The Mature Student’s Guide to Completing a Doctorate
Routledge Study Skills Series

Carefully structured to make it accessible and easy to follow, this thought-provoking book encourages the reader to facilitate a dialogue across disciplines so that mature and unconventional students are acknowledged and can discover a successful path towards admission and PhD completion. Based on real experiences of navigating the doctoral system, the guide includes insights from doctorates, candidates, supervisors, and examiners, who share their stories, insights, and advice. It covers key topics such as:

• Developing a research topic, conducting research, and research integrity
• Effectiveness, productivity, and progress
• Exploring key concepts and techniques through reading, writing, and networking
• Self-care and motivation
• Finding your academic voice

This guide is a must-read for advanced academic researchers, advanced postgraduate students, and experienced professionals with vocational backgrounds who are seeking recognition for their knowledge and alternative pathways to contribute to the sector.

1. Introduction
PART I: Motivation: Focus on the why2. Focus on the why
PART II: Organisation: Well begun is half done.3. Approaches, resources, and requirements
4. Planning and Project Management
5. Research and Critical Thinking
6. Thesis Structure, Literature Review and Checklists
PART III: Progress: Finished is better than perfect7. Progress, Mindsets, and Momentum
8. Writing and Editing
9. Staying on Track and Deadlines
10. Feedback and Setbacks
11. The Viva
PART IV: Wellbeing: Focus on self12. Focus on Self
13. Conclusion

Sinéad Hewson completed her PhD as a part-time student in 2021 and has lectured at Webster University, USA (Leiden Campus), Rotterdam School of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands, and TU Dublin, Ireland. She is the founder of an impact start-up in the Netherlands and works internationally on transformation, business scale-ups, and high performance.