Protecting PhD Progress
Welcome to the blog
If you’ve landed here on my blog homepage, you may already know the feeling of working hard on your qualitative PhD without being convinced you’re actually moving forwards.
That uncertainty often shows up as a literature review that feels out of control, analysis that doesn’t feel quite “good” or “strong” enough, and a discussion chapter that leaves you wondering, “What am I actually allowed to claim here anyway?”.
The good news is that if you’re experiencing any of the above, you’re likely in the middle of the deep work - where things naturally get very messy. Some of the most intellectually productive stages of the PhD look completely chaotic from the outside. My goal here on the blog is to keep you moving through them and towards completion.
Each blogpost is designed to help you think more clearly, work more deliberately, and move your research forward with greater confidence.
You can explore by category below, or start with the latest posts.
Qualitative Methods | Literature Review | Methodology | Planning and Organisation | Writing Up | Supervision | PhD Mindset | Paradigms, Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks
3 sentences to strengthen your qualitative PhD discussion chapter
Stuck writing your discussion chapter? These three sentence templates help you connect findings to literature, show criticality, and explain what your results mean without rambling.
The myth of the perfect PhD morning routine (and how to create one that actually works)
If 5am PhD routines make you feel like a failure by breakfast, this post will help you design a morning that actually fits your life.
Reflexive Thematic Analysis vs Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Which should you use?
RTA and IPA both use coding and themes, but they’re built for different kinds of qualitative questions. Here’s how to choose the right one for your PhD.
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.