Postgraduate and early career

Universities across North America told they must resolve issues around job insecurity as one institution faces 14th week of industrial action

Victory for Durham campaigners offers hope other universities could follow suit in ending ‘precarious’ employment arrangements

One in four female and one in five male postgraduate researchers found to be seeking counselling during their studies, according to new report from Research England

Investigation discovers that three-quarters of advertised posts are filled by an internal candidate

Ivy League university wins praise for formally recognising trade union created by graduate students who teach

Drug-related crime, rising unemployment and low salaries are all contributing to a postgraduate shortage that indicates an uncertain future for Mexico’s higher education system, finds Rachael Pells

Study suggests doctorates are now seen as a test of character rather than intellect

Staff strike prompts decision to award ESRC studentships to Cardiff University candidates based on paper applications only

Growing up working class meant Michelle Deininger was more worried about money than academic aspirations, but after a second chance she managed to complete her PhD 

Female chemists are more productive and successful in the job market if they have a female supervisor, analysis shows

Academic gatherings may be fun, but they do little to advance knowledge. To justify the public spending that supports them, such events must do more to provide benefits to those who don’t attend, argues Nicholas Rowe

Student left unable to complete doctorate is offered compensation

Professional doctorates offer a more useful, less stressful but no less rigorous alternative to the moribund PhD, says Richard Willis

While supervisors say protracted shifts are a crucial part of medical education, new research finds no benefit

Leaving academia can be a wrench, but it can also open up new opportunities to enjoy your discipline, says Greta Perel

New Zealand is reaping many benefits from reducing the cost of a PhD for international students a decade ago, says Brett Berquist

Female junior academics are also gaining research prestige, says study

Latest Hesa data reveal big jump in staff with a doctorate, although numbers remain static at some institutions

Publish before your viva, distinguish opportunities from time-drains and have a strong online profile, says Helen Coleman

Doing a part-time doctoral degree while working full-time is rewarding, but it can be demanding, says Pat Culhane

New centres mark new phase of collaboration between traditionally separate universities and research institutes

For academics and students alike, pressure to perform coupled with a lack of institutional support can severely affect mental health

But growth in those completing postgraduate research degrees in physics appears have stalled, according to latest Hesa data

Anti-corruption agency charges head of University of Zimbabwe with abuse of office over former first lady’s doctorate

Getting professional experience puts postgraduates in situations that they are unlikely to have faced in their university life, says Alfredo Cumerma

Symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress are more acute for PhD candidates classified as exceeding their schedule

Brock University is the latest Ontario institution to announce new financial support for overseas doctoral students

Claudia Pama launches campaign calling on research bodies to introduce proper sick pay provision

THE survey reveals how work pressures shape researchers’ decisions around relationships and family

Universities pay only for direct teaching time, making effective hourly pay derisory, union claims

The stressful postgraduate environment often leads not to solidarity but to the impoverishment of research, says Alfredo Cumerma

Former first lady was awarded doctorate from University of Zimbabwe two months after enrolling

Latest Hesa data show that share of students with top degree has risen significantly since 2012-13

There are numerous survival guides for doctoral students, but much less advice on how to supervise PhD candidates. Robert MacIntosh offers some tips on becoming an effective supervisor

American Historical Association emphasises transferable skills and collaborative research

Rogier Creemers advises early career academics to be ruthless and put themselves first to move up the ladder

Got some last minute scholarly Christmas shopping to do? Glen Wright has got your back

There are many hidden costs associated with PhD study, writes Alfredo Cumerma, particularly if you want to land that dream job on graduation

Prize money of €100,000 (£88,000) handed out on basis of scholars’ three-minute spiels

It may be the only bit of your thesis that most people will read, but do not waste your best title on your PhD, says Zachary Foster

UKCGE head warns of potential consequences for research students from sector shake-up

PhD failure can have disastrous consequences for overseas students bonded to their funders, says Andrew George

Ex-Edinburgh chemist highlights emotional cost of doctoral study, but work is not a ‘revenge book’

Identifying intellectual junctions, intersections and sites for negotiation can give your academic rite of passage the right of way, says Zachary Foster    

Professor allegedly demanded ‘superhuman commitment’ from doctoral students, allowing them barely any holiday and setting meetings that ran past midnight

Josiah Marineau on the importance of giving a purpose to students’ passion

Early career researchers are the ‘working class of higher education’, writes Elisabeth Julie Vargo  

Pragya Agarwal considers what aspiring doctoral students can do to make their application stand out from the rest

For National Postdoc Appreciation Week, we take a look through our archive of advice and information for early career researchers 

Leru says that commission’s focus should be on improving scholars’ employment prospects

Universities’ shabby treatment of casual academics flies in the face of their professed commitment to education and dignity, says Jedidiah Evans

A national postgraduate admissions system would allow universities to improve planning, enhance student satisfaction and widen participation, says Michelle Morgan

Mike Smith reveals six of the most useful pieces of advice he has been able to give his PhD students over the years

Researchers reveal huge differences in charges levied by Russell Group universities 

Variations in the Russell Group demonstrate a mixed national picture, write Joshua Stubbs and Paul Wakeling

Staff covering for academics on leave are often given no time to conduct research themselves

Many UK doctoral students view professional development as a ‘distraction’ or a ‘waste of time’, says study

More than half of doctoral candidates surveyed at one university reported “abnormal” levels of stress and depression

Nazima Kadir’s social circle reveals a range of alternative careers for would-be scholars, and often with better rewards than academia

Monash-Warwick Alliance graduate researched chemistry PhD in England and Australia