The social science PhD: A literature review

Abstract

Following the Winfield Report on the social science PhD and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) response to it, this literature review examines what research has been accomplished on the process of doctoral education in the social sciences. The review encompasses the debate over whether the focus of doctoral research should be education or training. Also examined are such pertinent issues as: the postgraduate learning process, personal development, social factors, collegiality and student problems. Additionally the review embraces the supervisory relationship between staff and postgraduate students, and the selection process of research students.