1. How did you choose your research topic?

2. While I was doing my Masters degree my mentor interested me in a new area of study……

3. I worked in the summer for an optoelectronics company and got interested. A project came up at Southampton and I knew they had a great reputation…….

4. I had been travelling and came to visit my previous Professor
I had been travelling and came to visit my previous Professor. He sent me to talk to somebody in the department who had funding for this project. It involved the sea and I’m a surfer 

5. I chose my research topic because I am against violence in the media.

6. I saw an advert on the School’s website, came for interview and was appointed.

7. I knew the area I wanted to work in and was in the right place at the right time when a specific funded opportunity came up.

8. I chose my topic on the basis of intellectual interest.

9. In the course of my work with patients I became aware that this needed further research. I had to be very persuasive to convince my current supervisors but they are right behind me now!

10. The topic was proposed by my supervisor but I have adapted it and made it my own.

11. The responses you have seen are based on
the answers given by real postgraduates who were showcasing their work in Spring 2007
the reflections of supervisors
some Internet based research!