Advice for surviving your PhD dissertation

By Eliza.Compton, 27 June, 2024
Surviving a PhD spotlight image
Tips for each step of researching, writing and refining a PhD dissertation
Advice for surviving your PhD dissertation
Tips for each step of researching, writing and refining a PhD dissertation
Surviving a PhD spotlight image

From initial research and writing to revision, defence and award, the journey to completing a PhD is often described as a marathon. Here, academics offer their insight on each step towards producing an original work of scholarship. Starting with choosing a supervisor and establishing healthy habits, the advice goes on to cover how to structure a PhD dissertation, establish a writing routine, write an abstract, prepare for a viva and beat procrastination when motivation flags.

By Eliza.Compton, 21 June, 2024

Get a head start in the first year of your PhD

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Male university student in library
Even a marathon begins with first steps, and so it makes sense to master motivation, set healthy habits and get writing early to reap the reward of a polished dissertation at the end of the PhD journey, writes Andreï Kostryka
Reading time
5minutes
How to start writing your PhD thesis
Resources
By kiera.obrien, 17 June, 2024

How to navigate the PhD thesis

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A woman takes notes from an open textbook
The PhD thesis may be a mountain to climb, but you can take it one step at a time. Luis R Rojas-Solórzano offers his guidance
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4minutes
By kiera.obrien, 4 June, 2024

One thesis, two supports, three months

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A pin stuck in a calendar on a date that reads: "Write your thesis!"
Completing a thesis within 12 weeks may seem impossible, but by combining AI and your supervisor’s expertise, it can be done. Mariam Shadan shows how
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5minutes
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By Laura.Duckett, 6 May, 2024

How to tackle the PhD dissertation

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Woman writing in a notebook
Finding time to write can be a challenge for graduate students who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. Mabel Ho provides some tips to make the process less daunting
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4minutes
By kiera.obrien, 18 June, 2024

Get your PhD thesis beach ready

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Two sun loungers sit on white sand, shaded by a yellow beach umbrella
Prepping for the beach requires planning, effort and time management – and so does writing a PhD thesis. John Sinclair offers advice for summer days and doctoral nights
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4minutes
Finding supervision and support
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By dene.mullen, 10 January, 2023

Top tips for choosing a PhD Supervisor

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Choosing the right PhD supervisor
Özge Özden lays out the pros and cons you need to consider when choosing a supervisor, as well as five key qualities to look out for
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4minutes
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Advice for doing a PhD by publication
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By Eliza.Compton, 27 March, 2024

Publication-based doctorate: is it for me?

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Asian scholar working at laptop, PhD by publication
Potential research higher degree candidates from academia or industry will need to decide between a doctorate by thesis or by publication. Here are key questions to ask before embarking on the doctoral journey
By Eliza.Compton, 29 November, 2023

Advice for supervising a PhD by published works

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Hands writing on a laptop
The route to a PhD by published works requires a different approach to supervision. Here, Alison Brettle provides aspects to consider based on her experience conducting, supervising and developing institutional guidance
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4minutes
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By Eliza.Compton, 2 February, 2023

Read this before you write your abstract

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Writing an abstract concept illustration funnel and laptop
The abstract is arguably the most important element of a scholarly article, so it should be informative, meaningful and impactful. Michael Willis gives two objectives, and practical tips, to keep in mind
How to find motivation, keep going and finish your thesis
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By Eliza.Compton, 12 December, 2023

Five ways to beat the procrastination monster

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Man procrastinating at laptop
Writing and procrastination often go together like pen and paper, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here, Glenn Fosbraey offers strategies to stop putting off putting words on the page
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4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 2 November, 2023

What is your academic writing temperament?

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Young man writing on a laptop
Many early career researchers struggle to write enough. The key is to move away from an abstract notion of productivity and towards a productive writing process, explains Rachael Cayley. Here, she offers questions to help ECRs find their writing rhythm
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5minutes
Black female scientist in a lab
Preparing for the viva or defence of your PhD
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By Laura.Duckett, 22 May, 2024

How to answer viva questions

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Preparing for a PhD viva can be stressful, but you can take steps to ensure you answer the examiners’ questions about your thesis well. Jenny Scoles provides tips
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 5 May, 2022

Tips for writing a PhD dissertation: FAQs answered

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From how to choose a topic to writing the abstract and managing work-life balance through the years it takes to complete a doctorate, here we collect expert advice to get you through the PhD writing process