Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I was recommended this book by my adviser.
It was full of great advice for navigating common troubles almost all students go through.

if you are doing a PhD in the US, I wouldn't bother with this. Some of the chapters are decent, others are filled with fluff.

A very good book for the ones who intend to apply to a PHd. It describes real academic life problems and propose actions to minimize the impact of those problems in the final goal.
I'm going to apply to a PhD within few months, so it is included on my hand luggage.

This is a true godsend for helping me to get off dead center and onto writing my dissertation. It is written in a compelling and easily understood manner, unlike a dry textbook. I cannot imagine anyone attempting to earn a PhD without having read this!

Essential book, especially if you're studying in the UK. The message of the book is about YOU -- you within the doctorate process; how to make the most of your time, intellect and energy as you choose to spend the next 3-6 years tied to a computer. The emphasis on the supervisor/supervisee relationship is especially useful, as is the advice for women (if your topic is pooh-poohed, take a look at the composition of the selection panel...are they people like you, with your priorities or not?) REad it from comver to cover, and cary it about a bit. The book is realistic- gives you information if you are part-time, and working, but is also pretty opinionated that you should try to free yourself to write.

I am one of the co-authors of this book, now in third edition. The book has been translated into several languages and we have had many kind letters and comments on the contents. We aim to help students prepare for their research and eventual examination in a professional and realistic way. We also hope to help supervisors and advisors to improve their skills in smoothing the way for their research students. In the USA the book is relevant only to the final two years of the degree, i.e. AFTER the qualifying exams have been completed. For the dissertation part of the American degree this book is very helpful indeed. Enjoy your research and let How to Get a PhD be your guide through the maze.

I had a friend pass this book on to me, when I was about halfway through my PhD. The solace I found in the author's case studies' and psychological analysis of the 'stages' one goes through during the PhD process was invaluable. Additionally, I found the section on the actual writing of the PhD thesis to be very practical. My only regret about the book was that I hadn't read it sooner.

This book should be required reading for anyone considering doing a PhD.