New PhD success guide showcases Durham supervision expertise

Recently released, The Prosperous PhD: Secrets to Success from Top Supervisors offers practical guidance to help doctoral researchers maintain steady progress and reduce the risk of burnout.

International insights, practical tools

Rather than offering a single author’s perspective, the book compiles over 140 short pieces of guidance from expert supervisors, representing 45 institutions across eight countries, alongside exercises designed to help students apply the advice in their own day-to-day doctoral work.

The chapters span key stages and challenges of doctoral study—from choosing a supervisor and topic to managing a long project, writing up, and maintaining balance—organised around themes such as fostering relationships, seeking balance, and focusing on growth.

Durham contributors featured

Durham is represented in the book’s supervisor insight sections through contributions from Professor Mathew Guest (Department of Theology and Religion), Professor Cheryl McEwan (Department of Geography), and Professor Giles Gasper (Department of History).

Their reflections align closely with the book’s emphasis on maintaining perspective, building confidence and working sustainably throughout the PhD. As Professor Giles Gasper notes, “the thesis is a process… it is only a thesis… the book comes later,” encouraging students not to lose sight of the wider purpose of their work.

A complementary perspective comes from Professor Cheryl McEwan, who highlights the importance of community and balance: “research is always collaborative… the pursuit of perfection is far less important than a healthy work-life balance.”

Professor Mathew Guest also stresses the importance of embedding writing throughout the research process, noting that “writing well is thinking well,” and encouraging students to develop their ideas through regular drafting and reflection.

Together, these insights reinforce the book’s core message: that successful doctoral study depends not only on academic ability, but also on mindset, confidence, and effective day-to-day practices.

Support for PhD students at Durham

Alongside supervisory guidance, Durham doctoral researchers can draw on University-wide support including the Durham Researcher Development Programme (run by the Durham Centre for Academic Development), local help via college and departmental Student Support Teams and the Counselling and Mental Health Service, plus specialist provision such as Library research support and optional methods training through the Durham Research Methods Centre.

Find out more

• Learn more about The Prosperous PhD: Secrets to Success from Top Supervisors
• Find out more about postgraduate research degrees at Durham University
• Learn more about Durham’s Centre for Academic Development