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PhD Student Guides

As a prospective PhD student, you’re likely to have a lot of questions about the doctoral journey. Whether you’re keen to make your own research proposal or you’re applying for an advertised PhD project, the process is very different to what you may have experienced during your Bachelors or Masters degree.

Similarly, the funding situation can seem more complicated for doctoral candidates, with competition often tough for the most prestigious studentship schemes.

Over the years, we’ve written hundreds of guides on the topics that matter most to prospective PhD researchers. They cover everything from writing a research proposal and finding a supervisor to completing your thesis and acing your viva exam.


Notes From My First Year of a PhD

Think you know what starting a PhD is really like? Charlotte, a second-year student, reflects on her first year and shares it all.

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Protecting Your Mental Health in Your Final PhD Year

It's important to take care of yourself during your PhD, particularly in the final stretch! Holly, a final year student, has some tips for you!

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Some Postgraduate Students Exempt From 2026 Canada Study Permit Caps

Here's the latest on the Canada study permit caps for 2026. Find out more about what you can expect if you're studying abroad in Canada soon.

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Ethics 101: A Step-By-Step Guide for Research with Participants

Working with people for your PhD research? Holly talks you through the ethics application process which you'll need to complete before you can start.

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A Week in the Life: The PhD Edition

Wondering what life looks like on a PhD programme? Charlotte breaks down a recent week in her life to help give you an insight.

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3-year vs 4-year PhD projects: What Do Students Have to Say?

Are you curious about studying a three-year or a four-year PhD project but not sure what to expect. PhD student, Holly shares her experience and other students and what they think of both types of PhD courses.

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Final Year PhD Student in 3. . . 2. . . 1

Holly's penned down some thoughts (and her battle plan to deal with them!) as she heads into her final PhD year.

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Making Summer (aka The Academic Ghost Town) Work For You

Holly’s tips for staying productive and continuing to make progress during the quieter summer months.

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What It’s Really Like Doing a PhD: My Honest Take

PhD student Ademola's blog offers an honest glimpse into what the journey is really like.

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How I’m (Sort of) Managing Work-Life Balance as a First-Year PhD Student

Hear from first-year PhD student Charlotte on how to strike that delicate balance between your PhD and your life outside research.

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