Welcome to our blog where we will feature articles written by our staff, students and supervisors. Our blog editor is Eleanor King and Miranda Willis (University of Southampton).
To submit a blog, please see our guidance page.
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Translating a PhD into Government Policy (A blog on my placement...
I knew next to nothing about the DWP’s enormous remit or how this might translate into a job, but I was drawn to its stated vision of improving people’s day-to-day lives through work and at work, making this department a natural fit for my research.
Date: 30/06/2026
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From the self-directed world of doctoral study to a collaborative research...
I saw this as an opportunity to work in a bona fide academic research team that would not only strengthen my research skillset but also build my confidence as a researcher.
Date: 30/06/2026
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SCDTP Cumberland Lodge residential experience
From 13th to 15th April 2026, I had the pleasure of attending the SCDTP Cumberland Lodge residential.
Date: 28/05/2026
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The placement that made me
When I started my PhD in October 2024 and found out I had to do a placement I was sceptical, but I was wrong!
Date: 28/10/2025
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Success for a Researcher: Win with Humility, Lose with Gratitude
How would you define your success in a PhD? Curiosity often sparks promising PhD research, while tenacity—whether innate or developed—is essential...
Date: 13/10/2025
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A Report on the SCDTP Visit to Parliament, Research, Policy and...
In his seminal play on the chasms between state schooling and Britain’s universities, The History Boys, English playwright Alan Bennett
Date: 12/10/2025
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Embedding Trusted Research into Parliamentary Decision Making
The Palace of Westminster is home to the House of Commons, House of Lords, and globally recognised features such as the Big Ben bell in the Elizabeth Tower, with the word ‘Westminster’ synonymous with UK Parliament.
Date: 11/10/2025
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Reflecting on an internship with the Department of Work and Pensions
From September to December 2024, I underwent an internship at the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in the Demography Centre of Expertise.
Date: 03/10/2025
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Finding my voice
The first academic year has been a journey of unknown territory as I have grappled with the pride at the opportunity to study at this level, alongside a sense of doubt that I have sometimes felt.
Date: 26/09/2025
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Decoloniality in Motion: African Knowledge at the Crossroads of Marginalisation and...
In November 2024, I had a great opportunity to visit Mombasa, Kenya, as part of a decolonial research initiative organised by the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (SCDTP).
Date: 26/08/2025
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There and back again: My time in Aotearoa New Zealand
Before you eye-roll at the very obvious pun that has been overused a thousand times, yes, yes I know! Anyone who knows me knows I'm a huge Lord of the Rings fan.
Date: 31/07/2025
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Conservatives and Maoism
Identifying a strain of Maoist radicalism within conservatism would seem to be a contradiction in terms.
Date: 10/07/2025
