North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership
A visit to New York University for both an overseas institutional visit and a placement.
Washington Square Park, near the NYU Linguistics department
Taryn Hurley-Hall, Linguistics, University of Manchester (2024 Cohort)
During the Spring semester of this year, I was given the opportunity to visit New York University for both an overseas institutional visit and a placement. It was an amazing experience, and I believe it will positively impact my PhD and my future career. The Linguistics department at NYU was very welcoming, and it quickly felt as though I was a member of their academic community. I’m particularly grateful to my officemates and academic host for their warm welcome!
Read MoreJoining from a distance: Chairing and presenting at DSA2026
Cynthia Keza Birikudavyi, Development & Humanitarianism, University of Manchester (2025 Cohort)
When I began my PhD in fall 2025, one of the first pieces of advice I received from people who had already been through the process was to make use of the spaces where doctoral researchers can build community, exchange ideas and learn from one another. A PhD can be lonely, and conferences can offer a welcome reminder that research develops through conversation.
Read MoreAttending the Emotional Dimensions of Doctoral Writing Retreat, run by Dr Natalie Hammond.
Freddy Sperring, SSSTM, University of Liverpool (2024 cohort)
I signed up to the Emotional Dimensions Writing retreat mostly on a whim. I had my first data collection workshop the next day and decided that rather than waste a day stressing, I would try and force myself to be productive by leaving the city and surrounding myself with other people. I also very nearly cancelled the retreat. In my head, I had already written an email politely saying there was absolutely no way I was sweating my way from Liverpool to Manchester squeezed into a commuter train with 50 strangers in 30-degree heat. But I had already agreed to write this blog, and I hate cancelling things, so I felt honour bound to attend.
Read More“I can’t get this feeling out of my head, I am the imposter”
Jessica Walsmsley, SSSTM, University of Manchester (2025 cohort)
Louis Tomlinson’s music has never felt so relevant. Since the days of One Direction, I hadn’t paid much attention to the solo artist’s work, but hearing his recent song, “Imposter,” made me reflect on how I’ve been feeling as I come to the end of the first year of my PhD. My friends laughed when I drew the comparison, but imposter syndrome was something I had heard about without ever imagining I would experience it myself.
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North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership 