Studying in UK? What is the difference between MPhil and PhD programme?

Salam and hi!

If you realised, not much issue during first degree or master but when it comes to PhD, it seems to me tonnes of hurdles you need to pass before you finally reach destination. Challenges are aplenty for women especially when you are dealing with your research, writing up literature review, analysis, findings, errrr husband, kids, preparing food for family, do laundry and so many more! 

Here I want to share few information about studying in UK. First year students are known as MPhil students and once you pass your mini viva (known as PhD defend, upgrade document presentation,etc), you are a confirmed PhD candidate. Please do check with the relevant university first before you apply ok. Double check, make sure you are apply for PhD programme not the MPhil. The MPhil is part of PhD because during the first year, one is not considered a full pledge PhD candidate but a provisional one. Provisional PhD candidate is equivalent to MPhil. 

Well, the first year is crucial as you will have to be evaluated by way of a viva voce for transfer or upgrade from provisional status to full phD candidate. Sometimes, at certain Universities in UK, you will be rewarded MPhil but most Universities will just upgrade you and proceed with you second year and beyond.

Most PhD programme in UK is 3 years but the system allows you for an extended time of one year to complete your thesis, hence its 3+1. BUT.... beware for those who applying PhD programme, a MPhil will also be given to a PhD registered student if upon the viva, the panel thinks that the research is not a PhDable one but only qualified for MPhil only. Make sure you do really well for your mini viva (your upgrade document presentation).

Good luck to you and all ladies! xxx

Ramadan Kareem!

Salam Ramadhan everyone! Happy fasting! I am so excited today -- it's Ramadhan month. Alhamdullilah I am so glad that I could be able to experience my first Ramadhan in summer. I didn't make any extra preparations for this Summer Ramadhan. Fasting for 20 hours during Summer need a lot of energy. Phew! I need to be extra cautious about my cooking tips because I need a good, nutrient-rich food that provide me and husband a lot of energy when we are fasting for long hours. I received a lot of tips from my parents, cousins, sister in law and mother in law about 'eat real food' for sahur.

• Avoid drink tea and coffee for sahur.

"Both will dehydrate your body slowly over the course of the day. We need a lot of water in our body, so avoid it! Or if you really want to drink it, drink less ok. Drink a lot of plain water."

•  Eat more dates.

"Rasullulah breaks his fast with dates and if he doesn't have dates, he breaks his fast with plain water". Water is a purifier and dates contains lots of important vitamins, rich in minerals, sugar, protein and some fat which supply a lot of energy into the body. 

• Sleep at daytime for a couple hours.

"Ramadhan always associated with changes of lifestyle - daytime sleepiness. Ramadhan during Summer occurs influences the length of fasting and also affected our patterns of sleep when our Maghrib is at 10pm and Subuh at 2.30am (4 hours 30 mins only). I sleep for a couple hours at daytime because I want to stay up for sahur and Subuh, then I go back to sleep again and ready to go to the office. 

"Errr...what is she trying to do? Wann, are you sure with that posed?"


Allah knows the best!

Today, I masak sweet and sour fish, kailan ikan main and telur dadar.. Perut Melayu sangat! Looking forward for tomorrow!

Outfit for today:
Shawl : Naelofarhijab
Top : Kenneth Cole Reaction
Jeans : ZARA

Back to 70s

Salam and hi!

Mini skirts, caftan, tank tops, disco fashion, checkers, polka-dots, and many more. So many things I can relate to 70s fashion. I'll try to mix and match for 'Majlis Sireh Pulang ke Gagang' organised by Kelab UMNO Lancaster, Lancaster University Malaysian Society and HELWA Lancaster. Sometimes, I realised one frequently worn style was my mom dress with a high lace trimmed neck and floral print design skirt. Typical short pants and mini skirt and a maxi dress. I wonder  how can I translate my wardrobe into 70s to fit with the farewell dinner theme. Aiyayayayaya. Blank!

70s aren't my favourite fashion decades though until I googled few information about be retro chic with 70s style! The lively, disco-infused with mainstream fashion, platform wedges, glitter and anything to do with polyester made the 70s apparel so much funky! So many styles for 70s fashion such as punk, disco, hippies, flower child and this style is too extreme to be worn on the everyday. 

Got a wardrobe crammed full of clothes but I still have nothing to wear. I chunk the lot out and I feel a lot better - I thought I would never have gorgeous tops and skirts huhuhu. But finally, I decided to mix and match; flared skirt, polka-dots blouse and a belt! I have been doing research about 70s fashion for a couple weeks but a couple hours before the dinner, after having tried on every item of clothing I owned, I managed to go back to basics. Simple polka-dots top and a plain skirt by Syomir Izwa. 

I wore:

Top : H&M

Skirt : Syomir Izwa

Clutch : Miss Selfridge

Glasses : Rayban

Necklace : Dorothy Perkins

Lancaster was sunny but strong winds!

Good day in Lancaster

Salam and hi...

I don't regret what I've been through lately. I've learned a lot. I've had ups and downs and sometimes it gets really highs and sometimes really low. I've been so blessed that I realised my mistakes that I've done. Sometimes I wish "this didn't happen". But I know I can't let myself be beat because of mistakes I've done. Allah loves me because He gave me guts to admit my mistakes and realised that my actions were wrong.

But we learn from the biggest disappointments right? I am trying to learn how to be humble to myself and to be humble to others. Either you can knocked down by the negative things or you can take it in a positive way and learn from it.

I've been belted into that roller coaster a thousands times and the tough deals that I went through define who I am. 

I wore:

Jacket : New Look

Tops : Topshop

Jeans : Armani Exchange

Boots : Nine West

Shawl : Cortesia Kul by Sue

Why being so JUDGMENTAL?

Salam...

Allahuakbar. 

Sometimes I wonder, what is wrong with people nowadays? Why people become more judgmental just by what they see from the outside. 

Being an Internet trolling, spreading rumours, double standard...

At the risk of shooting myself in the foot and having no-one from the list ever talk to me everywhere. I think I have made a point -- I believe the criticism of behaviour on Facebook, Twitter, etc is more towards a personal attack and that such criticism of behaviour is not valid, irrespective of the way is delivered. 

Well, from my previous tweet I wrote, "It is not easy to please everyone even though you are a NUTELLA!" You are a human being. Nobody is perfect. Remember, you can't make everyone happy. 

My two cents.

Wallahualam.

It's spring in Lancaster

Salam..

Weather in England is extremely unpredictable – typical British springtime (difficult to predict though). But only that I care now is… it’s MAY – Spring! It is not really Spring in Lancaster anyway. But today, I can see out the window some sunshine, green leaves and flowers everywhere.

Pack my camera, clear out all problems and start taking pictures.

Hello daffodils! Hello tulips!

*put shades on.

p/s: Some people asked. So here it is.
Leather jacket : Topshop
Gloves : H&M
Shawl : (Bought it at Jalan TAR)


Till next time!

Carly Rae Jepsen - I Really Like You

Am I the only one who didn't notice Justin even after I watched the video like 3 times? But who cares anyway! Tom Hanks is in it! Soooo cute! 

Hijab girls? Muslim girls?

I don't get it when people always have this thought about Hijab Girls that they are always having to behave like 'angels no matter what'. They are also human with normal limitations. Muslim or no, no women should be treated like that and I have very high salute on those girls as they were able to defend themselves.  

The guy on the other hand, is an embarrassment for all the men. And his wife, not stopping her husband behaving like a beast, is just plain low. I can't say about their 'attitude as Muslim  women' because as much as women are supposed to be "proper", if I was insulted like that, I would definitely just knock him out. I know who I am and I will not take it lying down. 

It also DOES NOT mean that I am less of a person. I can understand how they feel. Is there a difference between a man defending himself and a woman doing the same thing? Why the double standard?

Are we on the same side too? Share your opinions with me too.

Stress

Astagfirullah-al-azim....

Lately I feel so stressed and depressed after came back from Germany. Well, I know I am not alone. We will feel this way from time to time depending on what's going on but someday we will figure it out -- being lost is part of the process. For first year PhD student, please do not jump to reading about VIVA stuff or more advances things than the 'phase' you are in - like I did before and I psych! Believe me, the whole PhD did not make sense until the very last year...and all along the small little pieces, writing here and there help to shape it together. Then, rewrite again. Your first year, the research is more likely to 'internet language' and that is crazy huge thing and it will take few years of work to reach specific topic. But most importantly, you should know that in the second year of PhD process, all research pieces are everywhere -- here and there! Totally mess up!

But.....

Don't worry.. Heads up!

If you are feeling lost, please share and discuss it with anyone anytime like in private not in a group. Obviously nobody may have the answers but what I learned is discussing stuff that you're unsure of with other people clarify that crazy stuff in our heads better! After all, please don't give up, don't stress and keep it up! Grab your luggage, pack all your belongings and fly! Travel ok!

InsyaAllah...

Love,

Nysa Mustaffa

xxxx

- Lancaster Uni

- 11.20 pm

- Spring but still freezing :)

Well worth it!

Salam and hi all again!

Unbelievable spring break for a week -- to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Munich, Germany. A new town was made large enough to host the big event -- International Olympic. It is located at the base of Zugspitze, the tallest mountain in Germany and perfect for skiing and other winter sports. The town is truly one of majestic must-see in Germany. 

Beautiful view from our guesthouse -- beautiful mountain views with famous Bavarian Alps.

Subhanallah. Outstanding views with some tight areas with lot of people around. I was amazed by the deep gorgeous and violent river and mountains. 

I went to the Olympia Stadium and walk along a gently sloping area for about 15 minutes -- ended up at Olympia restaurant because it was so freezing outside! LOL!

Snowing! Me at Olympia Stadium, Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Alpspitze!

MasyaAllah -- my jaw dropped! We arrived on the Alpspitzbahn cable car. There are many paths taking you to close up the mountain or to the valley below. It was absolutely an awesome experience with amazing view from the platform. It makes you feel like floating over the abyss! It scares me a lot but I really want to look the view -- so I just walk on the Aussichts platform and making sure just don't look straight down! LOL! Breathtaking and rejuvenating at the same time~ 

My German little sweetheart. We are going for skiing! Really Nysa??? skiiii?? LOL! *I am scared of height and speed. --'

Gayatttttt.... but Subhanallah... *speechless!

Hiiiiiii!!!!!!!

Adoi.. Sejuk but believe me...I got sunburnt. Hmmm

Partnachklamm -- a MUST place to visit! We decided not to hike the stairs up to the gorge. We took cable car to see our perfect sunset along with beautiful snow view from the top. 

Believe me -- you must be able and willing to walk a bit ok! 

Oimaaaakkk! scariest snowman I've ever seen! Nooooooo! LOL!

I will share more about Garmisch-Partenkirchen with you soon! see ya!!! Salam xxx

Lancaster - snowing again!

Salam and Hi all!

Ya Allah I was so excited yesterday because Lancaster snowed all day! I thought it was only hail but suddenly snow covered the roofs, roads and it just kept on falling. The temperatures was -1'c and I thought the snow melts away but it wasn't. My husband grabbed camera and started shooting. 

But remember, snow creates tricky conditions for photography though but you need to be armed with a pair of gloves because it's freeeezing!

I am still waiting my real snow -- next trip to Germany, InsyaAllah. I'll definitely share pictures and stories in Germany soon!

Here, more pictures of snow.

Well, selfie...is a must!

Beautiful view of Lancaster University.

Sledging in the snow....not the best idea. Sliding down at high speed across the snow and dodging the lumps was pretty fun! Snowball fights, massive jumps, freezing cold fingers and giggling - PERFECT!

With beautiful people too!

Till I meet u again -- next post! My short spring break to Germany.

PhD Journey

Salam and Hi again…

Yesterday I had meeting with David, my PhD supervisor. Alhamdullilah, the discussion went well so far and received an effective and useful tips and advice from him as well. The discussions went on and on about my quality of writing and make my content more expansive. As I mentioned on previous post, I will share few experience about the truths of your PhD supervisor.

Enjoy your so-called '3 years research practical'. Enjoy and live your 'practical' journey to the fullest!!

Your supervisor’s ability.

Before you select and decide who is going to be your PhD supervisor, make sure you are select the right supervisor and he/she the one with you whom feel comfortable. Make sure that your supervisor is an experienced supervisor – check his/her profile and studies background on the website first because in the end of the day, you need a whole commitment from your supervisor and effective supervision through your PhD thesis writing completions. Gather information and ask questions before make your decision.

Don’t let your institution override your choice.

You choose your supervisor! And it is all about whom you feel comfortable for three or four years PhD journey. Inform your institution and give them rational explanations why your supervisor is appropriate with your thesis title.

Keep hunting your supervisor. Not waiting for them to email you.

I know it is impossible to find PhD supervisor with a strong profile – disappear, on sabbatical leave, etc. They are often declining your requests for meetings because too busy handling other projects, hunting for grants, attending conferences, travelling and all. But, don’t let them disappear for long time. Keep email and request if they are available for progress meeting. Don’t be scared. Just ask. Weekly supervisory meetings are the best! They are your supervisor – not man eater. LOL!

Don’t scare to ask. Your supervisor is your wise teacher and protector.

Your supervisor will protect you from ‘the system’ – ethical, annual report, monthly reports, presentations, progress meeting reports, etc. A good supervisor will protect you from the extremes of supervisory administration.  Your supervisor is your partnership! Your supervisor is the one ‘turbo change’ your work. 

Snow strikes again

Assalamualaikum and Hi everyone...

Alhamdullilah Allah gave me another opportunity to feel the snow again. I took my weekend off from my desk since I have been working for few days with thesis correction and make my subtopics more expansive. I only have 8 months left before my first year appraisal presentation -- I need to cover the whole Chapter 1,2 and 3. InsyaAllah one day, I will share the PhD experience with you all. The ups and downs of being a full time PhD student in foreign country -- far from home, family and all. It is so challenging...

Oh yes, I went to Sheffield last Saturday -- we wanted to join Malaysian Games at Sheffield University. Unfortunately, we were stranded at Peak District on our way to Sheffield -- blame the heavy snow! Heacy snow has been making its way across Peak District and leading to road and caused disrupting -- dangerous to drive on. 

MasyaAllah, it was sooo beautiful and freezing cold. I haven't seen 5-10cm of snow. The snow was thick. 

On our way to Sheffield - Peak District - fog, mist, cloud and snow. MasyaAllah.

I got so excited and forgot to put on my jacket. It was so freezing cold --- the temperature that time was -2'c. Brrrrrrr.....

The view of Peak District. Thank u Allah.. I was lucky enough to get out into the snow in the Peak District this year and capture some stunning pictures to share with all readers. 

Peak District is one of famous national parks in UK. It is located in the East Midlands.

Is this most mesmerising and pretty picture of the winter? LOL! candid photo of me. Thanks hubby! 

SLEDGING time and FEELING young again! yooohooooo! LOL!

And today is Monday. Monday is my working day.. So OK Nysa,, it's time to log off. Till we meet again beloved readers... Next post, I will share you my PhD experience and PhD tips from my supervisor. I hope next meeting with my supervisor, I can grab my phone quickly and snap a picture of my supervisor, David James and share in this blog. Hihihii! Byeee. Salammm xxxx