Embracing the Unknown
Experiences of Studying for a PhD in the Social Sciences
Edited by Sarah Jones, Mikahil Azad, Liam Miles and Adam Lynes
Published
Jul 1, 2025Page count
224 pagesISBN
978-1447373896Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Jul 1, 2025Page count
224 pagesISBN
978-1447373889Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Jul 1, 2025Page count
224 pagesISBN
978-1447373902Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy Press
Embracing the Unknown
This book offers a candid and unflinching account of the PhD experience in a sector marked by precarity, insecurity and intense competition. Throughout the volume, current and former PhD students reflect on their varied journeys, addressing challenges such as balancing study with family life, navigating ethical dilemmas and managing mental health.
The collection brings together a diverse range of voices from the PhD community, sharing personal thoughts, lived experiences and "in-the-moment" accounts of life as a doctoral candidate within the context of higher education.
By demystifying the PhD journey and offering valuable insights, this book serves as essential reading for both PhD students and their supervisors.
Sarah Jones is a Visiting Lecturer and a PhD Researcher in social sciences at Birmingham City University.
Mikhail Azad is a PhD Researcher in social sciences at Birmingham City University.
Liam Miles is a PhD researcher in social sciences at Birmingham City University.
Adam Lynes is an Associate Professor in social sciences at Birmingham City University.
Part 1: Pre-PhD
1. Handling PhD Rejection but Remaining Persistent – Rio Waldock
2. Conceptualising a PhD Topic – Mikhail Sulaiman Azad
3. Hyper-competition in Securing a PhD Position – Reece Burns
4. Moving Locations to Start the PhD – Manikandan Soundararajan
Part 2: Starting/in the Process of the PhD
5. Unforeseen Life Events During the PhD – Grace Gallacher
6. Studying the PhD Part-time, and the Factors Surrounding Studying as a Mature Student – Sarah Jones
7. Undertaking PhD Research Whilst Working Full Time – Rio Waldock
8. Locating Gatekeepers/Participants in the Current Socio-economic Climate – Liam Miles
Part 3: Towards the End of the PhD
9. Balancing Family Life with the PhD – Sharda Murria
10. The Value of Support Networks – Jen-nice Harris
11. Impact of Mental Well-being During the PhD – Abigail Shaw
12. Preparing for Life After the PhD – Soozi Baggs
Part 4: Post PhD
13. 10 Years Later: Imposter Syndrome Persists – Adam Lynes
14. Reflections on Ethics in Social Sciences Research – Kavya Padmanabhan
15. Preparing for the Viva – Nicholas Gibbs
16. An Evidence-Based Account of Best Practice Towards Supervising PhD Students – Rowan Sweeney
