Ideas about doctoral study and academic life are often shaped by cultural stereotypes, informal narratives, and selective visibility. Some of these ideas are partially grounded
A clear, neutral explanation of who doctoral study tends to suit, including goals, working preferences, structural factors, and common misunderstandings.
A Master’s degree and a PhD are both postgraduate qualifications, but they serve different functions within academia. The distinction affects expectations around study, research, independence,
A clear, neutral explanation of what academia is, how it functions, and how academic knowledge is produced, taught, and evaluated.
This article explores how advice, whether solicited or unsolicited, can damage the morale and hope of those doing a PhD. The purpose of this article is to comment on the boundaries that researchers must put in place to avoid being negatively affected: we must be discerning as to whether advice is useful and pertinent, or whether it is not applicable to us. The main message is: don’t listen to everyone, and trust your own judgement!
Part 2 of an atypical guide to getting a PhD, structured as ten tips. This article highlights a 10-year trek to a bachelor’s degree and a much-delayed 3.5-year sprint to a doctorate – all before age 50!
