How To Structure A PhD With Our PhD Writing Template
Our PhD Writing Template is a way to visualise every element of your PhD on one page. Once you have filled it in you will have an overview of each section of the thesis and an executive summary of the thesis as a whole. It’
What is the PhD Writing Template?
The PhD Writing Template is a way for you to visualise your PhD on one page. It guides you through creating a synopsis for each chapter and an overall outline of the thesis using simple questions to structure and guide your thinking. If you haven’
- Abstract
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- Literature review
- Theoretical framework
- Methodology
- Empirical chapters
- Discussion chapters
- Conclusion
- References
How do I write a PhD using the template?
Then, answer each of the questions in each section.
Answer on Post-it notes. One for each box. That way you can change your answers over time.
But aren’t Post-it notes too small? No! Small is good here. It means you have to be clear and concise. If you can’
To save space, use bullet points, but make sure you carefully think about and respond to each point.
This is not a normal blog subscription
Each week we send a short, thought-provoking email that will make you think differently about what it means to be a PhD student. Each is designed to be read in thirty seconds and thought about all day.
Start with the ‘
Then, work through the boxes one by one. You may want to leave the abstract and acknowledgements to last. You may also want to work on the introduction last. That’s fine. Work in the way that suits you.
As you fill the template in, you will start to see the bigger picture. Each Post-it note will contain a synopsis for that particular element. Together, they can be combined to form an executive summary of the thesis as a whole.
Answer on Post-it notes. One for each box. That way you can change your answers over time. Last, discuss the key debates and developments currently at the centre of your research area.1. Title
Your title should indicate clearly what your research question is. It needs to be simple and to the point
Directly below your title, state the topic your research question relates to. Whether you include this information at the top of your proposal or insert a dedicated title page is your choice and will come down to personal preference.
2. Abstract
If your research proposal is over 2000 words, consider providing an abstract. Your abstract should summarise your question, why it’
Only include crucial information in this section –
3. Background &
First, specify which subject area your research problem falls in. This will help set the context of your study and will help the reader anticipate the direction of your proposed research.
Following this, include a literature review. A literature review summarises the existing knowledge which surrounds your research topic. This should include a discussion of the theories, models and bodies of text which directly relate to your research problem. As well as discussing the information available, discuss those which aren’
Last, discuss the key debates and developments currently at the centre of your research area.
4. Research Aims &
Identify the aims and objectives of your research. The aims are the problems your project intends to solve
In outlining your aims and objectives, you will need to explain why your proposed research is worth exploring. Consider these aspects:
- Will your research solve a problem?
- Will your research address a current gap in knowledge?
- Will your research have any social or practical benefits?
If you fail to address the above questions, it’
5. Research Design and Methodology
The following structure is recommended when discussing your research design:
- Sample/Population –
6. Timetable
Outline the various stages of your research project and provide an approximate timeline for each stage. This should include key milestones such as your literature review, collecting and analysing data, writing up your thesis and sitting your viva. You could summarise your research plan as a Gantt chart similar to the below:
We’
7. Bibliography
Plagiarism is taken seriously across all academic levels, but even more so for doctorates. Therefore, ensure you reference the existing literature you have used in writing your PhD proposal. Besides this, try to adopt the same referencing style as the University you’ If you fail to address the above questions, it’ What is the big picture of your research, how does it advance your field of study, and how does it support your career development? Even if you don’t have the details of your thesis proposal in place, at least be clear on the general problems you are trying to solve in your thesis. Be sure that your thesis research will help you acquire transferable skills sets and expertise.
6 Reasons To Start Networking Now
Just like Jess, most graduate students focus so much on their thesis research that when they get close to graduation they realize that they have–
This last one is particularly important because even if they get a interview, one of the most likely questions will be: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” It’s nearly impossible to answer this question unless you have explored different careers through networking and have given some thought to which path would suit your skills and personality best.
What is your excuse for not networking?
I don’t have time to network,
I don’t know how to start a conversation,
I should finish my thesis first,
I don’t know what I want yet,
I don’t feel comfortable “selling” myself (my resume will speak for itself),
I feel bad about wasting other people’s time (I’m just a student after all)Networking is indispensable if you want a job. Your industry resume will not speak for itself. Neither will a cover letter no matter how well it is written. If you apply to a job through the Internet, your application will be buried in a pile on the desk of a hiring manager who needs to review hundreds of applications in addition to their full-time day job.
The only way to get an industry job is to start networking. The key is you have to start networking while you’re finishing your thesis, not after you finish it. There’s an unexpected benefit to this–
1. Learning about exciting career opportunities will give you the motivation you need to finish your thesis.
2. Talking to professionals about the big picture of your research (which is easy to forget in the day-to-day busyness of graduate school) will help broaden your perspective.
3. You will learn what marketable skills employers are looking for, and you can tailor your thesis so you pick up these specific skills. It is not enough to be smart anymore. Employers are looking for people with very specific technical backgrounds.
4. Talking to professionals in your field might give you ideas (in the form of references or other contacts) on how to solve technical problems in your thesis.
5. Professionals are always happy to share their experiences about graduate school and to give you great advice on both writing your thesis and dealing with difficult advisors and thesis committee members.
6. There might be opportunities for collaborations with industry that could lead to extra funding, expanding your network, and learning about industry work environments.
1. Learning about exciting career opportunities will give you the motivation you need to finish your thesis. Establishing a writing routine can help you to stay motivated and on track. You can implement yoga, running, or meditation to re-set your mind before you start writing. You can try to read a poem or inspirational quotes, or even sing your favorite song. It can be anything that you enjoy and find motivating.3. Set small goals
The amount of work can seem overwhelming, so it is important to concentrate on small steps. A goal of writing a page or even half a page will feel much less intimidating compared with a goal of creating the whole sub-chapter. Some supervisors recommend starting with the ‘Materials and methods’ section as it is the easiest chapter, and the first victory will motivate you for the rest of the journey.
If you find that you can’t convince yourself to start writing one day (this happened to me more often than I want to admit), try a Pomodoro technique. This is an easy time management method: you set a timer and work for 25 minutes, then you take a break for five minutes. You can use an app instead of an actual timer.
If you find that you can’t convince yourself to start writing one day (this happened to me more often than I want to admit), try a Pomodoro technique. This is an easy time management method: you set a timer and work for 25 minutes, then you take a break for five minutes. You can use an app instead of an actual timer.