The Puppet Problem
Or, Ideas That Have Not Found Their Moment… For about three years, I have wanted to make a series of (hopefully funny) videos to help PGRs get ready for their viva. I would do these with a puppet co-star. Through...
Daily viva help for PhDs
Or, Ideas That Have Not Found Their Moment… For about three years, I have wanted to make a series of (hopefully funny) videos to help PGRs get ready for their viva. I would do these with a puppet co-star. Through...
I’d say a good 75% of my PhD results seemed obvious afterwards: A clever solution for a programming problem. An insight into the way a particular bit of maths worked. A step in a proof that seemed inscrutable beforehand. All...
Two words to describe what you have when you start a PhD – in a way, the reasons why you were accepted on the programme. You showed something, in your application or interview. You had some skills, some knowledge, some...
Vivas don’t just happen as some kind of almost-full-stop on the PhD. They’re done for a reason. There are aims of the process. Find out what they are – this isn’t a great secret, explore around on this blog and...
When I was a kid I used to love all-you-can-eat buffets. Some of this, some of that, pile the plate high and devour! And repeat! And repeat! And then regret… Sore stomach, parched throat, and a fuzzy head from too...
Edison failed in his pursuit of a lightbulb 500 times, 1000 times or even 10,000 times depending on which (probably exaggerated!) account you read. What is certain is that he made mistakes, but he didn’t really fail because he kept pursuing....
I’ve always liked the idea of putting a thinking cap on: doing something to particularly stimulate ideas or cleverness. There are times when I’ve worn a baseball cap as I sit down to write or work on something tough. I know...
A little bravery goes a long way. Yes, the unexpected question could scare you, or an honest mistake that seems huge, but you have talent, you have knowledge, you have your thesis. This should lead to a confidence that you...
How small could you make your thesis? It takes years to create, through research and writing, to make it what it is. But could your thesis be summarised in a few thousand words before your viva, to help you remember...
You can’t get to the end of a PhD without supporters. They could have lots of different connections to you – your supervisor, your colleagues, family and friends – and they may help in lots of different ways. You need...