Thriving in Part-Time Doctoral Study is a practical guide, designed to support part-time doctoral researchers in navigating their learning experience and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in academia, alongside the work and life challenges they may be facing. Featuring eight highly practical chapters, this book covers every aspect of the part-time doctoral journey from initial planning right through to completion.

Easy to dip in and out of with realistic advice, learning points and reflective activities based on real experiences, this book:

Reflects a diversity of voices across academic disciplines
Features real-world examples from doctoral researchers
Can be referred to throughout the doctoral journey

This key resource will support the reader in considering how best to access and draw on the communities of support available, get the most from a supervisory team, and build professional networks. It recognises that each student's learning pathway is different and offers support to allow each individual to take control and make it their part-time doctorate.

The 'Insider Guides to Success in Academia' offers support and practical advice to doctoral students and early-career researchers. Covering the topics that really matter, but which often get overlooked, this indispensable series provides practical and realistic guidance to address many of the needs and challenges of trying to operate, and remain, in academia.

These neat pocket guides fill specific and significant gaps in current literature. Each book offers insider perspectives on the often implicit rules of the game - the things you need to know but usually aren't told by institutional postgraduate support, researcher development units, or supervisors - and will address a practical topic that is key to career progression. They are essential reading for doctoral students, early-career researchers, supervisors, mentors, or anyone looking to launch or maintain their career in academia.

About the Author

Jon Rainford is a Staff Tutor in Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport at The Open University, UK. He is also a Visiting Research Fellow in Education at The University of Bath, UK.
Kay Guccione is Head of Research Culture and Researcher Development at the University of Glasgow, UK. She is a National Teaching Fellow, specialising in doctoral supervision, mentoring and community building for researchers.

Reviews

"This book has been the perfect guide in preparing me for my own doctorate. The structured activities and assuring guidance woven throughout has helped me identify the mechanisms that will enable me to be at my best during part-time study. I now feel prepared, excited and confident about my next steps."

Jo Goodman, PhD Student, Lancaster University

"This book is grounded in real world experiences. Offering activities that help readers to apply the guidance it offers, and with a living archive of blogs to accompany it, Thriving in Part-Time Doctoral Study will be invaluable to anyone even thinking about doing a part-time doctorate."

Kelly Louise Preece, University of Exeter

"What stands out about this handbook is its focus on the part-time experience and how that differs from studying for a doctorate full-time. The co-authors are realistic and empathetic about the additional barriers that some may face, ensuring that their ideas are not presented glibly or dictatorially and they show considerable awareness of the impact of individuals' unique life experiences on their part-time doctoral journeys. While including insightful reflections on their own paths, they are careful to also incorporate a range of other diverse voices in the "real-world reflections" sections written by different contributors. Furthermore, they include practical activities and ways for readers to reflect on their own situations, and encourage them to contribute to the book's associated website and social media conversations. As well as being valuable to those embarking on their doctoral journey, the book's stimulating activities would be very supportive to those reflecting at a later stage or preparing for viva examination."

Dr Jenny Lewin-Jones, Educational Review

Book Information
ISBN 9781032122885
Author Jon Rainford
Format Paperback
Page Count 198
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 180g