From Master’s to PhD You have come a long way in your academic journey. Your Master’s is nearly complete, and you have started considering a PhD. While you are confident that pursuing a doctorate is the right next step, you are unsure about how to plan your applications. Over the course of your Master’s, you…>
Written by Marsia Bealby
Dr Marsia Bealby is an academic with over 15 years of experience in her teaching career, having taught in both UK and international institutions. She holds a PhD in Ancient History and Archaeology, along with Master's degrees in Practical Archaeology, Museum Practice and Management, International Business, and Strategic Public Relations. She is also about to complete a Master's in Tertiary and Higher Education. Meanwhile, she has built a solid research foundation over the years.
Your PhD Application email
Congratulations on deciding to apply for a PhD! If you are applying to an institution where direct contact with a potential supervisor is expected, or for a funded PhD requiring supervisor outreach, you are in the right place. This article draws on my experience to help you make that crucial first contact effectively and authentically….>
The Teaching Tightrope: Presence Versus Pressure
By creating safe, supportive spaces, educators can spark student participation that feels engaging, not overwhelming. Whether online or face-to-face, presence should empower curiosity and trust, not anxiety. In this article, I offer tips and strategies to help you achieve this balance, so students connect, contribute, and develop deeper critical thinking skills.
Writing Abstracts for Conferences
From draft to podium: a guide for researchers at any stage Whether you are just starting in research or are an experienced academic, writing abstracts for conferences is a continuous process of skill development. This is because it requires a unique blend of academic and communication skills that differ from writing full academic papers, as…>
Basic skills in Moodle management
Why learning basic skills in Moodle management matters, and how to go about it. Moodle is a well-known Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), and I am sure many of you are already familiar with it, whether as educators or students. Due to the growing shift towards blended and online learning, VLEs like Moodle have become central…>
How to organise a conference
Having organised several academic events, I wanted to share some practical advice on how to plan a conference from start to finish. Months of isolation made us appreciate the little things in academia. Nothing quite beats the return to in-person conferences: good coffee, and face-to-face conversations that spark ideas! As some steps may be familiar…>
PhD interview questions
If you are here because you were offered a PhD interview, congratulations! This interview is your opportunity to show you are the perfect fit for the programme. This article can help you prepare to answer common PhD interview questions. What to expect in your PhD interview PhD application requirements vary based on institutional, regional and…>
How do you stay focused when researching?
Imagine spending hours on research, only to realise that you have drifted off course and lost your focus. Academic research and analysis can feel overwhelming, especially when juggling multiple tasks, distractions (because, as we all know, life happens!) and tight deadlines. Whether writing a PhD thesis, preparing a publication, or collecting data, maintaining focus is…>
How to overcome writer’s block
Writer’s block is frustrating and requires patience to overcome… …but it is a common challenge, especially for academics and professionals juggling multiple projects and deadlines, whether working independently or in collaboration. We have all been there before, staring at a blank screen as the deadline looms, unable to type a single word. What can you…>