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How to Get a PhD

Alexander O'Hara PhD

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Based on 48 ratings

Alexander O'Hara PhD

How do you discover the right topic for your PhD thesis, choose the best advisor, and select the right University for your PhD research? How do you ensure that you get funding for your PhD without taking on student debt?

These are the first and critical steps in setting you up to succeed in your PhD quest.

This course will guide you through these steps so that you will be better informed to make better decisions in these key areas and help you achieve your PhD in the fastest and most effective way possible.

After completing this course you will be able:

These are the first and critical steps in setting you up to succeed in your PhD quest.

After completing this course you will be able:

1. To understand the process in how best to achieve a PhD for you

2. To identify the critical steps in selecting a topic for PhD research

3. Identifying the critical steps in finding the right advisor for PhD research

4. Critical analysis aiding in the process of choosing the right University for PhD research

5. To be aware of the funding options available for funding your PhD

6. To write your PhD thesis and learn processes for research paper writing

7. To successfully navigate the PhD process by being more informed about what it involves

Led by leading academic and Oxford University Press author with over ten years of experience working in European centres for Higher Education, the course contains short videos, transcriptions, and an exclusive audio interview with Professor Inger Mewburn, a world expert on PhD research, author and founder of the popular Thesiswhisperer blog.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

How to achieve a phd
How to identify the right topic for your phd thesis
Finding the right supervisor for your phd thesis
Finding the best university for your phd thesis
How to successfully navigate the phd process
How to course-correct if problems arise
Phd research
Research paper writing

How to succeed in academia
Research skills
Research strategy
How to fund your phd without student debt
How to write a phd thesis
Show more
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How to achieve a phd
How to identify the right topic for your phd thesis
Finding the right supervisor for your phd thesis
Finding the best university for your phd thesis
How to successfully navigate the phd process
How to course-correct if problems arise
Phd research
Research paper writing
How to succeed in academia
Research skills
Research strategy
How to fund your phd without student debt
How to write a phd thesis
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

At the end of this section you will know my story and how I have mastered my skills and knowledge to successfully achieved my PhD and why I want to be a mentor for you.

The PhD is a journey, or quest. It can sometimes feel like the search for the Holy Grail - never-ending, elusive, and full of dead ends. This course will help you better prepare and equip you for this journey.

Discovering: this is a process of exploring different avenues and research interests before you find the topic that is suitable for you.

-Search

-Identify

-Analyse

-Reflect

Don’t forget to save all the information you find relevant and make annotations. You will use it to build your roadmap to success with the PhD Model Canvas.

Audio podcast with Professor Inger Mewburn on the PhD process. Download mp3 file in resources to listen.

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Career center

Learners who complete How to Get a PhD will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Postdoctoral Researcher

A Postdoctoral Researcher conducts independent research under the mentorship of a senior academic, typically after completing a doctoral degree, often as a stepping stone to a professorship. This role is a direct continuation of PhD-level work, making the "How to Get a PhD" course profoundly relevant for preparation. The course provides a detailed understanding of the PhD process, from selecting a topic and finding an advisor to writing a thesis and research papers, all of which are essential for effective postdoctoral work. By learning how to identify critical steps in research and strategically navigate academic challenges, learners will be better equipped to excel in this demanding and competitive research position, building a strong publication record for future career advancements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Postdoctoral Researcher

University Professor

A University Professor conducts original research, teaches courses, and mentors students within a specific academic discipline. This esteemed role often requires a doctoral degree, making the "How to Get a PhD" course exceptionally relevant. The course directly addresses critical steps such as discovering a research topic, finding an advisor, and selecting the right university, all foundational for an aspiring academic. It also teaches how to write a PhD thesis and research papers, which are essential for publishing and establishing an academic profile. Furthermore, the course's guidance on successfully navigating the PhD process, including funding options and problem-shooting, is invaluable for building a sustainable academic career path.

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Research Scientist

A Research Scientist designs and executes experiments, analyzes data, and publishes findings in various settings, including industry, government, and academia. This role often requires advanced research training, making a successful PhD journey crucial. The "How to Get a PhD" course helps build a foundation for this career by guiding individuals through identifying significant research topics and developing effective research strategies, which are core competencies for a research scientist. The course also teaches processes for research paper writing, a fundamental skill for disseminating scientific discoveries and advancing in this field. Understanding how to navigate the research process and secure funding, as covered in the course, can significantly accelerate a scientist's career trajectory.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Director of Research

A Director of Research leads and manages research programs, sets strategic directions, and oversees research teams within academic institutions, corporations, or government bodies. This senior leadership role typically requires extensive research experience, often culminating in a doctoral degree. The "How to Get a PhD" course helps build a strong foundation for this career by providing an understanding of the entire research lifecycle, from topic identification and strategy to successful project navigation. The course's emphasis on the PhD Model Canvas as a roadmap aids in developing essential strategic planning and oversight skills. These insights are crucial for a Director of Research to guide complex projects, manage resources effectively, and foster an environment of scientific inquiry and innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Director of Research

Journal Editor Academic Publishing

A Journal Editor Academic Publishing oversees the peer-review process, curates content, and maintains the scholarly integrity and impact of an academic journal. This role requires a deep understanding of research quality, ethical standards, and the academic publishing landscape. The "How to Get a PhD" course is highly beneficial for an aspiring Journal Editor Academic Publishing professional because it immerses learners in the very process of creating publishable research. By mastering "processes for research paper writing" and understanding the structure of a PhD thesis, individuals gain critical insight into what constitutes high-quality scholarly work. This makes them exceptionally well-equipped to evaluate submissions, guide authors, and uphold the rigorous standards essential for any reputable academic publication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journal Editor Academic Publishing

Grant Writer

A Grant Writer develops proposals to secure funding for research projects, non-profit initiatives, or academic programs. This profession demands exceptional persuasive writing, a keen understanding of project design, and strategic thinking about funding opportunities. The "How to Get a PhD" course is particularly valuable for an aspiring Grant Writer due to its dedicated focus on how to fund a PhD without student debt, including identifying various scholarship and funding options. The course also helps learners identify critical steps in selecting a research topic and developing research strategy, which are vital for constructing compelling grant proposals. These skills enable effective articulation of research goals and methodologies, directly translating to success in securing financial support for significant endeavors.

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Research Program Manager

A Research Program Manager oversees the logistical, administrative, and strategic aspects of research projects or entire programs, ensuring smooth execution, adherence to timelines, and budget management. This role requires excellent organizational skills, strategic planning, and an understanding of the research lifecycle. The "How to Get a PhD" course offers highly relevant preparation for a Research Program Manager. The course's use of the PhD Model Canvas provides a robust framework for project planning and navigation, akin to managing a research program. Learning "how to successfully navigate the PhD process" and identifying critical steps in research translates directly to effectively coordinating complex research initiatives, managing resources, and troubleshooting potential issues to achieve program objectives efficiently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Program Manager

Academic Editor

An Academic Editor works with scholarly manuscripts, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and adherence to academic publishing standards. This role requires a deep understanding of research methodologies, academic conventions, and high-level writing skills, which are extensively developed during a PhD. The "How to Get a PhD" course can be exceptionally helpful for individuals aspiring to become an Academic Editor. It provides critical insights into identifying suitable research topics, understanding the structure of academic arguments, and most importantly, mastering the processes for research paper writing and thesis composition. This comprehensive understanding of the academic writing and research journey is indispensable for evaluating and refining scholarly work to meet publication requirements.

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Consultant Academic Strategy

A Consultant Academic Strategy professional advises universities, research organizations, or individuals on optimizing academic pathways, research programs, and institutional development. This specialized consulting role leverages a deep understanding of higher education systems and research processes. The "How to Get a PhD" course may be useful for someone pursuing this career, as it comprehensively details navigating the PhD process, selecting appropriate universities and advisors, and understanding funding mechanisms. The course's focus on critical analysis and strategic decision-making in academic settings directly applies to advising clients on complex educational and research challenges, helping them make informed choices to achieve their academic and institutional goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant Academic Strategy

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst conducts in-depth research, evaluates existing policies, and develops evidence-based recommendations for government bodies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations. This role requires exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and written communication skills. The "How to Get a PhD" course may be helpful for an aspiring Policy Analyst as it significantly strengthens research skills, including identifying critical steps in selecting a research topic and processes for research paper writing. The course’s emphasis on critical analysis and strategic thinking to navigate complex academic processes is highly transferable to understanding and influencing public policy. These abilities are crucial for synthesizing complex information and articulating persuasive, well-supported policy positions.

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Institutional Research Analyst

An Institutional Research Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data related to an academic institution's operations, performance, and student outcomes to inform strategic planning and decision-making. This role demands strong analytical capabilities and an understanding of higher education dynamics. The "How to Get a PhD" course offers valuable preparation for an aspiring Institutional Research Analyst by honing research skills, critical analysis, and systematic inquiry. The course's focus on identifying critical steps in research, understanding academic processes, and strategic thinking directly applies to evaluating institutional effectiveness and formulating evidence-based recommendations. This foundational knowledge in academic strategy and data-driven decision-making is essential for contributing to a university's continuous improvement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Institutional Research Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist analyzes large datasets to identify patterns, build predictive models, and extract actionable insights, often requiring strong statistical, programming, and research skills. While the path to becoming a Data Scientist varies, the "How to Get a PhD" course may be useful because it cultivates foundational research competencies essential for this role. The course emphasizes identifying research topics, critical analysis, and developing research strategy, which directly translate to framing data problems and designing analytical approaches. The structured thinking required for PhD research and thesis writing helps in developing rigorous methodologies for data analysis and in effectively communicating complex findings, making learners more adept at tackling data-driven challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Librarian Academic Research

An Academic Research Librarian supports faculty and students in their scholarly pursuits by providing expertise in information retrieval, research methodologies, and scholarly communication. This role often requires an advanced degree and a deep understanding of academic processes. The "How to Get a PhD" course may be useful for an aspiring Academic Research Librarian because it offers comprehensive guidance on navigating the PhD journey, including identifying suitable research topics, creating working bibliographies, and understanding the processes of research paper writing. This firsthand insight into the researcher's experience allows a librarian to provide more targeted and effective assistance, helping other academics locate resources and successfully navigate their own research quests, contributing significantly to institutional research excellence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian Academic Research

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates clear and concise documentation, manuals, or reports that translate complex information for specific audiences, often in scientific, medical, or engineering fields. This role demands strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to convey intricate concepts effectively. The "How to Get a PhD" course may be helpful for an aspiring Technical Writer due to its intensive focus on writing a PhD thesis and learning processes for research paper writing. These rigorous academic writing experiences develop the discipline and clarity required to produce high-quality technical documentation. The course's methodologies for structuring complex arguments and communicating research findings directly enhance the ability to distill technical information into accessible and understandable content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Curriculum Developer Higher Education

A Curriculum Developer Higher Education designs, implements, and evaluates academic programs and courses within universities, ensuring they align with educational objectives and industry needs. This role requires an understanding of pedagogical principles and the structure of advanced learning. The "How to Get a PhD" course may be helpful for this career because it offers a unique perspective on the learner's journey at the highest level of academia. Understanding "how best to achieve a PhD" and "successfully navigate the PhD process" provides invaluable insight into the challenges and requirements of advanced students. This knowledge allows a Curriculum Developer to create more effective, well-structured, and supportive educational experiences for doctoral candidates and other university students, anticipating their needs and fostering success.

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Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Get a PhD.

The Craft of Research, Third Edition

Save

A comprehensive guide to the research process, from finding sources to writing the final report. Essential reading for any student or researcher.

How to Get a PhD

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