Barbara P
Barbara P

The Ultimate PhD Essay Writing Guide: From Research to Submission

7 min read

Published on: Mar 10, 2023

Last updated on: Mar 21, 2023

PhD Essay

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Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to write a winning PhD essay? If so, you're not alone. 

Many PhD students struggle with the essay writing process and find themselves in need of guidance. But what if we told you that writing a PhD essay doesn't have to be a source of stress and frustration? 

That's right, with the right approach you can transform this challenge into an opportunity for academic success. Our guide will help you with the problems PhD students usually have when writing essays. It gives a step-by-step approach that will help you succeed. 

So, say goodbye to frustration and hello to success!

Let's start with the blog!

What is a PhD Essay?

A PhD essay showcases your knowledge, research, and ideas in a particular field of study. It is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your understanding of a particular topic. It also shows your ability to articulate your ideas in a clear and concise manner. 

Essentially, a PhD essay is a way for you to demonstrate your academic prowess. It shows the admissions committee that you have what it takes to succeed in a PhD program. 

It's important to note that PhD essays are different from the essays you may have written in high school or college. They require a more in-depth understanding of a subject, and they are usually longer and more complex.

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How long is a PhD Essay?

Here comes the million-dollar question: just how long should a PhD essay be? Well, the answer is that it depends on a few factors. 

Generally speaking, PhD essay length typically varies between 70,000 and 100,000 words. Most dissertations come in at around 80,000 words. That might seem like a lot, but don't let the length intimidate you! 

Remember, a PhD essay is a chance for you to showcase your knowledge and research in a comprehensive way. The length gives you the opportunity to provide a complete and well-rounded understanding of your topic. 

So, embrace the length and use it to your advantage to make your essay truly stand out!

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PhD Essay Format- The Key Elements

The format of a PhD essay typically follows a structure similar to the following:

  • Title page: Includes the title of the essay, author's name, degree, and date of submission.
  • Abstract: A brief summary of the essay's main points and findings, typically not more than 300 words.
  • Table of Contents: A comprehensive outline of the essay, including all sections and their respective page numbers.
  • Introduction: Provides background information on the topic. It introduces the research question and provides a brief overview of the structure of the essay.
  • Literature Review: An in-depth analysis of the existing literature on the topic. It includes a critical evaluation of relevant research studies and theories.
  • Methodology: Describes the research design, methods, and data collection and analysis procedures used in the study.
  • Results: Presents the findings of the study, including both qualitative and quantitative data, in a clear and concise manner.
  • Discussion: Interprets the results of the study, and relates them back to the research question and literature review. It also highlights the implications of the findings for the field.
  • Conclusion: Summarizes the main findings and provides final thoughts and recommendations for future research.
  • References: A comprehensive list of all sources cited in the essay, using a standard referencing style. (APA, MLA, or Chicago)
  • Appendices: Any additional material that supports the essay, such as charts, graphs, tables, or images.

Ph.D. Essay Format 

Abstract
Introduction

  • Background research 
  • Define research objectives
  • Research questions
  • Significance of your study

Literature Review

  • Individual explanation of variables
  • Theoretical foundation
  • Correlation between variables

Methodology

  • Sample size determination
  • Gathering of data
  • Instruments for measurement
  • Analysis of data

Results
Discussion
Limitations
Conclusion
References
Appendices

This is a general format, and individual institutions may have specific requirements for the structure and presentation of PhD essays.

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How to write a PhD Essay?

Writing a PhD essay requires clear and concise academic writing. It is important to think about the structure of your essay and the elements that will be included in it.

Here are some steps to help you write a successful PhD essay: 

Step 1: Write an Abstract 
This should provide a brief but comprehensive summary of the main points of your essay. It should be concise and include the key research questions, methods used, and conclusions made. 

Step 2: Introduce Your Research 
In this section, you should provide an introduction to your topic. Explain why it is important, and provide a clear outline of the main points that will be discussed in the essay. 

This should provide the reader with a good understanding of the topic and its relevance to their field.

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Step 3: Provide a Thoroughly Researched Literature Review 
Here you should review existing literature on your topic to provide an analysis of current research, both theoretical and empirical. 

This will form the basis for your essay’s argument by demonstrating your depth of knowledge and understanding.

Step 4: Explain the Testing Procedure In the Methodology Section 
Here you should explain the testing procedure that you used to obtain data for your essay, such as interviews or surveys. 

You should also discuss any limitations of this data and how it was processed before being analyzed.

Step 5: Analyze the Results and Explicitly State the Research Techniques 
In this section, you should provide an analysis of the data obtained. Discuss any patterns or relationships found. It is important to be clear in your explanation of how the research techniques were used to gather this information.

Step 6: Write a Detailed Analysis of the Result in the Discussion
In this section, you should provide a detailed analysis of the results. You should discuss any implications of the data and state any areas that require further research.

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Step 7: Write the Limitations and Your Study’s Future Direction 
This is an important step as it shows that you are aware of the limitations of your study. This section also provides ideas for future research.

Step 8: Add Bibliography 
It is important to include a bibliography of the sources used in your essay. This helps to ensure that you are correctly attributing any external sources. It also provides readers with additional resources for further reading. 

Unsure how to add a bibliography? Check out this video for help!

PhD Essay Samples

Unlock your full potential as a Ph.D. essay writer with our expert-written essay samples! These samples serve as a guide to structure and style, giving you the tools you need to craft a winning essay. 

Plus, with a glimpse into what makes a standout personal statement, you'll be able to write with confidence and creativity. 

Expert Tip

Need help with a thesis statement? Click the link for a quick guide! 

This guide offers students a comprehensive and practical approach to Ph.D. essay writing. Throughout the guide, we have covered all the crucial aspects of the writing process. From research and essay structure to submitting an impressive final edit - all in one place.

But don't worry if writing an essay leaves you feeling unsure. Our PhD essay writer can help you elevate your writing and bring your ideas to life!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many pages is a PhD essay?

A PhD essay typically ranges from 100-300 pages. This length varies depending on the topic, research methodology, and academic field.

How long should it take to read a research paper?

On average, it takes around 3-6 hours to thoroughly read and comprehend a research paper. However, this can vary greatly based on individual understanding of the subject, and the need for deeper engagement with the research.

How can I improve my PhD writing skills?

Overcome thesis writing fear with these tips:

  • Read extensively in your field.
  • Practice writing regularly.
  • Seek feedback from peers and mentors.
  • Use clear and concise language.
  • Plan and outline your writing before starting.
Barbara P

WRITTEN BY

Barbara P, Literature, Marketing

Barbara's qualifications include a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university and extensive experience working practically in the medical field. With her research experience on various health issues, she is skilled in writing papers that offer new perspectives on healthcare topics. Many of her works have been published across multiple renowned publications.

Barbara's qualifications include a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university and extensive experience working practically in the medical field. With her research experience on various health issues, she is skilled in writing papers that offer new perspectives on healthcare topics. Many of her works have been published across multiple renowned publications.

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