Embarking on a PhD is more than completing a thesis; it is a journey of growth, discipline, and discovery. This three-year roadmap is your compass, carefully structured to guide you step by step from the first review of literature to the moment you walk across the stage at graduation. Along the way you will sharpen your research skills, deepen your subject expertise, and steadily build your identity as a scholar.
Each milestone, whether it is defending your proposal, publishing in journals, or presenting at conferences, is not only a requirement but also an opportunity to strengthen your voice, contribute to your field, and generate knowledge that has impact. A PhD is not solely about finishing; it is about becoming the kind of researcher who inspires others, influences practice, and brings innovation to the world of ideas. Stay focused, remain curious, and trust the process, for your November graduation is within reach.
YEAR 1 – FOUNDATION & PROPOSAL STAGE
Research Skills Development
- Jan–Mar: Begin literature review; identify gap; refine theoretical & conceptual frameworks; draft Intro & Literature Review chapters.
- Course: How to Conduct a Systematic Literature Review; Reference Management Tools (Mendeley, EndNote)
- Apr–Jun: Draft Methodology; Submit Notice to Submit Proposal (May); Submit Proposal (Jun); submit Systematic Literature Review article.
- Courses: Research Proposal Writing; Qualitative & Quantitative Methodology; Aligning Theories & Conceptual Framework Across Chapters; Defending Your Proposal
- Jul–Sep: Proposal Defence (July); apply for ethics approval; present Conference Paper 1 (conceptual/framework).
- Oct–Dec: Conduct pilot study; strengthen instruments.
- Course: Ethics in Research
Subject-Matter Enrichment (e.g. Digital Storytelling in ESL Classroom)
- Jan–Mar: Advanced readings on digital storytelling in TESL and technology-mediated ESL teaching.
- Apr–Jun: Attend conference/webinar on storytelling in language education.
- Jul–Sep: Join/journal club on digital pedagogy and ESL innovation.
- Oct–Dec: Workshop on narrative inquiry & storytelling in qualitative research.
YEAR 2 – DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSIS
Research Skills Development
- Jan–Mar: Begin full data collection; submit optional conceptual/theoretical article.
- Course: Fieldwork & Data Collection Techniques; Interviewing & Observation Skills;
- Apr–Jun: Continue data collection; supervisory check-ins.
- Course: NVivo/Atlas.ti (Qualitative) OR SPSS/SmartPLS (Quantitative)
- Jul–Sep: Complete data collection; begin data analysis; draft Findings; present Conference Paper 2 (preliminary results).
- Course: Data Analysis & Interpretation
- Oct–Dec: Continue analysis; submit empirical journal article (partial dataset); Submit Notice to Submit Thesis (Dec).
- Course: Writing Results & Discussion Chapters; Advanced Academic Writing (Discussion, Contribution & Implications)
Subject-Matter Enrichment (e.g. Digital Storytelling in ESL Classroom)
- Jan–Mar: Short course/summer school on TESL and Technology Integration.
- Apr–Jun: Workshop: Creativity and Storytelling for Pedagogical Innovation.
- Jul–Sep: Masterclass: Designing Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments.
- Oct–Dec: Regional symposium on digital storytelling & ESL innovations
YEAR 3 – WRITING, EXAMINATION & GRADUATION
Research Skills Development
- Jan–Mar: Finalise analysis; draft Discussion & Conclusion; share full draft; present Conference Paper 3 (final results); Initial Thesis Submission (early March)
- Apr: Viva Voce (April); submit empirical article (full dataset).
- Courses: Attending Viva-Voce
- May–Jul: Correction and endorsement of correction.
- Aug: Submit final corrected thesis.
- Sep: Receive Senate approval letter.
- Nov: Convocation
Subject-Matter Enrichment (E.g. Digital Storytelling in ESL Classroom)
- Jan–Mar: Roundtable on Storytelling, Culture, and Learning.
- Apr–May: Guest lecture series with scholars in digital storytelling & TESL.
- Jun–Jul: Public workshop/webinar sharing findings with ESL practitioners.
✅ Expected Outputs by November Graduation
- 3 Journal Articles (Systematic Literature Review; Empirical with partial dataset; Empirical with full dataset).
- 3 Conference Papers (conceptual, preliminary findings, final results).
- 10+ Research Training Courses (lit review → methodology → analysis → writing → viva).
- 6–8 Subject-Matter Enrichment Activities (workshops, symposiums, summer schools) focused on Digital Storytelling in ESL Classrooms.
With this dual-track, you are not just learning how to research, but also becoming specialists in your field of interest (e.g. digital storytelling in ESL education). Thus, ready to contribute at both theoretical and practical levels.
Your PhD is not just about finishing a thesis; it is about finding your voice and using it to tell stories that change the world.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Assoc Prof. Dr. Farhana Diana Deris
