Getting Your PhD: A Practical Insider?s Guide

How to get your Ph.D is an original study guide aimed at prospective and current postgraduate students, covering the process of accessing, undertaking and completing doctoral research in the social sciences and the humanities.

The content is unique in incorporating discussion of the less recognised personal, emotional and organisational demands of independent study. Drawing on a variety of student experiences, the authors apply a case study approach to examine the dilemmas and complexities of postgraduate study. The book is organised into four parts covering the research process; writing, publishing and networking; shifting identities and institutions and relationships of support. Each chapter includes an easy to use format including real-life accounts, tips and strategies for problem solving and guidance for additional resources.

The guide includes accessible advice and guidance across a spectrum of methodological, personal, emotional, practical and institutional issues.

Academic Profile

I joined the Department of Sociological Studies in September 2008 having previously taught at the University of Manchester (2005-2008) and been a Research Fellow in the Department of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Leeds (2003-2005).
Research

My research interests bridge social policy and sociology with a focus on the analysis of policies, services and everyday lived experiences in relation to childhood, young people, parenthood and family support. I am interested in the relationship between child, family and social policy, and engage in critical policy analysis for improvements in child welfare and family support entitlements, provisions and services. I have completed qualitative research about lone mothers’ experiences of negotiating motherhood and paid work, parental empowerment in Sure Start Children’s Centres and parents of teenagers’ experiences of participating in group parenting programmes.

Teela Sanders is Professor of Criminology at the University of Leicester specializing in the cross-sections between gender, crime and justice. She has researched areas relating to the sex industry for 15 years producing eight books and many articles. Her current projects look at digital technologies and the sex industry (www.beyond-the-gaze.com) with a strong impact agenda around netreach and safety guidance for sex workers. She is a strong supporter of Participatory Action Research methods which underpin her research endeavours, working alongside the sex work community to ensure evidence-based policy speaks to the rights agenda. Other work focuses on homicide and mental health with sex workers. The National Ugly Mugs are collaborative partners with her research activities, enabling impact into grassroots activities.