Abstract

This single paper builds on the arguments developed through the think piece by Bak (2013) in that it will report on research that explored academics’ experiences of the role of the PhD in developing their academic careers. Bak (2013) questions the ‘conventional way of approaching the PhD´ in South Africa (p.1) and proposes reconsideration of how doctoral education is conceptualised, delivered and valued. The current study, undertaken in Australia and the UK, commenced from the premise that it is commonly assumed that the PhD prepares people for academic careers, yet little is known about how academics are influenced and developed through doctoral study. Early findings demonstrate that the PhD has not been particularly effective in preparing academics for independent research and teaching and that changes in doctoral education are needed