Summary
Isabel talks about her doctoral studies and completing a PhD in Creative Writing. The title of her PhD is Translation as Interlingual Adaptation: Writing a Speculative Novel in English and Spanish through Practice-Led Research, and it can be viewed on the University of West London (UWL) Repository.
I have finally completed my PhD in Creative Writing! It is probably one of the best and most rewarding things I have ever done. Let me tell you briefly about my doctoral journey.
In terms of academic achievement, a PhD is the highest qualification (Level 8) of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). In terms of practice, a PhD is the product of several years of intense and dedicated research and learning.
My PhD is in Creative Writing, involving a thesis or exegesis and a literary artefact, which in my case is a speculative novel. As practice-led research, the artefact paves the way for the thesis by laying the groundwork for study, whilst the theoretical steers the artefact by guiding the research and setting the literary themes.
Background
As compared to my PhD colleagues, I was a (very) mature student when I embarked on my doctoral studies. After having worked for several decades as a journalist, broadcaster and linguist, as well as being a published writer, the whole PhD process felt like the culmination of my professional career. As it was, I worked extremely hard on the thesis and the artefact (in all, over 600 pages), which I believe have contributed to innovative academic research regarding the disciplines of Translation and Adaptation and to expanding the boundaries and conventions of literary narrative.
The PhD Process
A PhD candidate will undergo an initial interview, whether in person or online. Once you are offered a place in the PhD programme of your chosen university, you will attend a number of courses and workshops on university methodologies, procedures and practices. You will meet up regularly with your (two or more) supervisors, either on campus or online, and they will provide the necessary guidance and support. You will also develop an excellent relationship with your fellow PhD students. In the months that follow, you must prepare your PhD proposal, to be examined by the relevant university committee, and you will undergo the transfer from the initial MPhil qualification to becoming a fully-fledged doctoral candidate. Once your proposal has been approved, you will embark on your PhD proper. From start to completion, a PhD can take between 3 and 6 years, depending on whether you are full-time or part-time (or if you are a brilliant researcher, maybe you will complete your studies in less time!). Once your thesis and artefact are ready for final submission, you will present them to your supervisors, who will hopefully approve them and set a date for the oral examination or Viva (a viva voce).
The Viva
The Viva is an oral examination that allows you to defend your thesis. It involves an external examiner, an internal examiner, and a chair to ensure procedures are followed; your supervisor(s) or other examiners may also attend. It comprises two parts: first, an oral presentation about your work; and second, replying to any questions or queries the examiners may put to you regarding your PhD and your doctoral research.
I anticipated the Viva as excruciatingly challenging, but it turned out to be an absorbing and affable discussion with examiners who were enlightened and committed academics. I was somewhat nervous beforehand, but once I began delivering my Viva presentation, I relaxed and very much enjoyed the occasion, viewing it as the perfect opportunity to discuss my research in detail. After the Viva, my PhD was accepted with minor revisions; I submitted the final revised PhD manuscript within a week. Lastly, the University awarded me the doctorate in writing, and I received the relevant diploma. As a PhD graduate, I am now an alumna of my alma mater.
The journey
A PhD is undoubtedly a journey, both demanding and exhilarating. Along the way, your proficiency of your chosen disciplines will grow in huge leaps; at the same time, you will discover fresh fields of enquiry and acquire new scholarly skills. You will certainly flourish academically and, interestingly, you will learn a great deal about yourself by developing your intellectual capabilities. But remember that a PhD is not the end of the journey –in terms of research and knowledge, it is only the beginning!
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Footnote for photograph
An image of Isabel’s PhD in print: the thesis and the three sections of the novel