ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the challenging situation of gaining a PhD whilst working in a full-time Design academic position within a university. There was a clear majority preference for doing a text-based PhD thesis by publication rather than monograph, as it provides quality benchmarks and feedback through external peer review and publication, satisfies the requirement to publish regularly, and provides a series of deadlines to progress the work. Most of our participants had significant professional practice experience prior to taking on an academic role; something we did not find discussed in the reviewed handbooks for regular Australian PhDs. Only one of our participants actively engaged with a regular PhD peer support group, reporting it as an extremely valuable source of support. We recommend the setting up of specific peer support groups amongst Design staff PhDs, to focus on research progress and related work–life challenges. Completing a PhD can be a stressful experience provoking strong emotions.
