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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.


6 Useful Social Media Sites for Prospective PhD Students

Social media can be harnessed for creating an effective online CV, networking, communicating your research, and keeping up-to-date with research.

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7 Other People Involved in your PhD

You're not on your own when doing a doctorate degree. Here's everyone else involved in your PhD.

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Preparing for your PhD: 5 Top Tips Before You Start a PhD

About to start your PhD? Here are five handy pieces of advice to begin in the best way.

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Skipping a Masters on the Way to a PhD: The Road Less Travelled

Typically, the path to a PhD begins with a Bachelors course and continues through a Masters degree. However, it is possible to skip a Masters and pass straight to a PhD degree.

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Seven Steps to a Successful Research Proposal

Writing your research proposal can be a mysterious process filled with many unknowns. Here is some advice on how to do it in seven steps.

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The Different Types of PhD Supervisor – How to Choose Your Yoda

Shopping around for a supervisor? Let us help you make the right choice. What kind of mentors can you expect to find?

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To PhD or Not to PhD?

As prestigious as it is and fulfilling as it can be, a PhD isn't for everyone. So how do you know if it's the right option for you? Victoria's story offers some advice for anyone reflecting on their plans right now.

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First Steps Into a PhD: Being a Toddler Again

The first semester of your PhD can really shake your confidence, particularly in a technical subject like Science. Here’s some advice on how to survive your initial months.

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Review: How to Complete a PhD in the Medical and Clinical Sciences

Our review of 'How to Complete a PhD in the Medical and Clinical Sciences', edited by Dr Ashton Barnett-Vanes and Dr Rachel Allen (Wiley-Blackwell, 2017)

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Review: Your PhD Thesis: How to Plan, Draft, Revise & Edit Your Thesis

Our review of 'Your PhD Thesis: How to Plan, Draft, Revise & Edit Your Thesis' by Prof Robert C. Brewer (Studymates, 2007)

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