This text demystifies the doctoral research process and provides readers with a better understanding of the processes, conventions and expectations involved. It recognises the challenges faced by students and proposes practical solutions to common problems. Early chapters provide an overview of the research process and key decisions that will need to be made. Subsequent chapters give guidance on refining a research topic, developing a proposal, carrying out research and writing the thesis. Each chapter is enlivened by case studies which focus on real students' experiences of the different stages of doctoral research. This will be an indispensable resource for current and prospective doctoral students of all subject areas.