PhD Survival Guide Part 1 – Topic & Title

The first step to a solid PhD? A strong, focused title.

You’ve got a great idea — but when you try to write it down as a title, it all gets a bit… wobbly.

Too vague. Too broad. Too many directions at once.

And then comes the dreaded feedback:

“Hmm… can you narrow this down?”

You’re not alone. Picking a clear topic and developing a working title is one of the trickiest parts of getting started — but this guide will walk you through it, step by step.

What this guide helps you do:

✅ Turn your big idea into a focused, viable topic
✅ Build a clear, strong working title that sets you up for success
✅ Avoid the common “too broad” trap (and the self-doubt spiral that follows)
✅ Get excited (instead of stuck) about your research direction

Inside the guide:

• Why a clear title matters (and how to write one that works)

• The 3 key ingredients of a great research title

• Simple strategies to narrow your focus without losing your spark

• How to play with ideas until one clicks

• What makes a topic “timeless” and research-worthyWhat makes a research topic “timeless” and worth pursuing

💬 Why it works:

Because guessing doesn’t help — and Googling “how to write a PhD title” leads straight to overwhelm.

This guide gives you a structure, examples, and clear steps — no academic waffle, no jargon, just clarity.

Once you’ve nailed your topic and title, everything else gets easier. Really.

📝 How to use it:

1. Download the PDF and make yourself a cup of something nice

2. Work through the prompts and exercises

3. Land on a title you feel good about

4. Return and revise as your project evolves

🗺️ Want the full roadmap?

This guide is part of the 10-Part PhD Survival Bundle — covering every chapter from intro to conclusion.

⚠️ Please note:

• This is a digital product (PDF). No physical item will be shipped.

• My resources support — not replace — your supervisor’s advice.

• By purchasing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.

I’d love to hear about your PhD journey - get in touch here.

Price is listed in GBP because we are a UK-based business but you can still buy if you are outside of the UK - your bank will convert the amount into your local currency at the current exchange rate.