North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership

Blanche De Moidrey, Development & Humanitarianism, University of Manchester (2024 Cohort) 

I am a first-year PhD student, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying and benefitting from Simon Watts’ lectures, so I wanted to take a moment to highlight the value of his sessions. Simon is the PGR training coordinator at the University of East Anglia, and his training sessions are offered as part of the NWSSDTP. This year, I have participated in his sessions on writing a literature review, getting published in academic journals, and writing effectively in academia. He also offers other insightful sessions I plan to attend later in my PhD, such as his training on preparing and delivering lectures. See Blanche’s full blog here.

Despite being conducted online, Simon’s sessions are some of the most engaging I have attended. In fact, he is the only person who has managed to hold my attention for two hours straight on the topic of literature review. It is safe to say that I have learned more in his session than I have in any other training I have attended. Simon’s explanation of the purpose and structure of a literature review was not only straightforward but also transformative for my approach. One of the most impactful takeaways was his advice to ‘map out’ the literature visually. This method has helped me better understand how my research fits within the broader, often overwhelming, landscape of existing scholarship. Creating a visual map of the literature has been a game-changer, allowing me to identify gaps, relationships, and themes more effectively.

Simon’s approach extends beyond technical skills to address some of the common barriers to academic success. For instance, his session on academic writing was particularly illuminating. He debunked the notion that academic writing needs to be overly complex or theoretical to be impactful. Instead, he emphasised the importance of clarity and pragmatism, saying, “Academic writing can be horrible, and people often struggle—way more than they are ready to admit.” This acknowledgement alone was reassuring, and his practical tips have given me the confidence to approach writing with a clearer sense of purpose and structure.

Thanks to Simon’s sessions, I feel I am truly beginning to understand what it means to be an academic and how to navigate the ‘rules of the game.’ His teaching has inspired me to approach my work with greater enthusiasm and confidence. I now feel better equipped to produce high-quality research and writing. However, his sessions are not guaranteed to continue every year, which is why it’s so important to spread the word about their value. I wholeheartedly recommend his training to any PGR student looking to enhance their skills and confidence in academia!