1. Why and how to use this book -- 2. Exploring routes, opportunities and funding -- 3. Making an application -- 4. Producing the research proposal -- 5. Settling in and taking stock -- 6. Interacting with supervisors -- 7. Reading round the subject : working procedures -- 8. Reading round the subject : evaluating quality -- 9. Handling ethical issues -- 10. Managing influences of personal circumstances -- 11. Succeeding as an 'overseas' research student -- 12. Managing your skills development -- 13. Planning out the work -- 14. Getting into a productive routine -- 15. Cooperating with others for mutual support -- 16. Producing progress reports -- 17. Giving presentations on your work -- 18. Transferring registration from MPhil to PhD -- 19. Coming to terms with originality in research -- 20. Developing ideas through creative thinking -- 21. Keeping going when you feel like giving up -- 22. Job seeking -- 23. Producing the thesis -- 24. Handling the oral/viva/thesis defence -- 25. Afterwards! -- App. Skills training requirements for research students : joint statement by the UK Research Councils.