How to Research & Write a Successful PhD

A practical, step-by-step guide to postgraduate study, covering the whole research process from planning to writing up and beyond.

Undertaking a large-scale original research project involves choosing an appropriate topic, planning and carrying out the research, and analysing and writing up the data and conclusions. At PhD level, these steps can be challenging for any student. Using the tried-and-tested approach, style and pedagogy of the Smarter Student series, this text delivers timely, practical, hands-on guidance based on real-life experience from students and supervisors alike.

The book guides the student through all of the key aspects of being a researcher and delivering a successful PhD thesis. It is an invaluable tutorial and reference for those entering academic life at doctoral level, providing practical guidance, examples and tips for success on areas such as:

   Understanding the principles of postgraduateness

   Choosing a theme and topic for your research

   Writing a research proposal

   Working with your supervisor and progress monitoring committee

   Planning and managing your time and research activities

   Teaching as a postgraduate

   Ethics and safety issues in research

   Information literacy for PhD study

   Approaches to obtaining qualitative and quantitative data

   How to think critically, arrive at a position and make conclusions

   Interpreting and presenting data

   Delivering seminars and papers and presenting posters

   Successful academic writing styles and conventions

   Correct citing, referencing and avoidance of plagiarism

   Thesis structures and their presentation

   The PhD viva

   Publishing your research and job-seeking

An essential guide to success in academia at PhD level!