Can a PhD be enjoyable?

The good news is that most students have a satisfying experience during a PhD or similar postgraduate research degree. Specifically, eight out of ten students say that they are satisfied with their degrees.

What’s it like doing a PhD?

The main element of a PhD is individual research. While your supervisor might help point you in the right direction, it is up to you to do the work and interpret your findings. As the progress of a PhD will be almost entirely on you, you will need to learn to prioritise tasks and justify the routes you take.

How hard is it to complete a PhD?

It’s no secret that completing a PhD is not an easy task. It takes a lot of work and dedication which, at times, might seem fruitless. Some days might feel wasted, whereas others might feel highly productive. It can therefore be both a stressful and rewarding experience.

What should you do after you finish your PhD?

Once you finish your PhD, take a breath and allow some space in your life. Next, determine your goals and create a plan for how to proceed. Once you are clear on your goals, prepare your materials and apply for jobs. Finally, periodically re-evaluate your goals to see whether you’re meeting them and whether they’re still relevant.

Do you lose sight of your uniqueness when trying to get a PhD?

Having spent the past few years in the company of other people who either already have PhDs or are trying to get them, it’s easy to lose sight of your uniqueness. Remember that you are a member of a small group of people with an exceptionally useful skill set, and a degree to prove it.

What is a typical day like for a PhD student?

Every person’s PhD experience will be different. Your day-to-day routine will depend massively on your subject, research project and institution. Science degrees, for example, often involve a fair amount of collaborative work. Yet the Arts and Humanities are usually more individual.