PhD: An uncommon guide to research, writing & PhD life

by James Hayton

“I started my PhD in September 2003, but it wasn’t long before I realised that it’s much easier to get onto a PhD programme than it is to complete one…” If the aim of a PhD is to develop the skills of a professional academic researcher, how should you go about it? Using the principles of skill development as a foundation, this book provides a unique approach to the most common challenges of PhD research, Getting to know the literature in your field Developing your research ideas Becoming a better academic writer Coping with the stress and unpredictability of research Publications and presentations Writing, submitting and defending your thesis

Genres: Nonfiction

210 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2015

Reviews

[Cinzia DuBois · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I’ve left the final chapter about “final year” for when I get to that next year haha.

[Zach Hollifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I am not embarking on a PhD, I am entering into a ThM program in the fall*, Lord willing, and this was an excellent introduction and guide to postgraduate research and writing–particularly for programs with a large thesis as mine will have.


*ended up deferring to the Fall of 2023

[Esraa · Rating 5 out of 5]

very helpful book , easy to read , lots of tips wish I had known in my master's :)

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Anthony Locke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hayton’s book is a short guide to effective thesis writing. Some distinguishing thoughts from his approach emphasizes doing good research up-front and writing your paper sequentially. The latter point was interesting to me because I’ve personally benefited from more generative writing – writing based on present inspiration/available research for a paper, even if it is out of order. The book reads more like a series of blog posts which simultaneously made it a quick but more informal read.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of practical advice that you can action as suits.

[Gisela RC · Rating 5 out of 5]

An uncommon guide for people doing a PhD, indeed. This book is light and very clear, something highly appreciated if you already have to read a lot for your own research. But don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the content, it actually holds incredibly valuable tips and not so common approaches for e.g. academic writing. The main takeaway for me has been to develop a mindset for ‘staying with the problems’, as they inevitably arise throughout the PhD journey. I cannot recommend this book enough to people doing a master’s or doctorate degree, the earlier in the course, the better.

[Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely readable, and tone seemed just right. Great to see affirmations and further advice on things I had to pick up along the way in graduate school, down to the littlest habits of effective research and best practices on managing oneself with the ups and downs of unpredictable research. Grateful to have read this at the conclusion of my MS which felt like a mini-PhD and feeling equipped for the road ahead.

[Jorgen Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly common sense. Some good tips.

[Humberto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me consider pursuing a PhD.