PhD Coaching Blog — Thesis Format

Always start with a model!

December 1, 2023 • Conceptual Frameworks • Doctorate • Model • PhD • Theoretical Framework • Thesis • Thesis Format

Graduate Pathways to Success Model When you're planning to build something, like a doctoral thesis, it's a good idea to create a model that shows how all the pieces connect. I'm very proud of the model that I created for the Graduate Pathways to Success program at the University of British cancel, and I saw it was still in use when I visited for a special event this week: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/professional-development Also pleased to see that I'm still being given credit for my work with GPS: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/professional-development/about-gps Of course that may change shortly, because the special event was the retirement...

Thesis Formatting: When, How and Why

May 16, 2023 • PhD • Style Guide • Thesis • Thesis Format

Why should you be so picky about your thesis format? First, you have to meet your university’s standards for submission. Even more importantly, your examiners will take your clean, elegant, and beautifully presented manuscript as a sign that you are an organized and confident candidate, ready to successfully defend your work. And that’s a good thing.

I sleep with the APA Manual under my pillow!

May 11, 2023 • Style Guide • Thesis • Thesis Format

At least that’s what I tell PhD candidates. Yes, I assure them, it’s slightly uncomfortable but if you want to use the American Psychological Association (APA)Style Guide, you have to spend a lot of time with the manual! And just in case you’re just starting your academic writing and are not sure what a Style Guide is used for, it’s to ensure consistency in citations, reference lists, formatting and layout. So, if you want to know how long your dashes should be, a good Style Guide will help you with that. I’ve never quite understood why a manual developed by...