PhD Weekly Planner: Free Template and Worked Example
Download a free PhD weekly planner with a worked example. Plan research outcomes, supervisor decisions, dependencies and realistic buffer time.
PhD & Academic Life
Practical guidance for deciding on a PhD, applying, building a research routine, writing the thesis and finishing well. Choose the stage you are at, then follow the guides that answer your next question.
Decide and apply: Should you do a PhD?, find funding, choose a supervisor, email a potential supervisor, write a proposal and prepare for the interview.
Build the research: start your PhD, use the years 1–4 timeline, read journal articles, organise research papers, compare sources, write the literature review, find the research gap and narrow the research question.
Supervision and writing: prepare for supervision, turn feedback into an action plan, manage PhD time and work through dissertation writing difficulties.
Share, defend and finish: prepare a conference presentation, practise viva questions, prepare for the viva and mark the finish.
Free templates and printables · Study tools and planning guides
PhD Graduation Gifts: 15 Thoughtful, Useful Ideas
Find thoughtful PhD graduation gifts for their next chapter, with 15 practical ideas, budget options and checks before buying a personalised keepsake.
PhD Progress Report: Template and Annotated Example
Write a clear PhD progress report with a copyable template, annotated example and practical guidance on evidence, delays and your next research plan.
How to Take Notes on Research Papers: A Worked Example
Learn how to take notes on research papers with a copyable template, a real worked example and a simple system for literature review writing.
PhD Interview Presentation: Structure, Slides and Examples
Prepare a PhD interview presentation with adaptable five- and ten-minute slide plans, a worked example, rehearsal advice and a final checklist.
How to Write a Conference Abstract: Examples and Checklist
Write a conference abstract with a copyable structure, annotated examples for completed and ongoing research, and a practical submission checklist.
Academic Poster Layout: Templates and a Worked Example
Plan an academic poster layout with two adaptable structures, a worked example, readable figures and a practical print and presentation checklist.
Thank-You Messages for a PhD Supervisor: 20 Examples
Find 20 thank-you messages for a PhD supervisor, plus adaptable card and email templates for feedback, references, submission and graduation.
PhD Care Package Ideas for the First Term
Build a thoughtful first-term PhD care package with useful essentials, sample budgets, a packing checklist and low-cost ways to offer practical help.
Dissertation Schedule: A 12-Week Plan and Template
Build a realistic dissertation schedule with a copyable planning template, an illustrative 12-week plan, weekly outputs and ways to handle delays.