During the early stages of your PhD research project you will need to think about gaining ethical approval which is required before you can begin the actual research. All higher education institutions have their own specific requirements in relation to research activity and are required to demonstrate ethical compliance. Research methods that

The viva is widely recognised as the final stage in a doctoral study where candidates are required to defend their research. But doctoral students are assessed much earlier in a similar fashion through the interim assessment. In some cases students who apply to do a PhD may be asked to register on a master’s research [...]

Postgraduate researchers rate supervision as the most important aspect of a doctoral research programme, according to a new survey by the Higher Education Academy (HEA). The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey 2011, now in its fourth year, gathers the views of current postgraduate research students across the UK. Supervision has

I was fortunate enough to gain a PhD studentship that provides funding for three years, although I have four years in which to complete it. Right from the start my supervisor said that I should aim to complete all the work within three years. If you are a full-time PhD researcher like me that is [...]

At long last I have finally finished my literature review and 11,000 words later I can attest to the fact that patience is a virtue – but undertaking a PhD is not a race and it is best conducted at a steady, consistent pace. During my first year of PhD study I often felt that [...]