Dr Dr I feel like... doing a PhD

Dr Lucy Russell lectures on the Primary BA Ed and Primary and Secondary PGCE courses at Goldsmiths College, University of London. Prior to that she was a History teacher in a Secondary School in Kent. She regularly writes for the TES.

"This book explores what a PhD is and the challenges and rewards of completing this journey. There is no one way to complete a doctorate but there are a number of wrong ways, like having your ego flattered into it or because you can't think of what else you would like to do. It provides the reader with insight into the experience of submitting yourself to the process of undertaking a doctorate. It is about how it feels to be a research student; the elation, the guilt, the isolation, the self-doubt, the loneliness. It also describes the practical issues - such as choosing a topic, finding funding, writing a research proposal, different methods of research, the literature review, academic writing, the question of 'truth' in research, the relationship between student and supervisor, maintaining a clear focus, and the viva examination." Lucy Russell Accessible and well-written, this guide will be invaluable reading for anyone thinking about, embarking on or completing a PhD."

• Introduction; Chapter 1: Can you write a prescription?; What is a PhD?; Why do a PhD?; Chapter 2: A penny for your thoughts; Writing a research proposal; Finding funding; Chapter 3: Pen to Paper; Writing your thesis; Writing for different audiences; Chapter 4: What is a 'paradigm'?; The language of The Academy; Chapter 5: Questions, questions... Does truth exist?; Can there ever be a completely objective piece of research?; Situating yourself in the research; Chapter 6: Which came first, the chicken or the egg?; Writing the methodology - it underpins the thesis, but do you write it as a 'map' to follow, or do you sketch where you've been when the journey is complete?; Chapter 7: Quiche and Boiled Cabbage; Letter writing, interviewing and transcribing; Chapter 8: Have you got 20:20 vision?; Maintaining a clear focus and avoiding blind alleys; The role of the supervisor; Chapter 9: Don't leave hostages to fortune; The Viva Voce.