Community Blog

Keep up-to-date on postgraduate related issues with our quick reads written by students, postdocs, professors and industry leaders.

Reference Manager
Holly Sharp

Using Reference Management Software

Reference management software solutions offer a powerful way for you to track and manage your academic references. Read our blog post to learn more about what they are and how to use them.

DiscoverPhDs procrastination trap
Nicholas R.

Ending the Procrastination Trap

Are you always finding yourself working on sections of your research tasks right up until your deadlines? Are you still finding yourself distracted the moment

What is an Academic Transcript?
Dr Harry Hothi

What is an Academic Transcript?

An academic transcript gives a breakdown of each module you studied for your degree and the mark that you were awarded.

DiscoverPhDs_Binding_Options
DiscoverPhDs

Thesis binding and printing options

Find out the different dissertation and thesis binding options, which is best, advantages and disadvantages, typical costs, popular services and more.

What is the Thurstone Scale?
DiscoverPhDs

What is the Thurstone Scale?

The Thurstone Scale is used to quantify the attitudes of people being surveyed, using a format of ‘agree-disagree’ statements.

What is a Monotonic Relationship?
DiscoverPhDs

What is a Monotonic Relationship?

The term monotonic relationship is a statistical definition that is used to describe the link between two variables.

What is a Research Instrument?
DiscoverPhDs

What is a Research Instrument?

The term research instrument refers to any tool that you may use to collect, measure and analyse research data.

In Press Article
DiscoverPhDs

What is an In Press Article?

An In Press article is a paper that has been accepted for publication and is being prepared for print.

Are Elements Capitalized?
DiscoverPhDs

Are Elements Capitalized?

When you should and shouldn’t capitalise the names of chemical compounds and their abbreviations is not always clear.

Unit of Analysis
DiscoverPhDs

The Unit of Analysis Explained

The unit of analysis refers to the main parameter that you’re investigating in your research project or study.

Write an effective figure legend
DiscoverPhDs

How to Write a Figure Legend

A well written figure legend will explain exactly what a figure means without having to refer to the main text. Our guide explains how to write one.

Multistage Sampling explained with Multistage Sample
DiscoverPhDs

Multistage Sampling

Multistage sampling is a more complex form of cluster sampling for obtaining sample populations. Learn their pros and cons and how to undertake them.

Purpose of Research - What is Research
DiscoverPhDs

What is Research? – Purpose of Research

The purpose of research is to enhance society by advancing knowledge through developing scientific theories, concepts and ideas – find out more on what this involves.

Science Investigatory Project
Dr Harry Hothi

What is a Science Investigatory Project?

A science investigatory project is a science-based research project or study that is performed by school children in a classroom, exhibition or science fair.

Concept Paper
DiscoverPhDs

What is a Concept Paper and How do You Write One?

A concept paper is a short document written by a researcher before starting their research project, explaining what the study is about, why it is needed and the methods that will be used.

PhD_Synopsis_Format_Guidance
Qamar Mayyasah

How to Format a PhD Synopsis (India)

This article will answer common questions about the PhD synopsis, give guidance on how to write one, and provide my thoughts on samples.

Scope of Research
DiscoverPhDs

How to Write the Scope of the Study

The scope of the study is defined at the start of the study. It is used by researchers to set the boundaries and limitations within which the research study will be performed.

Significance of the Study
DiscoverPhDs

What is the Significance of the Study?

In this post you’ll learn what the significance of the study means, why it’s important, where and how to write one in your paper or thesis with an example.

Finland PhD Hat and Sword
Dr Harry Hothi

Finland’s PhD Sword and Hat Tradition

In Finland, all new PhD holders are given a traditional Doctoral Hat and Doctoral Sword during a Conferment Ceremony, symbolising the freedom of research.

What do you call a professor?
Dr Harry Hothi

What Should You Call a Professor?

You’ll come across many academics with PhD, some using the title of Doctor and others using Professor. This blog post helps you understand the differences.

What is the age limit for doing a PhD?
Dr Harry Hothi

What Is The Age Limit for A PhD?

The answer is simple: there is no age limit for doing a PhD; in fact, the oldest known person to have gained a PhD in the UK was 95 years old.

MBA vs PhD
Grace M.

The MBA vs PhD Debate

Considering whether to do an MBA or a PhD? If so, find out what their differences are, and more importantly, which one is better suited for you.

Dissertation Title Page
DiscoverPhDs

The Dissertation Title Page

The title page of your dissertation or thesis conveys all the essential details about your project. This guide helps you format it in the correct way.

Choosing a Good PhD Supervisor
Dr Harry Hothi

What Makes A Good PhD Supervisor?

Choosing a good PhD supervisor will be paramount to your success as a PhD student, but what qualities should you be looking for? Read our post to find out.

Tips for New Graduate Teaching Assistants at University
Eduardo D. S.

7 Tips for New Graduate Teaching Assistants

Being a new graduate teaching assistant can be a scary but rewarding undertaking – our 7 tips will help make your teaching journey as smooth as possible.

How to impress a PhD supervisor
Eduardo D. S.

10 Ways to Impress a PhD Supervisor

Learn 10 ways to impress a PhD supervisor for increasing your chances of securing a project, developing a great working relationship and more.

What is Tenure Track?
Prof M Lambert

What Is Tenure Track?

Tenure is a permanent position awarded to professors showing excellence in research and teaching. Find out more about the competitive position!

What is Scientific Misconduct?
Qamar Mayyasah

What is Scientific Misconduct?

Scientific misconduct can be described as a deviation from the accepted standards of scientific research, study and publication ethics.

PhD Research Fieldwork
Nicholas R.

8 Tips for Surviving Fieldwork

Fieldwork can be essential for your PhD project. Use these tips to help maximise site productivity and reduce your research time by a few weeks.

Tips for working from home as an Academic
Dr Harry Hothi

Working from Home as A Research Student

Learn about defining your workspace, having a list of daily tasks and using technology to stay connected, all whilst working from home as a research student.

New PhD Student
Zebastian D.

5 Tips for A New PhD Student

Starting your PhD can feel like a daunting, exciting and special time. They’ll be so much to think about – here are a few tips to help you get started.

Tips for Applying to a PhD
Zebastian D.

4 Tips for Applying to a PhD

Thinking about applying to a PhD? Then don’t miss out on these 4 tips on how to best prepare your application.

PhD Advice

Gain valuable insight from our collection of exclusive interviews with both current and past PhD students. Learn from their best advice, personal challenges and career path after completing their doctorate.

View Overview