YOU & YOUR DOCTORATE
In this section we look at the personal experience of doing a doctorate, with videos about stress, mental wellbeing, financial pressure, and the extra challenges faced by international students and those from underrepresented backgrounds. (But scroll down for some success stories to help you stay motivated!)
Doing a PhD is meant to be challenging, and most doctoral students feel overwhelmed by the task at times. But many find that their work – and their lives – are compromised by feelings of loneliness, inadequacy or anxiety. The consequences can be abandoned PhDs, disrupted careers and damaged mental health.
What can you do if you face financial pressure on top of the academic pressure of a PhD? This video explores the issues and some of the support that’s available.
NEW VIDEO Why are there so few research students from working class, Black British and other ethnic minority backgrounds? And what’s it like to do a PhD if you come from these (or other) underrepresented groups?
Britain is among the world’s leading destinations for those who leave home to gain a doctorate. International students make up 4 in 10 PhD students in the UK. But when they arrive, students often find it challenging to adapt to the UK’s distinctive academic culture and struggle to understand how PhDs are structured here.
… to keep you motivated when it all feels too much!