Embracing the Unknown

Sarah Jones is a Visiting Lecturer and a PhD Researcher in social sciences at Birmingham City University. Mikhail Azad is a PhD Researcher in social sciences at Birmingham City University. Liam Miles is a PhD researcher in social sciences at Birmingham City University. Adam Lynes is an Associate Professor in social sciences at Birmingham City University.

Part 1: Pre-PhD


1. Handling PhD Rejection but Remaining Persistent – Rio Waldock


2. Conceptualising a PhD Topic – Mikhail Sulaiman Azad


3. Hyper-competition in Securing a PhD Position – Reece Burns


4. Moving Locations to Start the PhD – Manikandan Soundararajan





Part 2: Starting/in the Process of the PhD


5. Unforeseen Life Events During the PhD – Grace Gallacher


6. Studying the PhD Part-time, and the Factors Surrounding Studying as a Mature Student – Sarah Jones


7. Undertaking PhD Research Whilst Working Full Time – Rio Waldock


8. Locating Gatekeepers/Participants in the Current Socio-economic Climate – Liam Miles





Part 3: Towards the End of the PhD


9. Balancing Family Life with the PhD – Sharda Murria


10. The Value of Support Networks – Jen-nice Harris


11. Impact of Mental Well-being During the PhD – Abigail Shaw


12. Preparing for Life After the PhD – Soozi Baggs





Part 4: Post PhD


13. 10 Years Later: Imposter Syndrome Persists – Adam Lynes


14. Reflections on Ethics in Social Sciences Research – Kavya Padmanabhan


15. Preparing for the Viva – Nicholas Gibbs


16. An Evidence-Based Account of Best Practice Towards Supervising PhD Students – Rowan Sweeney