Articles
Find helpful articles to brush up on the practical elements of being an academic.

Should I Do a PhD?
Still unsure whether you should embark on a PhD? Read our article for advice.
Tips for Prospective and Current PhD Students
This article gives thoughtful insights from UACES members to help prospective and current PhD students on their research journey. This list of tips was compiled from a survey of UACES members who have extensive experience from their own PhD journeys.
LinkedIn as a Tool for Researchers and Academics
LinkedIn is a social media platform in popularity. Not only suitable for CEOs, managers and marketers, this tool can also be useful for academics and researchers.
To Blog or not to Blog… Why Academic Blogging is Helpful for your Career
In the age of social media, modern-day academia is taking different forms. The number of academic blogs, for instance, has increased significantly in recent years. So why should an academic take the time to blog? This article outlines the importance and benefits of academic blogging.
How to Get your Article Read
How do you get your article read by the right people? Paul Taggart explains.
Tips for Publishing Journal Articles
Nat Copsey offers some tips for getting your work noticed by journal editors.
Storytelling for Researchers in 3 Steps
Research is not only about making discoveries, but about telling the story of those discoveries too. Dorina Baltag explains how when we craft our research story, we shape our own unique voice and illustrate what our research product stands for and why and how it matters to our audience.
How to Write a Good Abstract for a Conference Paper
Getting your paper accepted for any academic conference will involve writing an abstract. Here, Albrecht Sonntag explains how to make sure yours stands out to the conference organisers.
How to Write for an Academic Blog
Blogs are increasingly relevant to researchers and, for those starting out in contributing to them, it can be useful to reflect on the differences with other outputs, writes Anthony Salamone.
Engaging with the Media as an Academic
Kathryn Simpson draws on her vast and varied experience to give her top tips for effective media engagement.
A Guide to running a Simulation on the EU Freedom of Movement
UACES, in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth, ran a series of simulations in secondary schools to raise understanding about the principles of EU Freedom of Movement.
Inside and Outside Academia: Using my PhD in my Non-Academic Career
Amy Manktelow reflects on her experience working outside academia as a PhD student, and the transferable skills and opportunities she gained.
Designing a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)
MOOCs are a constantly evolving form of digital outreach, combining elements of education and public engagement. Anthony Salamone outlines some points to keep in mind when designing one.
How to Design Effective Teaching Modules
Amy Burge shares three key things to think about when designing successful modules and courses.
Reflections on Teaching in UK Academia
A more recent shift to teaching international postgraduates has shown me how much work is still to be done to truly diversify the students’ learning experience. It is hard and it is humbling.
Online Learning also Happens when you’re Not Around
How to design effective interactions with your students online.
Creating Connection when Teaching Online
The move to online teaching across higher education due to Coronavirus comes with many challenges.
Race, Racism and Identity in Europe and in the Academy: A DIMES Reading List
As part of the Diversity, Inclusion and Multidisciplinarity in European Studies project (DIMES), UACES and the project advisory board have put together this reading list on racism in Europe and the Academy.
The Six Reincarnations of Research-Led Teaching
Olga Burlyuk (Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) and Ghent University) reflects on six types of research-led teaching.
The Great Benefits of Attending Academic Conferences
Why do academics go to conferences? What are the benefits for your research and your career? Miguel Otero-Iglesias explains.
Turning Your PhD Thesis Into a Book: A Publisher's Top Tips
Want to turn your PhD thesis into a book, but not sure where to start? Claire Maloney (Routledge) gives her advice.
How to Produce a Podcast
Academic podcasts are a useful tool for public engagement and a cheap way to reach new audiences. Here, Andreas Müllerleile, explains how to get started with your first audio or video podcast.
Preparing to Present at an Academic Conference
Heidi Maurer sets out some suggestions — 3 Be’s — to help you enjoy and make the most of your conference presentation.
How I Published a Book… or Another 2 Years of Solitude
You’ve finished your PhD thesis and successfully defended it. But how do you go about turning it into a book? Toni Haastrup explains her own journey from PhD to book.