Getting to Grips with Doctoral Research

I have been really enthused through reading this book and would have no hesitation in recommending it to students and colleagues alike as it is so well written and current for today's market. This publication has all the makings of a bestseller.' - Dr. Ian Taylor, University of Brighton, UK 'I would definitely recommend this book to students who are accepted into PhD programmes. As I was reading it, I kept thinking about my own experience as a doctoral student and going through the process - and how spot on the book is!' - Professor Kristen Williams, Clark University, USA

Confused about your doctoral studies? Not sure what's required but unable to ask? This book can help! Aware of the difficulties faced by many doctoral students, it clarifies common concerns about the processes, conventions and expectations involved and helps to avoid needless mistakes that can be costly in terms of time, money and research quality.This text demystifies the doctoral research process and provides readers with a better understanding of the processes, conventions and expectations involved. It recognises the challenges faced by students and proposes practical solutions to common problems. Early chapters provide an overview of the research process and key decisions that will need to be made. Subsequent chapters give guidance on refining a research topic, developing a proposal, carrying out research and writing the thesis. Each chapter is enlivened by case studies which focus on real students’ experiences of the different stages of doctoral research. This will be an indispensable resource for current and prospective doctoral students of all subject areas.