1. University of Stirling STIRLING GRADUATE SCHOOL
Masters to PhD Student Transitions PG Guide Booklets available at:
University of Stirling
STIRLING GRADUATE SCHOOL

2. Themes that emerged
Reflections on the transition from PG taught programmes to PhD
Emotions
Move to independent study
The changing nature of the PhD
Relationships
Peer relationships
Student/supervisor relationship
Student/staff relationship
Ongoing transitions
Suggestions for improvement

3. Reflections on the TPG to PhD transition: (un)familiar territory
Beginning the PhD was nerve-wracking but exciting. I settled into the PhD quite quickly, which I think was mainly because I was familiar with the university and the department. (Tracy, PhD student)
Going from Masters to PhD was very nerve-racking for me. I hadn’t been to Stirling Uni before and it was the first time that I would be starting a new uni not knowing anyone. I was hugely apprehensive about this because having peers and having that support network has always been important for me. (Yvonne, PhD student)

4. Emotions: Fear and excitement
Fear because I no longer have someone to structure my learning and development for me… But having said that I’m also so excited about the next three years and when I try to think of my PhD completion as a job rather than as being a student I realise it’s pretty much the best job in the world as far as I’m concerned. (Louise, PhD student)
The PhD is done over the long haul so it can involve a wide range of emotions – lack of motivation, anxiety over progress, loss of focus, exhaustion. So, I think this sets the PhD apart as being a qualitatively different experience from other academic forms/projects e.g. the essay or the master’s dissertation. (Bradley, supervisor)

5. Move to independent study: Deadlines?
Now I am working completely under my own steam and have periods where I feel as though I'm wading through paper after paper with no real direction as yet. I know it’ll change but I'm not used to this kind of freedom. (Sean, PhD student)
I think some students can find the organising of their own deadlines and schedules challenging. It can take some students a while to work out who is responsible for which aspects of the work. (Kim, supervisor)

6. Changing nature of the PhD: Additional Pressures
I just think that lots of other things are taking up my time at this stage and at the moment the image I had of being immersed in my PhD topic is not happening. (Daniella, PhD student)
I think there is less scope to get a bit lost in the literature and to play around with ideas. It feels a bit more of a production line and… I think students are preoccupied with ‘employability’ from a very early stage of the PhD. (Kim, supervisor)

7. Relationships: Peer/supervisor/staff
Having an office and using it is definitely a good thing, we are lucky to have a good group who are in most of the time and to be able to share issues and problems. (Gemma, PhD student)
1+3 students: I wanted to do a lot for them, look after them from start to finish. The personal relationship is different; it feels a bit intense compared to other students. I see it for both supervisors and students. (Shona, supervisor)
I don’t think that many staff have asked me about my research. I think there is a definite lack of community spirit within the department. (Max, PhD student)

8. Ongoing transitions Part-time students - working and PhD Families
Professionals who are having to deal with hierarchical issues as a student
The students understanding of their end goal

9. Suggestions for improvement
Students’ views
Display board with photos and names
Incorporating different types and styles of PhD as examples during induction/training
More socialising events for staff and students
Altering the layout of the Faculty common room to make it less intimidating
Supervisors’ views
More guidance and support for PT students
Bringing in PhD students to speak at induction/training events
Mentoring/shadowing opportunities - more holistic academic experience
More training for supervisors, including refresher training

10. Informal networking amongst PhD students and staff after the annual doctoral conference