How to Get a PhD: A Handbook for Students and Their Supervisors [Paperback]

Estelle Phillips (Author), Derek.S. Pugh (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0335216846 | ISBN-13: 978-0335216840 | Publication Date: June 1, 2005 | Edition: 4

This is a handbook for Ph.D. students, providing a practical, realistic understanding of the processes of doing research for a doctorate.

New to this edition: a section on increasingly popular professional doctorates such as Ed.D., D.B.A., and D.Eng; material for supervisors of overseas, part-time, and mature students; and a diagnostic questionnaire for students to monitor progress.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A welcome revision to what has always been a popular book amongst intending PhD students; certainly an essential for all careers libraries!...Order your copy of the book today, and watch your students queue to consult it!" - Phoenix"Phillips and Pugh's book has, since its original publication in 1987, become the undisputed bible for doctoral students...To say that this book is a goldmine of hints, sound advice and carefully researched observations and lessons is an understatement." - Nursing Times --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Estelle M. Phillips is an independent educational consultant based in the United Kingdom.

Derek S. Pugh is emeritus professor of international management at the Open University Business School, United Kingdom.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Open University Press; 4 edition (June 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0335216846
• ISBN-13: 978-0335216840
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,147,380 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, but could be better, August 7, 2002

By 

Beltran Gonzalez Carlos (Genova, Liguria Italy) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: How to Get a PhD (Paperback)

This book is perfect if you are going to apply for a Phd in Britain. If you are going to do so, buy it!. However, in my opinion is not worth to buy it if you are already a phd student or you are not in the British phd system. In this case I suggest you to borrow the book or to find it in your library for a fast read. I think that the book is a little expensive for the information you will find in it. It is full of obvious advices that you probably already know, but it is not bad to see them written.

As I see it, the most important things in the book are: the definition of phd, the chapter "How to do research", the psychological aspects related with the phd process, and the chapter "The form of a Phd thesis".

The worst things are: the chapter "How to survive in a predominantly British, white, male, full academic enviroment"; I think the information reported in this chapter is common in all social and professional environments and not specific to the phd, people that belong to minorities or are under harassment situations can easily find information in more specific literature. This chapter could be substituted by a more usefull one that could be titled: "Before the Phd"; there could be inserted important information that is not present now. i.e. in science phd's is very important to have a strong mathematical background "before" you start or to have adecuate English writing/reading skill "in any case"(so you should work hard before the phd if your mother language is not English).

As conclusion, I think that the book is helpful in general and it is worth to have a look on it; a valuable point is that it is the result of a profound analysis of the British Phd process, but in another hand this can be counteractive if applied to non-british phd.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PhD and the research process, January 22, 2001

By 

Richard Race (Keele University, UK.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Get a PhD (Paperback)

Essential for all global undergraduates (who are technically junior researchers), postgraduates and academics at all levels. The book increases understanding of different elements of the research process from what you need to know about applying to do research and choosing a supervisor to information on the final oral (viva) examination. The book is written in an accessible way and provides guidance for those who want to continue researching. Are you considering a new research project and need help or encouragement? This excellent book will give you that and so much more besides.

1.0 out of 5 stars Not as advertised., October 31, 2011

By 

Charmaine C. Williams (Toronto, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: HOW TO GET PHD - SEE 2ED (Hardcover)

I ordered the second edition of How to get a PhD and instead got a 1st edition that I would not describe as "good" condition. Quite disappointing.