This book offers a candid and unflinching account of the PhD experience in a sector marked by precarity, insecurity, and intense competition. Throughout the volume, current and former PhD students reflect on their varied journeys, addressing challenges such as balancing study with family life, navigating ethical dilemmas and managing mental health.
The collection brings together a diverse range of voices from the PhD community, sharing personal thoughts, lived experiences, and 'in-the-moment' accounts of life as a doctoral candidate within the context of higher education.
By demystifying the PhD journey and offering valuable insights, this book serves as essential reading for both PhD students and their supervisors.
Table of Contents:
Foreword - Sarah Pemberton
Introduction - Sarah Jones, Mikahil Azad, Liam Miles, and Adam Lynes
PART I
1. Re- entering academia: the unexpected journey - Sarah Jones
2. Entering the fray: the hyper-competitive PhD environment - Alexander Black
3. Conceptualising a PhD topic: navigating my way through academia - Mikahil Azad
4. New horizons: moving countries to start the PhD - Eliska Suchomel Duskova
5. From home to the unknown: applying for postgraduate study in the UK from the global south - Manikandan Soundararajan
Editor reflections on Part I
PART II
6. Navigating the depths of grief: a journey through grief while pursuing a PhD - Rio Waldock
7. Double duty: undertaking PhD research while being a full- time lecturer - Charlotte Rigby
8. Balancing act: balancing family life with the PhD - Suzanne Baggs
9. Managing the mind and PhD’ing - Abigail Shaw
Editor reflections on Part II
PART III
10. Safety in cultures of precarity: complex trauma and the value of ‘trauma-informed’ PhD supervision - Lisa Edge
11. Working for nothing: the exploitation of postgraduate students - Kyla Bavin
12. How close is too close? Ethical tensions and reflections in the Breddon Centre - Kavya Padmanabhan
13. Methodology unravelled: safely crossing the research minefield - Liam Miles
Editor reflections on Part III
PART IV
14. ‘Light at the end of the tunnel’: the Viva and beyond - Nick Gibbs
15. The whispers of doubt: ten years after the PhD and pervasive imposter syndrome - Adam Lynes
16. Fifteen years later, at the moral crossroads: retaining purpose and direction in the face of academic capitalism - Daniel Briggs
17. Mentoring moments: a collaborative reflection on supervision - Chelsea Braithwaite, Owen Hodgkinson, and James Treadwell
Editor reflections on Part IV
Conclusion - Sarah Jones, Mikahil Azad, Liam Miles, and Adam Lynes
About the Author :
Sarah Jones is a Visiting Lecturer and a PhD Researcher in social sciences at Birmingham City University.
Mikhail Azad is a PhD Researcher in social sciences at Birmingham City University.
Liam Miles is a PhD researcher in social sciences at Birmingham City University.
Adam Lynes is an Associate Professor in social sciences at Birmingham City University.
Review :
‘In a world where academic pursuits often overshadow the personal narratives behind them, this powerful new book on the doctoral journey stands as a beacon of inspiration and introspection. Through a collection of deeply personal stories, the book offers a rare glimpse into the lives of doctoral candidates, revealing the emotional, intellectual and sometimes tumultuous paths they navigate. What sets this book apart is its unwavering focus on reflexive accounts. These stories are not just about the academic milestones achieved, but about the profound self-discovery and growth that accompany them. The authors courageously share their vulnerabilities, triumphs and the moments of doubt that shape their journeys. This candidness fosters a sense of connection and empathy, making the reader feel as though they are part of a larger, supportive community. For the next generation of scholars, this book is an invaluable resource. It underscores the importance of reflection in the academic process, encouraging readers to look beyond their research and consider the broader impact of their work on their personal and professional lives. The reflexive accounts serve as a reminder that the doctoral journey is not just about acquiring knowledge but about becoming a more self-aware and resilient individual. Moreover, the book highlights the diverse experiences of doctoral candidates from various backgrounds, emphasizing that there is no singular path to success. This inclusivity is crucial for fostering a more equitable and supportive academic environment. By highlighting these varied narratives, the book inspires future scholars to embrace their unique journeys and to find strength in their individuality. In conclusion, this book is a testament to the power of personal stories in academia. It is a must-read for anyone embarking on or currently navigating the doctoral journey. The insights and reflections shared within its pages will undoubtedly resonate with readers, offering guidance, comfort and inspiration as they forge their own paths.’ Martin Glynn, Birmingham City University
