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

Rating:
Summary: Very handy for prospective students
Review: As a student just starting a PhD, I have found this book extremely useful. It puts the award in context, and clearly outlines what will be expected of you, and best to meet these expectations.

Rating:
Summary: How to Get a PhD
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: PhD and the research process
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Phillips & Pugh: How to Get a PhD
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: a relevant and clearly written guide
Review: This book cover most of the pitfalls likely to be encountered by students. Because it also includes advice for supervisors it helps remove the me-vision that most of us students suffer from a lot! Good practical advice on how to get going, keep going and complete the degree without becoming any more insane than strictly necessary

Rating:
Summary: Good, but could be better
Review: 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.