Welcome to my PhD blog
Worried you're doing your PhD all wrong and someone's about to find out? You're in the right place. 😂
In this blog, I cover all the stuff you might need help with. Like writing your literature review, doing your qualitative data analysis, developing your discussion chapter, and trying not to go completely bonkerpants in the process.
I'll help you work out HOW to do all those things everyone keeps telling you to do.
Expect practical PhD advice, based on the unspoken truth that nobody's PhD is nearly as neat as their finished thesis makes it look.
Have a nosey at the latest posts below, or browse by topic to find what you need.
Qualitative Methods | Literature Review | Methodology | Planning and Organisation | Writing Up | Supervision | PhD Mindset | Paradigms, Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks
How to write and structure a thematic literature review for your qualitative PhD research
Struggling with a messy literature review? Learn how to structure a qualitative literature review using thematic and narrative approaches.
Method vs methodology in qualitative research - a simple guide for PhD students
What’s the difference between method and methodology in qualitative research? Learn how to explain your research design clearly in your PhD thesis.
Research gaps in qualitative research: why it’s not really about “finding a gap”
Is your PhD supposed to “find a research gap”? In qualitative research the answer is more complicated. Learn how qualitative studies contribute to academic conversations.
Stuck in your qualitative PhD? Why progress often feels invisible (and what to do)
Feeling stuck in your qualitative PhD? Learn why progress in qualitative research often feels invisible and how to move forward.
How to code qualitative data using Braun & Clarke’s Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA)
Struggling with coding in Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis? Learn how to code qualitative data step-by-step with practical examples.
How to plan your PhD research year without burning out
Learn how to plan your PhD research year with a clear structure that helps qualitative researchers make steady progress without burnout.
How to write an annotated bibliography for a PhD (and turn it into a literature review)
Learn how an annotated bibliography can help qualitative PhD researchers organise sources and transition into writing a thematic or narrative literature review.
How to Write a Qualitative PhD Research Proposal
Learn how to structure a qualitative PhD research proposal, including research questions, literature foundations and methodology.
Critical Realism in Qualitative Research: What it is and how to use it in a PhD
Learn what critical realism means in qualitative research and how it shapes research design, analysis and interpretation in a PhD.
How to reduce the wordcount when you’ve written too much!
Qualitative researcher who’s written far too much in your PhD chapters? Learn how to reduce your word count without losing meaning, clarity, or analytical depth in your qualitative research writing.
How to choose participant quotes in qualitative research - without overloading your findings chapter
Qualitative researchers often struggle to decide which participant quotes to include in their findings chapter. Learn how to select quotes that support your analysis without overwhelming your writing.
Positivism vs Post Positivism
Ever wondered about the difference between positivism and post-positivism? Or how each could shape your research? Paradigms can be a big sticking point for PhD students, and getting clear on where your research fits within these frameworks can be a game-changer.
Is a PhD worth it? 5 things to consider before starting a qualitative research PhD
Thinking about doing a PhD? Here are 5 essential things to consider before starting a qualitative research PhD - from motivation and time to finances and mental wellbeing.
Constructivist Grounded Theory - A simple introduction to Kathy Charmaz’s approach
Confused by constructivist grounded theory? This beginner-friendly guide explains Kathy Charmaz’s approach to qualitative research in simple terms - from coding to theory development.
Qualitative Research Questions - How to develop clear, focused questions (with examples)
Struggling to write qualitative research questions that actually make sense? This guide shows you how to develop clear, focused questions with practical examples and templates.
How to Write a Qualitative PhD Thesis - What examiners are actually looking for in qualitative research
Writing up a qualitative PhD thesis? This blogpost explains what examiners are really looking for - and how to write with clarity, structure, and confidence.
Pragmatism in qualitative research: what it means for your PhD (and how to use it)
If you’re considering pragmatism for your qualitative PhD, this post will help you understand what it offers - and what you still need in place to keep your research coherent and grounded.
How to narrow your qualitative PhD topic without getting stuck - a clear approach using the PIC strategy (people, issue / interest, context)
Narrowing your qualitative PhD topic isn’t about finding the “perfect” title. It’s about giving your thinking enough structure to move forward. This post shows you how to use PIC (People, Issue, Context) to develop a focused, workable topic without closing things down too early.
Paradigms, Theories, and Frameworks in Qualitative Research
Paradigms, theories, and frameworks aren’t just terminology - they shape how your qualitative research works. This guide helps you see how they fit together and what matters for your PhD.
PhD by Publication vs PhD by Research: A guide for qualitative researchers
Trying to decide between a PhD by research and a PhD by publication? This guide helps qualitative researchers understand the differences and choose a path that supports deeper, more meaningful work.