Welcome to the Degree Doctor blog - structured, practical guidance for qualitative PhD researchers.
If you’ve ever looked at your work and thought, “This isn’t quite coming together…”
If you’ve done the reading, but still feel unsure how to translate it into clear, confident writing.
If you’re making progress, but not in a way that feels coherent or fully convincing.
There’s a reason for this - you’re working within a process that is rarely made visible, and that’s not your fault.
This blog focuses on the points where qualitative PhDs most often slow down - literature reviews that lose shape, discussion chapters that feel difficult to articulate, methodology decisions that are hard to justify, and the ongoing pressure of working at doctoral level without clear structure.
Each blogpost is designed to help you think more clearly, work more deliberately, and move your research forward with greater confidence.
You’ll find guidance on:
Structuring and writing your thesis with clarity
Developing stronger critical analysis and contribution
Refining your conceptual and theoretical foundations
Making sense of qualitative methodology and interpretation
Managing the intellectual and psychological demands of doctoral research
You can explore by category below, or start with the latest posts.
The aim is not to do more - it is to work with greater clarity, stronger reasoning, and a more structured approach - so your PhD becomes something you can explain, defend, and complete with confidence.
What to do when there is little or no literature on your qualitative research topic (thematic literature review guide)
Can’t find literature for your qualitative research topic? This post shows you how to work with limited or scattered sources and begin building a thematic literature review that actually holds together. For PhD researchers who want more than quick fixes.
Six tips to pass your PhD viva - a guide for qualitative doctoral candidates
Preparing for your PhD viva can feel daunting - especially in qualitative research. These six grounded, practical tips will help you approach it with clarity and confidence.
Classical Grounded Theory
Classical grounded theory. What’s this qualitative method all about? What are some of its key principles and ideas? Keep reading and I’ll explain!
Conceptual vs theoretical framework
Conceptual vs theoretical framework - what’s the difference, and do you actually need both? If you’ve ever felt unsure, slightly confused, or like something might be missing from your thesis, this guide walks you through it clearly using a qualitative example.
Why is a literature review so important in academic research?
Why do a literature review? I know, sounds like a stupid question, but it’s an important one!
Braun and Clarke Thematic Analysis - How to do the six-step process in your qualitative research project
Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis is one of the most popular techniques for analysing qualitative data. But, how do you do it? Let me walk you through it…
Thematic Literature Review - How to write one without getting into a mess
How do you write a thematic literature review that actually holds together? This guide shows you how to move from scattered reading to a structured, coherent set of themes. Ideal for qualitative PhD researchers working through the messy middle of their literature review.
Critical Realism - A simple explanation for beginners
Understanding critical realism is one thing - applying it in your qualitative PhD is another. This post explains the key ideas clearly while showing how they shape real research decisions. For researchers who want more than a surface-level explanation.
Interpretivism vs Positivism | A simple explanation of interpretivist vs positivist research for beginners
Not sure whether your research is positivist or interpretivist? This clear, no-jargon guide helps qualitative researchers understand the difference - and where they fit.
Positivism in Research: What qualitative PhD researchers need to understand
Positivism isn’t your approach - but understanding it can sharpen your qualitative research. This guide helps you see what positivism is, and what your work is not.
Thematic Literature Reviews - How to develop an initial set of themes
Not sure where to start with your thematic literature review? Let me help you get it out of the starting blocks!
How to Write a Qualitative PhD Research Proposal: Structure, strategy, and what reviewers look for
A strong qualitative PhD proposal isn’t about sounding clever - it’s about clarity, coherence, and a realistic plan. This guide walks you through a simple four-part structure (introduction, foundations, methodology, feasibility) and shows you how to make your research problem, approach, and contribution easy for reviewers to say yes to.
Thematic literature reviews and chronological literature reviews. What’s the difference? Which one should you choose for your PhD literature review?
Thematic or chronological? Are you considering one of these structures for your literature review? Learn a bit more about them in this blogpost ..
How to start your literature review - a guide for PhD students who are STUCK!
Struggling to get your PhD literature review off the ground? Here are some simple steps to get you started and generate some momentum!
Paradigms in social science, a beginner’s guide to positivism, interpretivism and critical realism
Paradigms, what exactly are they? Positivism, interpretivism, critical realism - do these terms boggle your brain? Let me explain them, in simple terms …
How to write your PhD thesis discussion and conclusion chapters
Confused about what goes in the discussion and what you should ‘save’ for the conclusion? You’re not alone! Keep reading, it will soon become clear …
PhD Burnout - How to prevent it when you’re balancing work and study, 3 more top tips
Doing the PhD juggle? Here are three strategies to try when you feel like you’re losing the battle balancing work and study!
PhD Work Life Balance | Three ways to stay sane when juggling study with part-time or full-time work!
PhD and a full-time or part-time job? Struggling with the juggling?! You’re not alone - but there are some tweaks and changes you can make to supercharge your productivity. Let me share three of them with you …
Academic writing for graduate students | 4 top tips to be a better writer
Struggling to write up your PhD? Read on!
PhD ChatGPT Game-Changers! Three surprising and ethical ways ChatGPT can help you with your PhD
3 ways ChatGPT can help you as a PhD student - you probably haven’t heard these before!