Embracing the Unknown: Experiences of Studying for a PhD in the Social Sciences

This book offers a candid and unflinching account of the PhD experience in a sector marked by precarity, insecurity, and intense competition. Throughout the volume, current and former PhD students reflect on their varied journeys, addressing challenges such as balancing study with family life, navigating ethical dilemmas and managing mental health.

The collection brings together a diverse range of voices from the PhD community, sharing personal thoughts, lived experiences, and 'in-the-moment' accounts of life as a doctoral candidate within the context of higher education.

By demystifying the PhD journey and offering valuable insights, this book serves as essential reading for both PhD students and their supervisors.

© 2025 Policy Press (Ebook): 9781447373902

Release date

Ebook: June 18, 2025