{"id":8793,"date":"2025-05-30T13:26:02","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T12:26:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/?p=8793"},"modified":"2025-06-02T11:38:42","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T10:38:42","slug":"top-10-reasons-not-to-do-a-phd-in-humanities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/2025\/05\/30\/top-10-reasons-not-to-do-a-phd-in-humanities\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Reasons NOT to do a PhD (in Humanities)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A PhD can be a life-changing, transformative and fulfulling experience but there’s a lot to consider. Before you take the decision to pursue the pinnacle of academic acheivement, we explore the reasons why a PhD might not be for you.\u00a0<\/h3>\n

This blog piece is a collaboration of inputs from our ambassadors: Marta Zingale (PhD Archaeology), Nuria Barrios Jurado<\/a> (PhD Linguistics) and Timothy Cheuk Yin Chan<\/a> (PhD History).\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

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You should not do a PhD if…<\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

1. You think it\u2019s a short-term project<\/strong><\/h3>\n

PhDs are long-term commitments\u2014typically a minimum of 3 years full-time, though many take 4\u20135 years. Make sure this fits your long-term career and life goals. \u2014 Nuria<\/em><\/p>\n

Completing a humanities PhD can take several years, often without immediate financial return.\u2014 Timothy<\/em><\/p>\n

2. Someone told you to do a PhD\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You might have a friend, academic, or colleague who thinks you’d make a great researcher. While a supportive environment helps, you are the one committing years of your life to a single project. The workload, pressure, and sacrifices will ultimately be yours to carry.
\u2014 Marta<\/em><\/p>\n

3. You\u2019re expecting a guaranteed role in academia<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Academic

Teaching opportunities can form an important part of the PhD experience<\/p><\/div>\n

If your goal is to become an academic, think twice. According to a 2020 report by the Higher Education Policy Institute, 67% of UK PhD students aim for academic careers, but only 30% remain in academia three years post-graduation. Academic careers often require frequent relocations and years of job insecurity. \u2014 Nuria<\/em><\/p>\n

A PhD is no guarantee of a stable academic job. Many graduates end up in temporary roles or switch fields. You should pursue a PhD out of genuine interest in research\u2014not prestige.
\u2014 Marta<\/em><\/p>\n

In the humanities, the academic job market is highly competitive, especially during global economic downturns. There are other pathways\u2014master\u2019s programs, industry roles, or practical experience\u2014that may better suit your goals.
\u2014 Timothy<\/em><\/p>\n

4.\u00a0<\/strong>You think funding will be easy<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you’re funded, your stipend may be close to minimum wage, and outside work is often restricted. If you’re not funded, think very carefully before starting.\u2014 Nuria<\/em><\/p>\n

Humanities PhDs often have limited funding, and the return on investment is lower compared to other disciplines. \u2014 Timothy<\/em><\/p>\n

Stipends may barely cover living costs. Scholarships help, but they\u2019re highly competitive. Be realistic about your financial situation.
\u2014 Marta<\/em><\/p>\n

5.\u00a0<\/strong>Networking doesn\u2019t come naturally\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"A

Academic conferences can help build connections to support your research<\/p><\/div>\n

PhDs involve presenting your research and building relationships with peers and scholars. If you’re shy or uncomfortable in social settings, be aware that networking is an important part of the experience.\u2014 Nuria<\/em><\/p>\n

6. You\u2019re not prepared for sacrifices<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Be ready to eat, sleep, and breathe your research. For international students, this can mean leaving behind family, friends, and familiar comforts.\u2014 Nuria<\/em><\/p>\n

You may have to relocate for the right program or supervisor. This can strain relationships and emotional well-being.\u2014 Timothy<\/em><\/p>\n

PhDs are full-time (often overtime) jobs. Burnout is real, especially when juggling deadlines, teaching, and administrative work.\u2014 Marta<\/em>
(Check out our student tips on avoiding PhD burnout<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n

7. You\u2019re stuck for what to do after your Master\u2019s<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re unsure what comes next after university, take some time. Try working or exploring other options. Only pursue a PhD if you\u2019re truly passionate about research.\u2014 Marta<\/em><\/p>\n

8. You don\u2019t want to do a lot of reading and writing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Humanities PhDs involve intensive reading and critical analysis. This is followed by writing a book-length dissertation.\u2014 Timothy<\/em><\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t fully realize I\u2019d have to write 80,000 words of polished academic work. If writing (and redrafting!) isn\u2019t your thing, think carefully.
\u2014 Nuria<\/em><\/p>\n

9. You\u2019re bad at time management<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Traditional

Time management is a crucial part of a PhD<\/p><\/div>\n

Doctoral research demands self-discipline. Without strong time-management skills, it’s easy to fall behind and burn out.\u2014 Timothy<\/em><\/p>\n

There\u2019s also a surprising amount of admin\u2014forms for ethics, fieldwork, conference funding, etc.\u2014all needing supervisor sign-off. Plan ahead.\u2014 Nuria<\/em><\/p>\n

While you set your own schedule, that freedom can be a trap. You must learn to prioritize and stick to self-imposed deadlines.\u2014 Marta<\/em><\/p>\n

10. You\u2019re not self-motivated and resilient<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The academic journey includes rejection, failed experiments, and critical feedback. It takes resilience to keep going.\u2014 Timothy<\/em><\/p>\n

Research can feel lonely, even with a good supervisor. Support from peers, hobbies, and social groups can help you stay grounded.
\u2014 Marta<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

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The Importance of a PhD Routine<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>
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