Albrecht New Member

    You might want to consider the "broader" viewpoint from a different point. The "narrower" the focus often the better, especially at the PhD level. As was said by Jack Tracey, the thesis is not your final work. You should try and make it something you know you can do. To broad may make it harder and longer to accomplish.

    Remember, the goal is not to make this last forever, but to get it done, completely, and relatively quickly.
     
  8. blahetka

    blahetka New Member

    I would like to second the advice given by Jack Tracey's friend. I am doing my dissertation in a field that 3 years ago, when I started my coursework, was a good topic for me. However, life is rather fluid in Silicon Valley. Since then, I've changed careers. So, when people ask about my topic, and look at my current career, they get rather quizzacle looks.

    The way I look at it, however, it is my final contribution to my old career, and it makes my research more valid as I am looking at the topic from an objective point of view.
     
  9. telfax

    telfax New Member

    Ring fence

    You must be interested in the topic you are going to study. You must 'ring fence' the topic - that is, make it such that youy donlt have to do endless literature searches. I've just completed my tenth doctoral supervision (in the last six years) so I do have some experience in the field. Actually, there is a sea change happening in the UK. The PhD is now no longer just the thesis. Increasingly, course work is being included for the first 12-18 months althoug it doesn not count towards the degree. The course work has been added because so many candidates find themselves 'drowing' in their inability to cope with research methods techniques. Most universities now require people to have gone through an introductory programme of research method approaches.

    Best of luck.

    'telfax'
     

Share This Page