Academic on Catherine Pope

Requesting Viva Adaptations

Tue, 26 May 2026 09:45:31 +0100

If you have a disability or specific condition, you’re entitled to request adaptations for your viva. When communicating your needs, quote relevant legislation and guidance. For example, “As stated in the Equality Act 2010, the following adaptations will help ensure my viva is conducted fairly.” This reminds your institution of their obligations and carries more weight than an informal request.

In-Person Vivas

When making arrangements, be explicit about your requirements. Don’t leave anything to chance — confirm details in writing when you submit your thesis, and again when you’re notified of your viva date.

Potential Viva Questions

Tue, 19 May 2026 08:45:31 +0100

Here are some potential viva questions to use in your practice sessions. You’ll need to adapt them to fit your specific research. Make sure you vary the questions and don’t just rehearse the same answers. Ideally, get other people to ask you questions. It’s important to get used to thinking on the spot.

General or opening

What is your thesis about?
Why did you choose this research question?
What were your major findings or conclusions?
Why is your research important?
What did you enjoy most about your project?

More specific

What are the key strengths of your thesis?
What are the major achievements?
What would you identify as your major contribution to knowledge?
What do you see as the most original element of your thesis, and why?
Can you summarise your key findings in a few sentences?

Structure/methodology

What was your methodology and why was this appropriate?
Does your overall argument make sense and how does it address your research questions?
What assumptions have you made, and have they worked?
Were there any surprises in the course of your research?
How has your thinking developed or changed throughout this research?
How did you establish the limits or scope of your study?
Explain the structure of your project and your thesis.

Research context

How does your thesis relate to the wider field?
How does your thesis relate to your discipline?
What has happened in your research field since you submitted your thesis?
If you have adapted an established methodology, why were those changes necessary?
What are the implications of your research for the wider field?
How would you continue your research?

Literature review

Summarise an influential concept or thinker and explain why this was so significant for your work.
Explain why certain literature is missing from your review.
Comment on how you selected your key literature. What decisions did you have to make?

Limitations/weaknesses

What would you do differently, and why?
What are the potential weaknesses of your project?
Could you have interpreted your results in a different way?
Were there any issues around your selection and collection of data?
Was there any other material you wanted to use but couldn’t or didn’t?
What are the limitations of this study? How could you address them?
What were the ethical concerns with your project? How have you addressed them?
What counter‐arguments are there to your main argument?

Interdisciplinary

How do you position your thesis in relation to the disciplines it draws on — do you see it as primarily belonging to one field, or as genuinely sitting between them?
Where the disciplines you engaged with offered conflicting methods, frameworks, or assumptions, how did you navigate or resolve those tensions?
How did you handle differences in terminology or key concepts across disciplines — particularly where the same term carries different meanings in different fields?
Which scholarly communities would benefit most from your research, and how would you communicate your findings to each?
What disciplinary conventions did you follow in presenting your work and why?

Professional Doctorate

How would you explain the key findings of your research to a practitioner audience?
What practical implications do your findings have for policy or practice in your field?
How did you navigate ethical considerations specific to researching within your professional context?
In what ways has your research changed your own professional practice?
How would you implement your findings in a professional setting, and what barriers might you anticipate?
What future research directions emerge from your work that would be valuable to professionals in your field?

Practice-based Doctorate

What methodological challenges did you encounter in integrating theory with practice?
How does your work contribute to both your artistic/professional field and academic discourse?
How did your practice evolve in response to your research findings?
In what ways does your practice challenge or extend existing paradigms in your field?
How would you position your work in relation to other practitioners in your discipline?
What ethical considerations arose during your practice-based research?
How did you navigate the balance between artistic/professional innovation and academic rigour?
What unexpected insights emerged from the interplay between theory and practice?

Thesis by Papers

How do the papers in your thesis form a coherent body of work, rather than a collection of separate studies?
Some of your papers were co-authored. How would you characterise your individual contribution to each?
Where the papers were written at different stages of your doctorate, how has your thinking developed across them?
Are there tensions or contradictions between the papers, and if so, how do you account for them?
What does your integrative chapter add that the papers themselves do not?
If you were to write an additional paper to strengthen the thesis, what would it address and why?
How do you see these papers contributing to the field beyond the doctorate — for example, in terms of future research directions or practical applications?

Preparing for Your Viva - Resources

Mon, 18 May 2026 16:01:09 +0100

Resources for workshop on Preparing for Your Viva

Choosing Your PhD Examiner

Mon, 18 May 2026 15:45:31 +0100

Although you can’t necessarily choose your PhD examiner, you’re allowed to suggest someone. And this is a power you should use wisely, especially if you need adaptations. Your university isn’t obliged to accept your recommendation, but they should at least consider it and take reasonable steps see whether that person is both appropriate and available. You typically don’t have much say in the selection of the internal examiner. This is whoever is available in your School who hasn’t had significant involvement in your PhD so far.

Planning Your Journal Article - Resources

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:56:16 +0000

Here are the resources for my workshop on Planning Your Journal Article.

Books 📚

Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks by Wendy Belcher
Writing for Social Scientists by Howard S. Becker
Writing Science by Joshua Schimel
Stylish Academic Writing by Helen Sword

Resources 🧭

Apps 💻

Sequential Elimination for Journal Articles (experimental!)

Getting Writing Done - Resources

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:01:16 +0000

Resources for workshop on Getting Writing Done

Turning Your Thesis into a Monograph - Resources

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:59:24 +0000

Here are the resources for my workshop on Turning Your Thesis into a Monograph.

🎤 You can also hear me talking about publishing your thesis on the PhD Life Raft podcast.

Books 📚

How to Publish Your PhD by Catherine Pope
Thinking Like Your Editor – How to Write Serious Nonfiction & Get it Published by Susan Rabiner & Alfred Fortunato - not specifically for academics, but useful for considering your project from the publisher’s perspective.
Writing Science by Joshua Schimel - despite the title, the excellent advice applies to writers in all disciplines and is also applicable to book proposals.

Websites 🕸️

Open Access

Knowledge Unlatched - repository of OA books.
Open Book Publishers - OA publishers

Contractual Support

Society of Authors – will check contracts
Textbook and Academic Authors Association – US-centric, but lots of resources and guidance.

Web Presence

Reclaim Hosting – affordable hosting for academics. Offers WordPress, Omeka, MediaWiki and more.
Knowledge Commons – not-for-profit alternative to Academia.edu. Also offers free WordPress hosting.
Omeka – create online exhibitions.

Podcasting

Pod Academy – directory of research-based podcasts
H-Podcast – lots of discussion and podcasts in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Publishing support

Bookvault - publish, print, and sell books globally.
Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading - directory of qualified editors and proofreaders across many fields.
Reedsy – marketplace for finding reputable publishing professionals.
Society of Indexers - find a qualified book indexer, or even train to become an indexer!
Indexing: A Guide for Academic Authors - comprehensive blog post explaining the process.

Making Progress in Your PhD - Resources

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:11:09 +0100

Resources for workshop on Making Progress in Your PhD

Narrative CV Example - STEM

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:41:41 +0000

Annotated STEM narrative CV example showing OCAR structure across all four R4RI modules. See how to demonstrate accessibility, inclusivity, and impact.

Writing a Team Narrative CV

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:37:57 +0000

Learn how to write team narrative CVs for collaborative funding applications. Practical guidance on demonstrating collective strength and complementary expertise.

Strengthening Your Narrative CV Language

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:15:15 +0000

5 essential language principles for narrative CVs. Learn how to use active voice, strong verbs, and precise language to maximise impact within word limits.

Writing Your Personal Statement for a Narrative CV

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:17:17 +0000

Learn how to write a compelling Personal Statement for your narrative CV. Step-by-step guidance from finding your research identity to the final 2-3 sentences.

Narrative CV Example - Arts and Humanities

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:03:44 +0000

Annotated narrative CV example for applied theatre researchers. See how OCAR structure works across all four R4RI modules with detailed commentary.

Using the OCAR Structure at Multiple Levels in Your Narrative CV

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:55:25 +0000

Learn how OCAR structure works at three nested levels in narrative CVs. Understand the fractal approach from individual examples to Personal Statement.

Accelerating Your Research with AI - Resources

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:31:09 +0100

Resources for workshop on Accelerating Your Research with AI Tools

LinkedIn without Tears: A Guide for Academics

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:53:23 +0000

Practical LinkedIn strategy for academic researchers who find social media overwhelming. Learn how to use LinkedIn effectively without wasting time, from setting intentions to managing your feed and building meaningful connections.

How to Build Your Academic Network on LinkedIn

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 15:50:43 +0000

Guide to building your LinkedIn network as an academic researcher. Learn who to connect with, how to maintain relationships, and ways to expand your professional network authentically using the concentric circles approach.

What Should You Post on Academic LinkedIn?

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:34:15 +0000

Practical guide to posting on LinkedIn for academic researchers. Learn what to share, how to craft engaging posts, and ways to add value without self-promotion. Tips for building your professional presence authentically.

What Should You Include in Your Academic LinkedIn Profile?

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 11:01:17 +0000

A practical guide to optimising your LinkedIn profile for academic researchers. Learn how to structure your headline, About section, and key profile elements to support your research goals, from securing funding to building collaborations.

Using the Delphi Method in Research Teams

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 14:44:53 +0000

Step-by-step guide to implementing the Delphi Method for research teams. Learn how to facilitate asynchronous decision-making that includes all voices.

The Delphi Method: A Better Way to Make Team Decisions

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:32:24 +0000

Tired of unproductive meetings? Learn how the Delphi Method helps research teams make better decisions through structured, silent collaboration and consensus-building.

Narrative CV Example - Teams

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 18:03:21 +0000

Annotated team narrative CV example showing OCAR structure for collaborative climate justice project. See how to demonstrate complementary expertise and team cohesiveness.

Boosting Your Writing Productivity - Resources

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:01:16 +0000

Resources for workshop on Boosting Your Writing Productivity

How to Write a Narrative CV

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:26:01 +0000

Step-by-step guide to writing narrative CVs for UK research funding. Learn the OCAR structure with before/after examples across all four R4RI modules.

Using the OCAR Structure for Academic Writing

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:20:52 +0000

Learn how to use the OCAR structure for academic writing. A practical framework for researchers to craft compelling narratives in papers and proposals.

What Should You Include in a Narrative CV?

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 11:01:29 +0000

Discover what to include in your narrative CV across four key modules. Practical guidance for UK researchers on showcasing impact beyond publications.

An Introduction to Narrative CVs

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:50:28 +0000

Learn about narrative CVs for UK research funding. Understand the R4RI format, UKRI requirements, and how to showcase your impact beyond publications.

How to Disable Automatic Tags in Zotero

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:05:43 +0000

Learn how to remove and disable automatic tags in Zotero with this quick two-step guide. Stop database tags from cluttering your Zotero library and keep only the tags you create yourself.

Managing Your Energy Budget

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 09:42:51 +0100

Learn three practical energy management approaches - Spoon Theory, Traffic Light System, and Battery Model - to help neurodivergent people and those with chronic conditions budget their energy effectively.

How to Use Zotero with Scrivener - Part 2

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 08:47:33 +0100

Why Zotero 7 broke Scrivener integration and what to do about it. Honest review of alternatives including Quarto, Zettlr, and Obsidian, plus why the RTF/ODF plugin won't return.

How to Use Zotero with Scrivener

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 08:04:47 +0100

Learn how to integrate Zotero and Scrivener using the RTF Scan method. Step-by-step guide to add citations and bibliographies to your academic writing workflow.

Planning the Final Year of Your PhD - Resources

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:11:09 +0100

Resources for workshop on Planning the Final Year of Your PhD

Streamlining Your Academic Writing with AI - Resources

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:31:09 +0100

Resources for workshop on Streamlining Your Writing with AI Tools

Time Tracking for Researchers: Improve Your Project Management with Data-Driven Planning

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:41:17 +0100

Discover how time tracking can transform your research project management. Learn to avoid procrastination, set realistic deadlines, and say no to overcommitment with data-driven insights. Includes practical tips for tracking writing speed and estimating academic tasks.

Project Managing Your Research - Resources

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:31:09 +0100

Here are the resources for my workshop on Project Managing Your Research.

Books 📚

How to Lead Smart People by Arun Singh & Mike Mister
Making Work Visible by Dominica DeGrandis
Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just 5 Days by Jake Knapp
The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran & Michael Lennington
Words that Change Minds by Shelle Rose Charvet

Apps 💻

Resources 🧭

Risk Assessment Matrix

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:48:58 +0100

Learn to use the Risk Assessment Matrix for academic projects. Identify and prioritize research risks with practical examples, from equipment failure to supervisor changes. Essential project management tool for researchers.

Work Breakdown Structure

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:40:43 +0100

Learn how to break down overwhelming academic projects into manageable tasks using Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Complete guide with examples, templates, and practical questions for researchers to improve project planning and avoid missed deadlines.

Planning and Structuring Your Literature Review - Resources

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:07:07 +0100

Resources for workshop on Planning and Structuring Your Literature Review.

Beyond the Feedback Sandwich

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 09:08:33 +0100

Move beyond the basic feedback sandwich with practical strategies for giving, receiving, and requesting feedback effectively. Learn the three types of feedback and when to use each one.

Your Circle of Control

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:53:02 +0100

Learn Stephen R. Covey's Circle of Control model for PhD success. Focus your energy on what you can actually influence rather than worrying about factors beyond your control.

The Eisenhower Matrix

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:04:36 +0100

Master the Eisenhower Matrix for PhD time management. Learn to prioritize urgent vs important tasks, avoid overwhelm, and focus on what truly matters for your research.

The Support-Challenge Matrix

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:32:54 +0100

Use the Support-Challenge Matrix to optimize your PhD supervision. Learn how to balance challenge and support for academic progress while avoiding anxiety, inertia, and dependency.

The Hersey-Blanchard Model in Doctoral Supervision

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:10:00 +0100

Learn how PhD supervision should evolve using the Hersey-Blanchard Model. Understand when you need direction, mentoring, coaching, or support during your doctoral journey.

The Human Function Curve

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:55:35 +0100

Understand the Human Function Curve and find your optimal performance zone. Learn to recognize when academic pressure becomes harmful strain and how to maintain sustainable productivity.

Achieving a Win-Win

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:25:47 +0100

Master win-win negotiation in PhD supervision. Learn how to move beyond Drama Triangle conflicts to create productive relationships that serve both student and supervisor needs.

The Drama Triangle

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:54:40 +0100

Learn about the Drama Triangle model and how Victim, Rescuer, and Persecutor roles can damage PhD supervision relationships. Practical guide for students and supervisors to identify and break destructive patterns.

How to Signpost Your Academic Writing

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 14:11:10 +0100

Master academic signposting to guide readers through your thesis or book. Learn how to use chapter outlines, mini-conclusions, cross-references, and descriptive headings to create navigable scholarly writing.

How to Map Your Thesis or Book

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:04:42 +0100

Learn how to map your thesis or book using sticky notes and wall space to visualize structure, identify gaps, and reorganize content. A physical approach to managing large writing projects when digital tools fall short.

Improve Your Flow with Reverse Outlining

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:15:08 +0100

Master the reverse outlining technique to transform rambling academic drafts into coherent arguments. Step-by-step guide to analyzing paragraph structure, identifying gaps, and strengthening your thesis flow.

Creating a Minimum Viable Thesis

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:00:32 +0100

Apply agile methodology to PhD completion with the Minimum Viable Thesis approach. Learn why aiming for 'good enough' rather than perfection can speed up submission and let examiners guide final improvements.

Should You Quit Your PhD?

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 13:07:25 +0100

Guidance for PhD students considering quitting their doctorate. Learn decision-making frameworks, hear from someone who quit successfully, and discover strategies for continuing if you choose to persist.

Dealing with Darwin Days

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 12:53:08 +0100

Practical strategies for PhD researchers having unproductive 'Darwin Days' when motivation fails. Learn how to recognize when you need rest versus when to work through easier tasks to maintain thesis progress.

Should You Hire a Professional Proofreader for Your Thesis?

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 12:30:38 +0100

Essential guide to hiring professional proofreaders for your PhD thesis. Learn what proofreaders do, how to find qualified professionals, costs involved, and university regulations around editing services.

Implementing Feedback from Your Supervisor

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 12:23:39 +0100

A systematic approach to handling PhD supervisor feedback without panic. Learn how to triage comments, assess their value critically, and implement changes strategically while maintaining your confidence as a researcher.

Organising and Annotating Research Photos With Tropy

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 12:14:19 +0100

Learn how to use Tropy, the free digital tool for organizing and annotating archival research photos. Discover features for transcription, metadata management, and image enhancement to streamline your historical research workflow.

Improving Writing Accountability With Focusmate

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 12:04:46 +0100

Discover how Focusmate can transform your academic writing productivity by pairing you with strangers for virtual body doubling sessions. Learn why accountability through webcam co-working helps PhD researchers overcome procrastination and stay focused.

Preparing for an Online Viva

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 11:50:06 +0100

Complete guide to preparing for an online PhD viva examination. Covers technical setup, environment preparation, day-of logistics, and video call etiquette to ensure your virtual viva goes smoothly.

How to Write a Thesis Abstract

Sat, 18 Jul 2020 11:42:43 +0100

A comprehensive guide to writing a compelling PhD thesis abstract in 300 words. Learn how to structure your abstract to attract examiners and readers, plus practical tips for distilling your research into a perfect summary.

Who Do You Include in Your Thesis Acknowledgements?

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 11:36:22 +0100

A practical guide to writing PhD thesis acknowledgements, covering who to thank from supervisors to librarians, plus style tips to strike the right professional tone. Essential advice for doctoral researchers approaching submission.

How to Defeat Your Inner Critic and Keep Writing

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 15:27:26 +0000

Learn how to use the ABCDE technique to overcome writing blocks and silence your inner critic. A practical evidence-based method for academic researchers struggling to get writing done.