ANUx: How to Survive Your PhD

Course Description

"How to Survive Your PhD" is designed to address the emotional challenges and resilience required to successfully complete a research degree. This course delves into the psychological aspects of pursuing a PhD, exploring the common emotional experiences encountered by research students and providing strategies to navigate these challenges effectively.

What Students Will Learn

• Understand the common emotional experiences of research students and their underlying causes.
• Develop strategies to cope with the emotional challenges of research study.
• Gain insights into becoming a more effective research supervisor.
• Explore the historical context of doctoral studies and its impact on modern-day challenges.
• Learn to manage emotions such as imposter syndrome, frustration, loneliness, fear, and boredom.
• Understand the role of curiosity and love in research.
• Develop skills to maintain emotional resilience throughout the research process.

Pre-requisites

• Familiarity with the basic concept of research study (such as Honours, Masters, or PhD processes).
• Some insider knowledge of academic life and tertiary education is advantageous, but not essential.

Course Coverage

• The history of doctoral studies
• Factors contributing to research student success and failure
• Managing confidence and imposter syndrome
• Dealing with frustration in research and writing
• Overcoming loneliness and isolation in academic pursuits
• Addressing fear of failure, writing, and public speaking
• Harnessing curiosity effectively in research
• Navigating confusion during the research process
• Combating boredom in long-term research projects
• Understanding the role of love and passion in research

Who This Course Is For

• Masters and PhD students
• Research students in various disciplines
• Academics and prospective academics who supervise research students
• Family members and friends of PhD students who want to better understand and support their loved ones

Real-World Application of Skills

• Improved emotional resilience in academic and professional settings
• Better management of long-term, complex projects
• Enhanced ability to mentor and support others in high-stress environments
• Increased self-awareness and emotional intelligence
• Improved communication and relationships within academic and research communities
• Better work-life balance and stress management in high-pressure careers
• Enhanced problem-solving skills when faced with emotional challenges

Syllabus

Each week focuses on a specific aspect of the emotional journey of a research student, providing in-depth exploration and practical strategies for managing these experiences.