Foreword to the second edition Preface to the second edition 1 Introduction 2 Exploring the opportunities for postgraduate study and research 3 Liaising with institutions 4 Settin yourself up in a supportive way of life:the pervasive influences of personal circumstances 5 Settling in as a new student 6 Towards recognizing quality in research 7 Interacting with your supervisor 8 Keeping records 9 Planning ahead 10 Managing yourself and your time 11 Taking responsibility for your own progress 12 Cooperating with others for mutual help and support 13 Producing reports 14 Giving presentations on your work 15 Using the research programme as preparation for employment 16 Progress checks and hurdles-and the transfer from MPhil to PhD 17 Coming to terms with originality in research 18 Developing skills for creative thinking 19 Dealing with flagging 20 Producing your thesis 21 Preparing for the examination and conducting yourself in the oral/viva 22 Afterwards! Useful websites Further reading Select bibliography References Index