If the aim of a PhD is to develop the skills of a professional academic researcher, how should you go about it? Using the principles of skill development as a foundation, this book provides a unique approach to the most common challenges of PhD research, including: - Getting to know the literature in your field - Developing your research ideas - Becoming a better academic writer - Coping with the stress and unpredictability of research - Publications and presentations - Writing, submitting and defending your thesis