Whether you're just getting started with a large piece of writing, such as your dissertation, or you're part way through already, taking a break, getting other opinions and (re)igniting your enthusiasm for your subject can be invaluable. Shutting out distractions and focusing on the task at hand is a powerful way to make progress, but there will come a point where you need to ask for advice on how to tackle a particular topic, or seek feedback on something you have already written.
This year, for the first time, we have organised monthly PGT Writing Cafés to help you do this. These welcoming, peer-led sessions enable you to join a group of your choice and discuss an aspect of academic writing. Topics change each month and might include getting over writer’s block, crafting literature reviews, and improving criticality, allowing you to learn from each other, share best practices, and meet new people.
Meet our Writing Guides
The Cafés provide a supportive space where you can discuss your writing approaches and gain confidence before putting pen to paper, and are run by PGR Writing Guides. Our Guides include:
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Lydia HudsonFor my PhD, I am looking at how nature-based solutions can support climate justice. My favourite writing tip is to write your paragraph topics on sticky notes and physically rearrange them into different orders - it's a great way to find the best flow for your essay and identify weak points in your argument. |
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Qing ZhangI'm a 2nd-year PhD student in School of Management, with a research interest in behavioral economics. My favourite writing tip: better finished than endlessly polished. |
Upcoming Café dates
The next PGT Writing Café is running on 28 May, and we encourage you to come along and join a table. There will be three tables to choose from, covering:
- Clarity and coherence
- Criticality
- Literature reviews
We'll provide a supportive environment, the opportunity meet other students tackling the same challenges as you, and some tasty treats. All you need to do is bring your questions and a drink.
100% of students who attended a PGT Writing Café in March or April rated it as 'Highly effective' or 'Effective' in helping with their writing
Related blog posts
We have a number of blog posts about writing your dissertation. Make sure you check these out so that you're ready to get started:
- Choosing a topic
- Making an action plan
- Working with your supervisor
- Literature reviews
- Research (developing your research question, creating your working title and developing your research proposal)
- Structuring your dissertation (including contents, sections, and designing an effective structure)
- Writing an abstract - a six point checklist
Further support
If you'd like some further support on writing your dissertation, we offer 1:1 tutorials both online and in-person. Tutorials are available throughout the summer, and slots become available 14 days in advance. You can see what's available, and book a tutorial, in MySkills.
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