Preparing for and writing up your doctoral thesis

This paper will outline how to prepare for, and write up, a good doctoral thesis. It will
review strategies to help candidates through the whole process. It will start by looking at
the purpose of a thesis, and the importance of developing a good academic and personal
support structures for candidates. It will go on to outline the pivotal role of planning and
preparation of the structure and content, not only at the start, but by reviewing and
amending the plan throughout the process. Some of the common psychological and
practical dilemmas and experiences that are likely to unfold during the writing up process
will be reviewed and a range of strategies for dealing with these will be provided, including
some given by recent doctoral graduates. It will explain the importance of developing a
relationship with the supervisory team that supports and facilitates the doctoral candidate’s
progress and the importance of complying with departmental/university requirements. The
authors also give suggestions about the organisation and structure of a thesis and map out
core milestones and a time line which should makes successful completion of a doctorate
more likely and less stressful.