“I started my PhD in September 2003, but it wasn’t long before I realised that it’s much easier to get onto a PhD programme than it is to complete one…” If the aim of a PhD is to develop the skills of a professional academic researcher, how should you go about it? Using the principles of skill development as a foundation, this book provides a unique approach to the most common challenges of PhD research, including: Getting to know the literature in your field Developing your research ideas Becoming a better academic writer Coping with the stress and unpredictability of research Publications and presentations Writing, submitting and defending your thesis