The PhD experience

Here is what some of our current and former PhD student have to say about the CDP:

“The Centre of Democratic Politics at the University of Leeds has helped to enhance my PhD experience by organising seminars and lectures presented by leading scholars about topics that are adjacent to my own research interests which have expanded my knowledge and provided networking opportunities. The CDP has also provided me with the opportunity to present my own research as part of the PGR Seminar Series to other members of the centre. I have received valuable feedback as a result which will have a positive contribution to the overall quality of my PhD.” Gemma Walker.

"I joined the CDP when I started my PhD in 2021 and it has been an important part of my growth as an academic. The CDP provides a programme of stimulating talks and events that have enlightened me about ideas that I would not have heard about otherwise. Academics at all stages of their careers contribute to the CDP, which makes for an interesting community. Both of my supervisors were members of the CDP and they welcomed me into its community. I have had the opportunity to network with my fellow CDP members, helping me to build connections with more academics in POLIS at Leeds. I have written blog posts for the CDP, which published them on its website and used its reach on social media to help a wider audience engage with my research. The CDP team was very supportive in the editing of these posts; its leaders gave me tips on how to effectively write blog posts. For two years during my PhD I was the CDP’s PGR Ambassador, a role in which I organised events and managed the website and social media. This gave me some valuable experience of working in the academic world and helped me to network with academics in POLIS. I encourage new PhD students to join the CDP – it will provide a stimulating programme of events, give you the opportunity to spend time with other PhD students and academics, and provide a supportive outlet for your research." Oliver Booth.