How to write your PhD introduction chapter (with examples)
There’s something about the PhD introduction chapter that just… stops people in their tracks.
It’s short. It should be simple. But somehow, it feels more overwhelming than writing a whole literature review.
Where do you start? Do you open with a quote? A big idea? Do you even write it now, or wait until everything else is finished?
If you’re staring at a blank page thinking, “I have no idea what to write,” you’re absolutely not alone.
But here’s the thing: your introduction doesn’t need to be a mystery. Once you understand the structure, it becomes a series of small, doable steps.
Let’s walk through it together.
A quick word before you start writing
You don’t need to write your final introduction chapter right now. Just draft it.
Your project will evolve. Your focus might shift. If you polish the whole thing too early, you’ll probably have to rewrite half of it later.
Instead, aim for a strong working draft - something you can refine as you go. Here’s how to build that.
The six parts of your PhD introduction chapter
1. Opening
Start with something short and impactful. You’re aiming for a “Ooh, interesting — tell me more” moment.
This could be:
A quote from a participant
A surprising statistic
A punchy sentence from the literature
Example (PhD on community belonging in rural areas):
“Over a third of young adults living in rural areas say they feel disconnected from their local community (ONS, 2021).”
Or: “It’s weird — I know all my neighbours’ names, but I still feel like I don’t belong here.”
You don’t have to decide this now. Just keep a shortlist of those “Oof — that hits” quotes or stats as you go.
2. Elaboration and explanation
Next, explain what your research is about - in plain English.
This is like paraphrasing your title, not repeating it. Imagine explaining your project to a smart friend who doesn’t work in your field.
Example (PhD titled “Exploring how ethical branding influences consumer trust in sustainable fashion”):
“This research explores how ethical branding strategies used by sustainable fashion companies influence consumer trust and purchasing behaviour, particularly among Gen Z shoppers who prioritise social and environmental values.”
Short. Clear. Accessible. This tells your examiner: “I know what I’m doing.”
3. Aims and objectives
Let’s get this straight:
Aims = what you want to achieve
Objectives = what you’ll do to achieve it
Rule of thumb:
2 or 3 aims
3–5 objectives
Use active verbs (ditch vague phrases like “look at” or “study”)
Example (PhD on women with ADHD and healthcare):
Aims:
To investigate how women with ADHD experience diagnostic and support processes in UK healthcare settings.
To generate insights into how healthcare services can better meet their needs.
Objectives:
Outline women’s lived experiences of seeking ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
Analyse how participants interpret their interactions with GPs, specialists, and support services.
Review perceived barriers and facilitators to accessing appropriate care.
Suggest improvements to enhance service accessibility and inclusivity.
Think of your objectives like a sandwich: Start with something descriptive, add something analytical, end with something practical or forward-looking
4. The ‘so what?’ section
Why does your research matter? Who cares about it?
This is where you justify your topic. It’s not about defending it, it’s about showing you understand why it’s needed.
Example (PhD on youth activism and social media):
“This research is significant in the context of growing concern about young people’s civic disengagement. It explores how digital platforms are used to organise, communicate, and create identity around political causes. As political participation shifts into new forms, this study provides evidence that can inform youth engagement policy, media literacy education, and platform governance.”
Ask yourself:
What issue is this research responding to?
Who is affected?
What might change because of it?
5. Key terms and definitions
You don’t need to define everything here — save the detail for your literature review. But give readers a basic understanding of key terms from the start.
Example (PhD on emotional labour in teaching assistants):
“This study draws on Hochschild’s (1983) concept of emotional labour — the process of managing feelings to meet the emotional expectations of a role. In this context, it refers to how teaching assistants regulate their emotions when interacting with students, colleagues, and families. The term ‘invisible work’ is also used to describe the unacknowledged aspects of their labour.”
Also:
Clarify what your terms don’t include
Flag common misunderstandings
Acknowledge if definitions vary across disciplines
6. The roadmap
This is your chapter-by-chapter breakdown, a simple paragraph to show where you’re headed.
Example:
“Chapter Two reviews the literature on community belonging and social support, identifying a gap around informal peer networks in rural areas. Chapter Three outlines the study’s qualitative methodology, including semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Chapter Four presents the findings across three themes: isolation, local connection, and digital interaction. Chapter Five discusses these findings in relation to theory and suggests directions for future policy and research.”
You’ll likely write this bit properly at the end of your project, but it’s helpful to sketch it out early.
Final thought: just get a draft down
Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for a working draft. Something that captures your project, shows you understand why it matters, and gives your examiner a sense of direction.
You can refine it later. For now, get some words down.
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