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 a qualitative PhD introduction chapter (with examples)
Not sure what goes in a PhD introduction chapter? Here’s a clear six-part structure with examples to help you draft it with confidence.
How to build strong themes in Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis
Staring at 200 codes and wondering how to turn them into actual themes? This guide breaks down how to move from messy coding to clear, defensible themes in Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis - without second-guessing yourself.
Publishing during your PhD: how to turn your thesis into journal articles (without the panic)
Feeling pressured to publish before you have even finished your PhD? This guide shows you how to turn parts of your thesis into focused journal articles - without panic or overwork.
How to write a critical discussion chapter in qualitative research
Struggling to “be more critical” in your qualitative PhD discussion chapter? This post explains what critical analysis actually looks like in interpretative research, and shows you how to move from description to meaningful, theoretically informed contribution.
Choosing a PhD Supervisor: What really matters (especially for qualitative researchers)
Choosing a PhD supervisor can shape your entire doctorate. Here’s what really matters - especially if you’re conducting qualitative research and need methodological alignment as well as personal fit.
How to stop procrastinating over your PhD (without being too hard on yourself)
Procrastinating on your PhD? This blogpost explains why it happens - and how to restart gently, without guilt, burnout or impossible productivity rules.
How to design an academic conference poster that stands out (without overwhelming your audience)
Designing a conference poster? Learn how to create a clear, visually strong academic poster that attracts attention and sparks meaningful research conversations.
How to write a conference abstract for qualitative research
Writing a conference abstract for your qualitative PhD can feel daunting. This guide shows you how to structure your topic, theory, and contribution with clarity and confidence.
Critical Theory for Beginners: what it is, why it matters, and how to use it in your PhD
What is critical theory, and how can you use it coherently in your qualitative PhD? This guide explains its foundations, its focus on power and inequality, and how to apply it rigorously in your research design.
Semi-Structured Interviews: A beginner’s guide for qualitative PhD research
Clear, practical guide to semi-structured interviews for qualitative PhD research. Learn how to design your interview guide, avoid common mistakes, and build a coherent research method.
How to write up your Braun and Clarke Reflexive Thematic Analysis (without losing your mind)
Writing up Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis? Here’s how to structure your findings chapter clearly, interpret confidently, and show doctoral-level rigour.
Conceptual frameworks in qualitative research
Confused about conceptual frameworks in qualitative research? Learn what they are, why they matter for PhDs, and how to build one clearly and confidently.
Postmodernism for beginners - a simple explanation
What is postmodernism? A clear, jargon-free explanation of postmodern theory for PhD students, with practical examples for qualitative research.
Ontology, epistemology, and paradigms - What are they, and how much should you write about them in your PhD thesis?
A clear, practical explanation of ontology, epistemology and paradigms for PhD students, plus exactly where they belong in your thesis and how much you actually need to write.
PhD research paradigms in the social sciences, made simple (for qualitative researchers)
Confused about paradigms in your qualitative PhD? Here’s a clear, practical guide to the main paradigms, how to spot your “leaning”, and how to contrast it with others in your methodology chapter.
Should you apply for an academic job before finishing your PhD?
Seeing academic job adverts before your PhD is finished can trigger a lot of questions. Should you apply now or wait? Here’s how to think through the decision carefully and strategically.
PhD annual review coming up? How to prepare (without the panic)
Worried about your upcoming PhD annual review? Learn how to prepare your progress report, handle panel questions confidently, and turn your review into a useful checkpoint for your research.
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis in a Qualitative PhD: A beginner’s guide to IPA
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) can sound intimidating, but it’s fundamentally about exploring how people make sense of meaningful experiences. This beginner’s guide explains when to use IPA and how the analysis process works.
Mixed methods research designs for beginners (and when you actually need them)
What is mixed methods research and should you use it in your PhD? This guide explains common mixed methods designs and when combining qualitative and quantitative approaches actually makes sense.
Navigating PhD supervision as a qualitative researcher
Endless revisions are common in qualitative PhDs. Learn why supervisors keep suggesting changes and how to manage the qualitative thesis revision process.