Super Vision...

Had my first supervision meeting with Moira and Tim.  It was reassuring and informative whilst at the same time being slightly daunting.  Refreshing to speak to accomplished but yet extremely accessible and generous academics.

Full time PhD courses are 'go go go' from the off.  Relieved that I managed to get a pre start meeting in to find out what lies ahead.  4 research modules and a couple of peer reviewed reports climaxing in a continuation viva in order to secure a place on year 2.

How far is truth susceptible of embodiment? - That is the question, that is the experiment.' Nietzsche

Let the Games Begin...

Finally, after many months patience or not so much patience I was made an unconditional offer by Manchester University. With much enthusiasm I have accepted and commence officially in September 2011.

I reflected that anyone who is keen enough or masochistic enough to apply and stick with the application process should be awarded something. It takes perseverance and focus all the time maintaining a level of motivation. Approaching further education as an adult for me is like crossing a rope bridge...best not to look down or I would freeze.


I have contacted my two supervisors to see if they will be able to meet or chat before that. Be interesting to see what their response is...

"The human mind is like Salome at the beginning of the dance - hidden from the outside world by seven veils. Veils of reserve, shyness, fear. Now, with friends the average person will drop first one veil, then another, maybe three or four altogether. With a lover, she will take off five or even six; but never the seventh."

Dr Larsen

Submitted...

Took the plunge and applied to Oxford and Manchester. Oxford were unable to provide a suitable supervisor but suggested I proceed at least through the application without one. Given the research match with Manchester I have decided once again to make it my primary application.

Revised proposal submitted and awaiting feedback.

Very excited about the potential opportunity of Manchester...

The engine is fired up!

So following the receipt of a distinction in my Masters, I am once again applying to study for a PHd .  Had to let the Manchester offer go after deferring for 3 years.  Been doing a lot of reading and reflecting and am not going to work on the new proposal...

'The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.' Vincent T. Lombardi 

Last chance saloon...

Due to imenant birth of new baby boy I have defferred the PhD until October 2010. Manchester have said that this is the last time that they can defer...fair enough!

'We are not in a position in which we have nothing to work with. We already have capacities, talents, direction, missions, callings. A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life.' Maslow

Time Travel...

Wow that year or so went very quickly...

Close to the dissertation stage of my Masters and have re-applied to Manchester for the PhD.

If all goes it will be a September 2009 start.

'You can't build up a reputation on what you are going to do.'
-Henry Ford

Madchester!

The irony is not lost on me that after all the challenges with London Met's creaking bureaucracy, Manchester University emailed me to say that they had made me an offer of working towards a doctorate with them. Unfortunately the letter got lost in the post - they originally wrote to me in February '08! Manchester's process time 6 weeks - London Met's 6 months and counting...

I am delighted for the acknowledgement of the work I put into the proposal but in the meantime I registered with über (as in the modern use ‘super’ in a good way) efficient Sheffield to partake in their Masters in Psychotherapy. I have created a Master Madness blogspot to track my progress at Sheffield:

http://mastermadness.blogspot.com/

See you back here in a few years?!

'Young men more interested in making loud music, enjoying success and getting fucked rather than making existential statements about being fucked'
Blackmore on Joy Division