Workshop 4 The ‘End Game’ : How to successfully complete your doctorate

Barbara Jack, Faculty of Health, Edge Hill University, Liverpool, United Kingdom jackb@edgehill.ac.uk

Abstract:

This workshop is aimed at delegates who are currently or about to embark on the final stages of doctoral study Undertaking a doctorate is undoubtedly a challenging time. In nursing many candidates undertake a doctorate on a part time basis juggling work, study and life. One of the key hurdles is the final period leading to successful completion - the ‘End Game’. This is the period that includes writing up of the thesis, the viva voce examination, responding to corrections and then disseminating your work. The aim of this workshop is to explore the particular challenges the End Game presents and discuss practical solutions for overcoming them.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the workshop participants will be enabled to:

Identify the writing up process and explored strategies to aid successful completion
Understand the purpose of viva voce and examine the purpose, roles and possible outcomes
Plan a dissemination strategy and identify approaches for translating your plan into successful outputs.

The workshop will be divided into three parts:

The writing up process This will explore the inevitable challenges of the writing up process including time management, self-motivation, overcoming writers block and managing important others. The role of the supervisory team in supporting you. What examiners are looking for in a thesis and devices for helping your reader.
The Viva Voce Examination Preparation for the viva voce examination including pros and cons of a mock viva. The purpose and possible outcomes from the viva voce will be explored, including ways of dealing with difficult questions. Lastly practical steps for dealing with corrections will be discussed.
After the PhD – your dissemination strategy Many successful doctoral students find converting a thesis into several publications daunting.

Discussion on how this can be achieved and the various publishing options will be explored. As will how to develop a publication strategy and see it translated into outputs. Lastly “what next?” – the status passage from student to independent researcher will be explored It is envisaged that this workshop will be interactive and participants will be encouraged to discuss their own challenges and identify possible solutions.

At the end of the workshop, it is anticipated that participants will be able to develop a personal action plan to help them successfully navigate the ‘End Game’