How to Get a PhD: A Handbook for Students and Their Supervisors

“A fresh update to a true classic. This is one of the most reassuring and useful books you will ever read about doing your PhD, no matter your topic - or where you are enrolled.”

Professor Inger Mewburn, Director of Researcher Development, Office of the Dean of Higher Degree by Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia

“How to get a PhD is both honest and thorough and thus immensely helpful, for supervisors as much as for students.”

Professor Paul Allain, Dean of the Graduate and Researcher College, University of Kent, UK

“The 7th edition! ‘How to get a PhD’ is proving its status as a must read for PhDs and supervisors.”

Dr Hans Sonneveld, Founder and Board member, Netherlands Centre of Expertise for Doctoral Education

How to Get a PhD 7e provides a practical and realistic approach for all students who are embarking on a PhD. In addition, supervisors will find invaluable tips on their role in the process, good supervisory practices and how to support students to work effectively. 

Thoroughly revised and updated throughout, the seventh edition provides an overview of what it means to undertake a PhD within a modern university, exploring both the challenges and rewards of a doctoral degree, including:

• Contemporary challenges for students including transgender issues, sexual harassment, and exploitation within the academic environment

• Time demands, the balance of academia and paid work, and the uncertainty of academic careers and how this can impact students’ mental health

• Academic debates surrounding the increased importance of technology and open access

• Emphasising diversity with an increased focus on how students, supervisors and universities can work together to make a more effective and welcoming academic environment

The new edition is structured so that users can find the section that will help the specific stage of their work. With practical guidance through the application process, research, viva and post-viva, this book supports PhD students of all disciplines across their journey and beyond, including part-time, those returning to study and those who are practice-based.

Estelle M. Phillips has enjoyed a long career as an academic and independent educational consultant. She has published widely on various aspects of the PhD and has spoken at universities on four continents about the skills required to complete and supervise a PhD.

Colin G. Johnson is an associate professor at the University of Nottingham, and was formerly Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in the sciences at the University of Kent. He is an experienced PhD supervisor and examiner, and has led training courses for new PhD students and advised on postgraduate strategy for a number of universities.

Professor Derek S Pugh (1930-2015) was Emeritus Professor of International Management of the Open University Business School, UK. He published 17 books and over 100 papers in his field and had considerable experience in the design of doctoral programmes and the successful supervision and examination of PhD students.