Advice for surviving your PhD dissertation

Tips for each step of researching, writing and refining a PhD dissertation

Surviving a PhD spotlight image

From initial research and writing to revision, defence and award, the journey to completing a PhD is often described as a marathon. Here, academics offer their insight on each step towards producing an original work of scholarship. Starting with choosing a PhD supervisor and establishing healthy work habits, the advice goes on to cover how to structure a PhD dissertation, establish a writing routine, write an abstract, prepare for a viva and beat procrastination when motivation flags.

Get a head start in the first year of your PhD

Even a marathon begins with first steps, and so it makes sense to master motivation, set healthy habits and get writing early to reap the reward of a polished dissertation at the end of the PhD journey, writes Andreï Kostryka

Andreï V. Kostyrka

University of Luxembourg

One of the hardest parts of writing a PhD dissertation is simply getting started. Most with experience of completing a doctoral thesis will agree, you will never quite feel ready. So, with your structure planned, start getting the words down – remember, this is a draft that you can keep revising. You may find it easiest to write alone, or as part of a group, you may be most productive in the morning, or in the evening. The key is to recognise your specific needs and set up a writing routine that plays to your strengths, as these resources explain.