Managing your wellbeing

Becoming a PhD candidate in Ireland can be an incredibly exciting opportunity, however it often entails working in high-intensity research environments, which can create undue stress. As such, it is important for all researchers to ensure that the actively manage their wellbeing, and the importance of this for PhD candidates is recognised by higher education institutes (HEIs) in Ireland.

Each PhD project will be different, and every PhD candidate is different, so it is important that all PhD candidates work towards ensuring clear communication between themselves and their supervisor(s). The Higher Education Authority (HEA) supports researcher wellbeing at system level through its oversight of research environments, its work on Research Culture, and its statutory role in ensuring that HEIs provide safe, inclusive, and support conditions for doctoral candidates. While wellbeing supports are delivered locally by institutions, the HEA sets expectations through the Principles of Good Practice in Research.

Additionally, student’s unions provide support across the sector. Each institution has a local students’ union, and the national students’ union AMLÉ provides a national advice service (postgrad@amle.ie).

It is important to consider how PhD research demands fit with other life commitments within and outside of academia (including teaching responsibilities) and to ensure that sufficient time is available to relax. This is an important consideration for all but may be particularly important for those who are taking part-time PhD programmes due to work or other responsibilities.

The prompts and signposts in this section of the site are designed to provide guidance to all PhD candidates. Some PhD researchers may need more support than others. Individual HEIs and the resident students’ unions offer a range of student health services, and it is worth finding out what is available to you and your dependents. In addition to this, there are national charities and civil society organisations that provide support in various areas of life.