3.1 Beginning Your Thesis

When you have gained initial approval for your research, you may have a feeling of bewilderment. After the initial euphoria of your research proposal being accepted, which was a steep mountain to climb, you might well think ‘what now’? Don’t worry, this is perfectly normal, indeed most Ph.D. students and graduates feel exactly the same way. Here’s just one example that might strike a familiar chord with you:

‘I was so thrilled when I got the go-ahead for my doctoral research that for a few weeks I just sort of ‘basked in the glow’ of it – then reality set in! I had committed myself to writing a thesis and all the ideas I had about how much I wanted this suddenly disappeared as I was buried by an overwhelming feeling of inadequacy: just what had I got myself into? Thank goodness, after the first meeting with my supervisor I was back on track.’ Dr. N., UK.