If you have ever considered undertaking a PhD or professional doctorate but are not sure where to begin, then make a solid start by watching UKIO Online 2020’s latest session Doctoral Den Supervision: Notes to help you navigate the path.
It draws on real life experiences of university supervisors, as well as radiographers who have successfully completed doctoral qualifications.
The 1 July session, hosted by Rachel Harris, the SCoR’s professional and education manager and research lead, heard from Karen Knapp, associate professor in musculoskeletal imaging, University of Exeter and Professor Heidi Probst, professor of radiotherapy and oncology, Sheffield Hallam University, who talked about what supervisors are looking for in prospective doctoral students.
Dr Julie Woodley, senior lecturer, University of the West of England and Dr Helen McNair, lead research radiographer and HEE/NIHR senior clinical lecturer, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Cancer Research, offered advice on the qualities that students should be looking for in their supervisors and academic institutions.
Key take-aways: What supervisors look for
“Doctoral research is a huge thing to undertake but doing it and gaining the qualification is a fantastic achievement and one well worth doing. The driving force of that passion will help you to succeed through the challenges,” Heidi said.
Key take-aways: What should students look for?
Other topics discussed during the session included how to find funding for a project; the difference between a PhD and a professional doctorate; whether a student should have previous research experience; how a student might find the best institution for them; how to be realistic about the amount of time it is going to take, what the university will expect time-wise and how you will find a work/life balance; finding support amongst other PhD student groups; and what to do once you have completed your PhD or professional doctorate.
“Remember, a doctorate is the start of a research journey. What will you do next?” Rachel said.
If you need advice or to find out more about studying for a PhD or professional doctorate, and how you might acquire funding, email Rachel Harris. Online resources include:
Watch the Doctorate Den and access other UKIO Online 2020 presentations.