Thriving in Part-Time Doctoral Study

Jon Rainford is a Staff Tutor in Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport at The Open University, UK. He is also a Visiting Research Fellow in Education at The University of Bath, UK.Kay Guccione is Head of Research Culture and Researcher Development at the University of Glasgow, UK. She is a National Teaching Fellow, specialising in doctoral supervision, mentoring and community building for researchers.

• 1. What is a part-time doctorate 2. Drawing your map 3. Developing your identity 4. Working with your supervisor(s) 5. Managing your project 6. Finding your balance 7. Building your village 8. Moving on from this book

"This book has been the perfect guide in preparing me for my own doctorate. The structured activities and assuring guidance woven throughout has helped me identify the mechanisms that will enable me to be at my best during part-time study. I now feel prepared, excited and confident about my next steps."Jo Goodman, PhD Student, Lancaster University"This book is grounded in real world experiences. Offering activities that help readers to apply the guidance it offers, and with a living archive of blogs to accompany it, Thriving in Part-Time Doctoral Study will be invaluable to anyone even thinking about doing a part-time doctorate."Kelly Louise Preece, University of Exeter"What stands out about this handbook is its focus on the part-time experience and how that differs from studying for a doctorate full-time. The co-authors are realistic and empathetic about the additional barriers that some may face, ensuring that their ideas are not presented glibly or dictatorially and they show considerable awareness of the impact of individuals’ unique life experiences on their part-time doctoral journeys. While including insightful reflections on their own paths, they are careful to also incorporate a range of other diverse voices in the “real-world reflections” sections written by different contributors. Furthermore, they include practical activities and ways for readers to reflect on their own situations, and encourage them to contribute to the book’s associated website and social media conversations. As well as being valuable to those embarking on their doctoral journey, the book’s stimulating activities would be very supportive to those reflecting at a later stage or preparing for viva examination."Dr Jenny Lewin-Jones, Educational Review