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

Also useful for partners/parents supporting or living with PhD students to gain an insight into what postgraduate research entails and to try to understand the sometimes erratic behaviour of a PhD student!

To anyone embarking on the PhD journey (or those supporting PhD students) - do read this book and good luck.

Those of you who are yourselves Ph.D students will know how difficult it is to know where to start your research and the lack of help/guidance many students receive (although of course this depends on your supervisor and your department specifically). I personally received little help and was primarily left alone to 'get on with it'. This was very daunting to say the least.

This book is therefore a good place for those in a similar position to start. I recommend the book for either those who have recently embarked on a PhD or for those who are considering it. The book may also be valuable to those who are just starting out as academics and are new to research supervision.

There are 12 chapters in total.

1) Becoming a postgraduate:

This is a very brief chapter, containing general information about whats expected during the three years of study and the PhD degree itself. The chapter also outlines the structure and aims of the book in general.

2) Getting into the system:

Chapter Two contains information about choosing a course, both in terms of your supervisors, subject and the institution you will be attending. It is important that you ensure your are happy in all of these area's, as a PhD is a long hard slog. This chapter is really only suitable for those who have yet to apply.

3) The nature of a Ph.D qualification:

Chapter Three discusses what's expected of a PhD student, what you should be aiming for by studying for a PhD and the overall point of the qualification. This is discussed both from the student and the supervisor perspective.

4) How not to get a Ph.D:

This is a fairly self-explanatory chapter and deals with issues such as not to overestimate or underestimate what's expected, not understanding what is required, losing contact with supervisors and not leaving adequate time to write up. There are lots of useful examples in this section and it is one of the best overall.

5) How to do research:

This chapter discusses the characteristics of good research and the most common types of research and methodologies. In addition sources of electronic support and discussion are outlined, which may be helpful if students are struggling to get help internally. This chapter contains really useful tips and advice, it is also one of the most useful chapters.

6) The form of a Ph.D thesis:

This chapter discussed the finished product, e.g. the actual thesis that will be submitted at the end of the three years of study. This section includes advice on the structure of the thesis, how to lay out chapters and some tips of writing skills, originality and theory.

7) The Ph.D process:

This chapter discusses what you should expect during the three years you are completing your PhD. Deals with topics such as isolation, time management, boredom, frustration, deadlines and the development of transferrable skills. Again, I would say that this is one of the most useful chapters of the book.

8) How to manage you supervisor:

This chapter discusses what's expected of your supervisor and how much of a role you can expect him/her to play. Highlights the importance of regular meetings and progress reports but also that esentially the PhD is an independent process. This section also deals with handling potential problems including what happens if you want to change supervisors and if you want to make a formal complaint.

9) How to survive in a premomineantly British, white, male, full-time academic environment:

Covers areas such as sexual harassment, racism and disabilities and how to deal with these factors. This chapter is not really that applicable to me and thus I only skim read it.

10) The formal procedures:

This chapter primarily deals with the submission of your thesis, the selection of examiners and tips on how to handle the 'viva' - the oral exam which takes place at the end of a PhD and which is generally dreaded by all students. There are also tips on getting funding and going into post doctoral research following a PhD.

11) How to supervise and examine:

Generally this chapter focuses on the student-supervisor relationship but is geared mostly towards the supervisors perspective and thus isn't very useful for students.

12) Institutional responsibilities:

This chapter discusses the training of both supervisors and students. What you should expect from your university and your supervisor overall, the resources and support you are entitled to and also what they will expect from you!

Each of these chapters are broken down clearly into sections making in easy for readers to access the bits that are relevant. There's also a clear index at the back and many references should the reader feel they need additional help.

The book is well written and avoids jargon. Although it can be a little hard going at times, this is too be expected given the topic and the necessity of covering all relevant issues. The book isn't designed to be a pleasurable read, it is designed to be a factual resource.

On the negative side one disadvantage is the fact that the book is fairly subject specific and tends to give examples from buisness studies students on the whole. This is a shame as sometimes the examples are a little irrelevant.

I also feel that the book would benefit from an increased emphasis on scientific writing skills in general. This is one area that students commonly struggle with, yet it is primarily neglected throughout.

It's also expensive at £19 but the book is a really useful resource throughout your PhD and is sure to be a valuable source of information. If you are willing to buy secondhand, the book is currently available at Amazon.co.uk from around £15. In addition students should have access to a university library where the book is likely to be available.

In summary this book is definitely worth a read if you are a first year PhD student who feels out of their depth and all in all, I do recommend it. However, because of the price and the subject-specific examples I give the book four stars.

I recently gave the latest edition of "How to Get a PhD" to my son, who is undertaking his PhD in Radar Tomography and Upper Polar Atmospheric Physics. He is as equally impressed. What greater accolade can a book be given? It is a wonderful read, offering essential practical advice. An essential purchase for postgraduates and their supervisors.