Category: Your Academic Journey

Explore the world of doctoral research and academia with insights, tips, and guidance for prospective and current PhD students. Navigate the challenges and rewards of the doctoral journey.

Academic Careers

PhD Wisdom from ‘The Thesis Whisperer’ Inger Mewburn: Working Sustainably, AI Panic, and Careers Hope

Inger ‘The Thesis Whisperer’ Mewburn is something of a superhero to PhD students around the world, dedicated to improving doctoral experiences and post-PhD employability. In this interview, our Editor-in-Chief Charlotte Marino is delighted to share Inger’s wisdom on everything from careers advice to the moral panic around AI – all the while advocating for a kinder, more inclusive academia.

The H in PhD Stands for Hope: Remaining Hopeful in a PhD Journey

15 Years in Academia: 10 Things I’d Do Differently If Starting My PhD Again

Neurodivergence, Mental Health and the PhD: A Compilation of Advice and Support

Coping with Bereavement During a PhD: Grow Around the Grief

Full-Circle Journey of a Doctoral Student: Applications, Interviews, and Mentoring Others

Navigating Reflexivity: A Guided Example to Move Beyond Reflection

Panic! at the PhD: Where to Begin and How to Make It Your Own

Applying for a PhD Abroad: How to Thrive as an International Student

Supporting Your Wellbeing as an Autistic Postgraduate Researcher

Realising I Have ADHD During My PhD: A Hidden Battle

Featured Academic

Mojalefa Daniel Maluka

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Autism

Supporting Your Wellbeing as an Autistic Postgraduate Researcher

Nurturing your wellbeing is a crucial part of the PhD. This article is packed with wisdom and insights on supporting (and advocating for) your own wellbeing during the PhD journey, from an autistic perspective. It emphasises the need to remind yourself of the wider picture and embrace the ups and downs of the PhD journey.

Experiences

Who Am I? The Role Of ‘Imposter Syndrome’ Within My Doctoral Journey So Far.

Jess Wythe talks about her experience with imposter syndrome, an issue that many in academia can relate to but is not often discussed. She discusses her feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy and how she learned to cope with them.

Experiences

Open To Change: How I Went From Writing About Medieval Witchcraft To The Virgin Mary

Discover how Vanessa Corcoran, a historian with a focus on medieval witchcraft, pivoted her dissertation topic to the Virgin Mary after immersing herself in coursework on medieval religious history. Learn how her decision was received by her professors, the challenges she encountered, and what inspired her to make the shift.

After accepting an offer

Applying for a PhD Abroad: How to Thrive as an International Student

Are you applying for a PhD program in a new country and feeling overwhelmed? This article offers some top tips on how to successfully navigate the international waters to help yourself thrive abroad! Important considerations include researching the right country/university fit for you, giving plenty of time to getting a residence permit, and helping yourself feel part of a community in your new city.

Experiences

Six Ways To Prepare For Your Upcoming PhD

Dr Chris Thompson offers six ways to prepare for a PhD. Alongside finding rest, students should reach out to current PhD students or experienced academics to absorb their wisdom, research their new surroundings, and connect with future colleagues to create a network before starting.

First Year Student

To-Do: Write A Thesis – Reflecting On My PhD Experience So Far & Advice For New PhD Students

In this reflective article, Gemma Rides shares her PhD experience so far and provides advice for new PhD students. She discusses the importance of talking to supervisors and other students, getting into a routine, celebrating small achievements, and remembering that a PhD is more than just writing a thesis.

Autism

Supporting Your Wellbeing as an Autistic Postgraduate Researcher

Disability

Neurodivergence, Mental Health and the PhD: A Compilation of Advice and Support

Are you navigating a PhD with neurodivergence and mental health challenges, or want to find out how you can support those who do? In this article, our Editor-in-Chief reflects on five impactful stories from PhDers who’ve been there. Discover their strategies for success and prioritising wellbeing in an often-unaccommodating world. Click the subheadings to enjoy the full articles for yourself!

Your Academic Journey

Applications and Funding

Career and Networking

Thesis and Dissertation

Category: Your Academic Journey

PhD Wisdom from ‘The Thesis Whisperer’ Inger Mewburn: Working Sustainably, AI Panic, and Careers Hope

Most recent

The H in PhD Stands for Hope: Remaining Hopeful in a PhD Journey

15 Years in Academia: 10 Things I’d Do Differently If Starting My PhD Again

Neurodivergence, Mental Health and the PhD: A Compilation of Advice and Support

Coping with Bereavement During a PhD: Grow Around the Grief

Full-Circle Journey of a Doctoral Student: Applications, Interviews, and Mentoring Others

Navigating Reflexivity: A Guided Example to Move Beyond Reflection

Panic! at the PhD: Where to Begin and How to Make It Your Own

Applying for a PhD Abroad: How to Thrive as an International Student

Supporting Your Wellbeing as an Autistic Postgraduate Researcher

Realising I Have ADHD During My PhD: A Hidden Battle

Mojalefa Daniel Maluka

Supporting Your Wellbeing as an Autistic Postgraduate Researcher

Who Am I? The Role Of ‘Imposter Syndrome’ Within My Doctoral Journey So Far.

Open To Change: How I Went From Writing About Medieval Witchcraft To The Virgin Mary

Applying for a PhD Abroad: How to Thrive as an International Student

Six Ways To Prepare For Your Upcoming PhD

To-Do: Write A Thesis – Reflecting On My PhD Experience So Far & Advice For New PhD Students

Supporting Your Wellbeing as an Autistic Postgraduate Researcher

Neurodivergence, Mental Health and the PhD: A Compilation of Advice and Support

Most recent

Mojalefa Daniel Maluka

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