ABSTRACT
The decision to undertake doctoral study involves committing years of time and effort to a specific research project, advancing both a field of knowledge and one’s own development as a researcher. This chapter canvasses key considerations for new (including prospective and early-stage) doctoral researchers setting out on the distance doctoral journey. It will also be a valuable resource for mentors who are helping new doctoral researchers to make sense of the beginning steps, and for supervisors seeking to better understand the experiences of off-campus doctoral students. The chapter begins by exploring the reasons for choosing to enrol in a doctorate and for doing this at a distance. It then offers practical advice for locating a university and supervisor(s) with distance study in mind, including in relation to researching possible institutions and supervisors, making initial contact with supervisors, and engaging in the formal admissions process. Strategies are then provided for settling in and starting well in the early days of the doctoral journey. Student voice is provided in the form of quotes from students who participated in the authors’ international research study on distance doctorates, offering insights into lived experiences and sharing practical tips for off-campus doctoral study.
