Fulfilling the Potential of Your Doctoral Experience

First Edition

Pam Denicolo - Consultant on Doctoral Education and Training
Julie Reeves - University of Southampton, UK
Dawn Duke - University of Surrey, UK

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Other Titles in:
Research Methods & Evaluation (General) | Study Skills (General) | Study Skills (PG)

October 2017 | 240 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

Do you want to thrive in your doctoral research? Do you want to do more than just survive? If so this is the book for you.

Focused on empowering the doctoral researcher, it is packed with advice on how to make the best of opportunities and enjoy your research experience while dealing with challenges. Whether you need to find sources of constructive feedback, are facing an unexpected disturbance to your project, or have ambitions beyond your academic goals, this book provides practical, flexible tips for conducting effective research and engaging with the complex world of academia, including how to:

Maintain momentum through each stage of the research process
Make the most of available resources, training, and support
Explore new technologies, networks, and dissemination strategies
Maximize the value of assessment
Use this project as a springboard into further research and career opportunities

Acknowledging that every doctoral experience is unique, this book goes beyond a script for success and instead offers a full studio of flexible, creative tools and adaptable action points that equip you to compose your own distinctive story of research success.

About the series
The Success in Research series, from Cindy Becker and Pam Denicolo, provides short, authoritative and accessible guides on key areas of professional and research development.

Avoiding jargon and cutting to the chase of what you really need to know, these practical and supportive books cover a range of areas from presenting research to achieving impact, and from publishing journal articles to developing proposals. They are essential reading for any student or researcher interested in developing their skills and broadening their professional and methodological knowledge in an academic context.

Prologue: Who will benefit from the book and why

Part I: Engaging with the process

Chapter 1: What is the point of a doctorate in the 21st century?

Chapter 2: How can you make a good start?

Chapter 3: How can you develop your role as an evolving researcher?

Part II: Success is in the detail

Chapter 4: What makes a good research story?

Chapter 5: What are the potential resources and opportunities and how can they best be utilised?

Chapter 6: How can relationships be developed to gain constructive feedback and support?

Chapter 7: How can you prepare for successful formal reviews during the doctorate?

Chapter 8: What are the criteria and how can you prepare to do well in the final assessment?

Part III: Progressing with confidence

Chapter 9: What is impact and how can it enhance future opportunities?

Chapter 10: How can you make the most of your experience at a personal level?

Chapter 11: How can you make the most of your experience for your professional career?

Chapter 12: What are the key features for transitioning into a new role?

Appendix I: Non-verbal communication: a quick guide to some important signals

Appendix II: A sample Gantt chart

Appendix III: Summary diagram of the Researcher Development Framework

Appendix IV: Advice on final assessment A & B

Appendix V: Policy Information about Impact

Appendix VI: Authors’ Doctoral Experiences

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In contrast to many other books on the doctoral experience this one is not a survival guide to the doctorate--it's an enjoyment guide. Full of advice and activities, the book guides you pro-actively through the doctoral journey with an emphasis on personal development and with an eye to the future.

Lucy Johnston

Dean of Graduate Research, University of Newcastle (Australia)

This book is essential reading for anyone undertaking a doctorate. It navigates all stages of doctoral study, suggesting strategies and negotiating stances while emphasizing personal development and future career paths. The authors’ extensive experience of supporting doctoral students shines through every page.

Rosemary Deem

Dean of the Doctoral School, Royal Holloway

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