Explore essential tips and proven methodologies to excel in your academic writing, research, and presentation skills. We’ll help you navigate the path to academic success and guide you through the intricacies of composing your thesis.

After accepting an offer
Dai Wenqi

PhD Abroad: How to Navigate Intercultural Interactions 

Are you studying for a PhD abroad? Are you worried about integrating meaningfully into your PhD life in a different country? In this article, Dai Wenqi explores how to socialise and adapt to a new culture during your PhD abroad, providing advice from her lived experiences to help you enjoy your doctoral life to the fullest. This includes respecting and engaging with the culture of your host country, learning the language (but forgo the pressure of perfect fluency), and leaning into your unique personal charm.

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Final Year Student
Jazli Aziz

How I Wrote My PhD Thesis In One Year

Is it possible to complete your PhD thesis in just one year? Read these tips and tricks for writing your own theses. Discover how Jazli prepared before writing, utilized a “changelog” for his supervisors, wrote whenever he was in the mood, worked on a flexible schedule, had a supervisor that checked his content and not his writing, and, most importantly, enjoyed writing.

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Dissertation Defence/ Viva
Sue Lynn Mah

The Week Before My Viva

Sue Lynn Mah shares her experience preparing for and passing her PhD viva in her article. In the week leading up to the big day, she re-read her thesis, had a mock viva with her supervisor, practiced explaining her work to people outside of her field, and printed out a physical copy of her thesis. Her tips for viva success include picking out your outfit in advance and practicing your elevator pitch.

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Publishing
Jennie Riley

Publishing from your PhD – What I Wish I’d Known

In this article, Jennie Riley shares what she learned about publishing from her PhD experience. She provides tips on why she decided to publish solo-authored articles instead of turning her thesis into a book, the difference between submitting a chapter and an article, the importance of resilience, and reframing feedback.

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Career and Networking
Michael Nkrumah-Appau

Finding the Right Supervisors: An Underrated Springboard to Enjoying the PhD Journey 

Mentors and supervisors are invaluable helpers on our PhD journey, yet this aspect of a PhD is often not considered enough to ensure they are the right fit for us. This article, from a Ghanian perspective, provides advice on finding and maintaining the right supervisors, who have the potential to completely transform one’s PhD journey into an enjoyable one. It reminds us that supervisors should be seen not as someone to try to replicate, but to springboard us into attaining our own personal goals.

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Alternative Careers
Stuart Blaney

PhD in Later Life: It’s Never Too Late To Be a Student

This article explores the experience of doing a part-time distance PhD in later life. The author’s age was an advantage, allowing them to focus on their thesis without distractions or major hiccups. The article reflects on how to make for a smooth doctorate – emphasising the importance of strong interest in your topic, supervisors who are easy to work with, and a bit of luck!

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