I started my original Blog about my doctoral studies some time ago.  I was appalled to find this morning, that it has been two years since I last posted.  Since then, I’ve lost my dad and my mother-in-law, carried out a pilot study, written a 10,000 word literature review , gained ethical & research degree committee approval for my study, and generally made excuses for myself.  So, as I collect my data, I’ve decided that it’s time for a fresh start in the public accountability stakes.

I’m researching the impact of expectation on experiences of transition into part-time postgraduate studies.  For a variety of personal & professional reasons, I have recently been revisiting my rationale for selecting this topic; and have been energised by reminding myself that it’s so that these students can be better supported.  Part-time postgraduate students tend to have complicated lives with often conflicting responsibilities of work, study and caring.  The loneliness of the part-time student should not be underestimated – even if they spend their working hours immersed in an educational environment.  It’s all to easy to allow the requirements of the day job to subsume study at any level.

I shall not Blog on a daily basis, as it’s one of my mantras that I don’t speak when I have nothing to say; but I will update on my progress; and invite censure rather than sympathy when I don’t make any.