12th January 2011, 11:34 AM
That's a considerable amount of info to digest! I'll start by saying I did my undergraduate degree in the states, skipped the MA and moved directly onto a Phd (in the UK, been here since 1998, curse or a blessing, time will tell *laughs*). My own personal opinion mind you and specific to my aims at the time, but I didn't see the point of doing an MA. A few years back, the Phd programs in the UK underwent a bit of a change. I think the norm is now 3 years to complete. There are a whole host of things to consider, where to start! I'll have to get back to you.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.