Go From Isolated And Stuck To:
✍️ Tripling Your Writing Output
🎉 Knowing Exactly How to Structure Your Thesis
🧑🤝🧑 Getting The Support Your Uni Never Gives You
🔥 Feeling Motivated Again Like You Did On Day 1
All Guaranteed Within Your First 28 Days or
- Join a focused PhD community so you never have to work alone.
- Attend daily co-working sessions that help you get more done in less time.
- Learn practical thesis planning skills in weekly workshops taught by experts.
- Use our PhD Momentum Method to finish sooner and transition to your career.
Signup today and get
Full refund if you don’t feel real improvement within 28 days.
Backed by Peer-Reviewed, Randomised Controlled Trial Research: the Gold Standard of Scientific Evidence for PhD Writing Success
Decades of robust, peer-reviewed trials have tested the same type of daily writing structure, expert guidance and group accountability used inside our community.
Students in these trials wrote more, built stronger habits and reduced their writing anxiety compared to those working alone.
We use those same evidence-based principles – and our decades of experience working with doctoral students – in our writing pods, workshops and support system, so you’re not relying on motivation or luck.
What Members Say After Joining…
Dear Student…
If you’re reading this, you might be feeling lost, isolated or overwhelmed.
Maybe your supervisor is slow to reply.
Maybe no one has explained what “good enough” writing looks like.
Maybe you’re working alone every day wondering whether you’re even on the right track.
I see messages like this constantly:
- “I feel like I’m doing my PhD entirely on my own.”
- “I’m scared I won’t finish.”
For years I watched talented doctoral students fall behind because they didn’t have the support, structure and routine they desperately needed.
Then, as a former PhD student myself, I decided to do something about it.
– Dr. Max Lemprière
Introducing The PhD Common Room
You’re not a cloistered monk sworn to suffer in silence while completing your doctorate.
I built this community because I struggled through my PhD without the support I needed, and I knew students deserved something better.
The PhD Common Room gives you the structure, accountability and expert support you need to finally make consistent progress on your thesis.
It brings together students from all around the world, across subjects and at all stages. They’re joined by some of the leading names in higher education pedagogy. And it’s built around evidence based, proven interventions that guarantee success.
Inside, you get daily working/writing sessions that keep you moving, expert-led workshops that make the PhD process clear and manageable.
And a community of PhD students who genuinely understand what you’re going through.
It’s the place where isolated students get unstuck.
A place where overwhelmed students regain control and where struggling students finally feel supported, motivated and on track to finish.
This is the support system every doctoral student deserves but only a few ever find.
Full refund if you don’t feel real improvement within 28 days.
Why the PhD Momentum Method Works
A calm, evidence-informed path from stuck to steady PhD progress.
Grounded in research on doctoral writing and refined over more than a decade of work with leading figures in higher education, the Momentum Method turns evidence into a simple, human system that fits real PhD life. It underpins everything we do in the PhD Common Room.
As a member, you’ll be guided through four stages — from getting unstuck to building progress that feels normal again.
Unblock — start writing again in a supported space, so you’re no longer doing this alone
Structure — get clarity on what your chapters should look like, replacing guesswork
Ownership — grow confidence in your judgement and start managing your thesis proactively
Momentum — build a calm, sustainable rhythm that keeps you moving without burning out
Get More Done With Twice Daily Structured Co-Working Sessions
Learn How to Structure & Navigate Your Thesis With Expert Led Workshops
Get Answers to Your Questions with One-to-One Weekly Office Hours
We’ve All Been Where You Are…
Collectively, we've over a century of experience as supervisors, academic and higher education professionals. We take everything we know about the PhD journey - and about the support students need - and apply it to the work we do.
Professor Jane Creaton - Head Coach & Writing Retreat Host
Professor Jane Creaton is Emeritus Professor of Higher Education and has published on professional doctorates and the mental health and wellbeing of postgraduate researcher students and was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2019 for her work on doctoral education. Jane offers coaching, writing retreats and writing workshops. She also facilitates daily writing sessions.
Dr. Max Lemprière - Head of Community
Dr. Max Lemprière is the founder of The PhD People. Since his PhD he has supervised and coached over 100 students. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Royal Society of Arts, and runs writing workshops, writing sprints and offers one-to-one coaching.
Professor Gina Wisker - Workshop Host
Professor Gina Wisker is a leading voice in the PhD student experience and publication process. She has published 26 books, including: The Postgraduate Research Handbook,The Good Supervisor and Getting Published. She runs workshops on a range of topics.
Dr. Simon Pratt Adams - Writing Session & Workshop Host
Professor Jerry Wellington - Workshop Host
Professor Jerry Wellington has written 22 books, including Taking Control of Your Thesis and the recently published Examining Doctoral Work. He has also worked as Head of Research Degrees at the University of Sheffield School of Education, where he also oversaw the PhD programme. He currently runs skills workshops and offers one-to-one coaching for members.
Dr. George Byrne - Head of Content & Writing Session Host
Professor Jane Creaton - Head Coach & Writing Retreat Host
Professor Jane Creaton is Emeritus Professor of Higher Education and has published on professional doctorates and the mental health and wellbeing of postgraduate researcher students and was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2019 for her work on doctoral education. Jane offers coaching, writing retreats and writing workshops. She also facilitates daily writing sessions.
Dr. Max Lemprière - Head of Community & Writing Session Host
Dr. Max Lemprière is the founder of The PhD People. Since his PhD he has supervised and coached over 100 students. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Royal Society of Arts, and runs writing workshops, writing sprints and offers one-to-one coaching.
Dr. George Byrne - Writing Session Host & Head of Content
Professor Gina Wisker - Workshop Host
Professor Gina Wisker is a leading voice in the PhD student experience and publication process. She has published 26 books, including: The Postgraduate Research Handbook,The Good Supervisor and Getting Published. She runs workshops on a range of topics.
Professor Jerry Wellington - Workshop & Mock Viva Host
Professor Jerry Wellington has written 22 books, including Taking Control of Your Thesis and the recently published Examining Doctoral Work. He has also worked as Head of Research Degrees at the University of Sheffield School of Education, where he also oversaw the PhD programme. He currently runs skills workshops and offers one-to-one coaching for members.
Dr. Simon Pratt Adams - Workshop & Writing Session Host
What Your First 30 Days Looks Like…
- Week 1
Join your first co-working sessions. Set simple goals. Meet other students. Feel relief immediately. - Week 2
Join your first workshop. Build a writing routine. Feel clarity return. - Week 3
See your writing output increase. Ask questions and get real answers. Feel connected. - Week 4
Get more done than you thought possible. Feel supported in a way your university never provided. See real momentum.
Write 5000+ Words A Month
Alongside the daily co-working session, join monthly 'full day writing retreats' to make a serious dent in your word count.
These low-pressure spaces, are based on Professor Murray's 'Structure Writing Retreat' format and proven to work.
Not ready to write? You can use these full-days to plan or structure your thesis.
Get Unstuck With A Team of Mentors
Get answers to your questions and much quicker response times than your supervisors are able to provide.
How? Through weekly one-to-one office hours and dedicated 'Ask for Help' spaces, you'll be able to get quick, relevant and empathetic advice to help you solve the problems unique to you and your thesis.
Connect with 130+ like-minded students
We want you to feel less isolated. If you're lacking a peer-network, we offer a number of low-anxiety touchpoints to connect with other members, share experience or get advice. There if you need it, with no pressure if you don't.
Submit Months Sooner With A Daily Rhythm
We get more done when we're working in groups. Join twice daily co-working sessions. Low pressure - cameras on or off, your choice. Members tell us they triple their output. A simple format, but a hugely effective one.
Get 24/7 'Access Anytime' Support
Understand exactly how to structure your chapters with over 40 templates, worksheets and crib sheets. Plus, a Thesis 101 Masterclass Course. Plus, join the 24/7 Writing Cafe to find 'always on' writing support.
Learn Exactly How to Structure Your Thesis
Learn exactly how to structure your thesis with twice weekly workshops delivered by some of the biggest names in doctoral education.
These cover every dimension of the doctoral journey, from structuring chapters, writing skills, and how to navigate the ups and downs.
We also have a library of 30+ workshop recordings to watch on catch-up.
Click here to see this month's listings
This figure means that 0% of our members left in the last four weeks. A world-class indicator that shows the value that membership brings.
Daily Support
Because a third of our community log on every day, the space is dynamic and lively. No echo chambers here.
World class retention
Our Monthly Average User (MAU) rate is industry leading - people join, they turn up, and they stay.
Write 5000+ Words A Month
Alongside the daily co-working sessions, join monthly 'full day writing retreats' to make a serious dent in your word count.
These low-pressure spaces, are based on Professor Murray's 'Structure Writing Retreat' format and proven to work.
Not ready to write? You can use these full-days to plan or structure your thesis.
Get Unstuck With Access To A Team of Mentors
Get answers to your questions and much quicker response times than your supervisors are able to provide.
How? Through weekly one-to-one office hours and dedicated 'Ask for Help' spaces, you'll be able to get quick, relevant and empathetic advice to help you solve the problems unique to you and your thesis.
Connect with 130+ Like-Minded Students
We want you to feel less isolated. If you're lacking a peer-network, we offer a number of low-anxiety touchpoints to connect with other members, share experience or get advice. There if you need it, with no pressure if you don't.
Stay Accountable and Consistent With A Daily Habit
We get more done when we're working in groups. Join twice daily co-working sessions. Low pressure - cameras on or off, your choice. Members tell us they triple their output. A simple format, but a hugely effective one.
Learn Exactly How to Structure Your Thesis
Learn exactly how to structure your thesis with twice weekly workshops delivered by some of the biggest names in doctoral education.
These cover every dimension of the doctoral journey, from structuring chapters, writing skills, and how to navigate the ups and downs.
We also have a library of 30+ workshop recordings to watch on catch-up.
Click here to see this month's listings
Get 24/7 'Access Anytime' Support
Understand exactly how to structure your chapters with over 40 templates, worksheets and crib sheets. Plus, a Thesis 101 Masterclass Course. Plus, join the 24/7 Writing Cafe to find 'always on' writing support.
Everything you need to plan, write and finish your PhD
Choose the level of structure and support that fits how you work — from independent writing to guided learning to mentor-level feedback and community.
Access Tier
- 10 Co-Writing Sessions Per Week
- Private Community Access
- Access To The PhD Knowledge Base
- 30 Templates & Chapter Crib Sheets
- Instant Access – Cancel Anytime
- 7 Day Free Trial
Guided Tier
- Everything in The Access Tier, plus:
- 24/7 Writing Cafe
- Weekly Skills Workshops
- Monthly Writing Retreats
- Ask For Help Space
- Thesis 101 Masterclass Course
- Two Months Half Price
Mentored Tier
- Everything in The Guided Tier, plus:
- Weekly One To One Office Hours
- Weekly Community Circles
- Monthly Goal Setting Workshops
- Library of Workshop Recordings
Join Completely
If you do not experience meaningful emotional and practical improvement, cancel before day 28 and receive a full refund.
Your 28 Day Supported Progress Guarantee
Join and try everything for 28 days.
If you do not feel a meaningful emotional and practical improvement, cancel before day 28 and receive a full refund.
When you’re no longer alone, progress becomes predictable.
No pressure.
No risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this right for me if I feel completely stuck
Yes. Most students join because they feel overwhelmed or unsupported. You will get structure, clarity and a community that helps you move forward.
What if I am anxious or shy
Many students are. You can join with your camera off and take part in whatever way feels comfortable.
What if I do not know anyone
Everyone starts the same way. The environment is warm, friendly and welcoming.
What if I am early in my PhD
The workshops teach skills you will use for your entire PhD. Early stage students get clarity and confidence fast.
What if I am close to finishing
Pods help you stay consistent and calm. The community is also helpful for viva preparation.
What if I am part time or remote
Many members are. Sessions run across different times so you can join regardless of schedule or time zone.
What if my supervisor should be giving me this support
Supervisors often cannot give consistent support. This community fills that gap.
What if I fall behind
There is no behind. You move at your own pace.
Do I need to attend everything
No. Even one or two sessions a week can make a big difference.
Can I cancel anytime
Yes.
How does the refund guarantee work
Join and try everything for 28 days. If you do not feel emotional and practical improvement, cancel before day 28 and get a full refund.
Also From The PhD People
Monday Focus Session
New to The PhD People and not sure if this way of working is for you? Start here. Every Monday, 9am UK time, 30+ PhD students work together for four hours. One session is £14 — (but it’s free for Common Room members).
Thesis Bootcamp
Finish a chapter in one weekend. A planning workshop, four days of intensive writing alongside 25 other PhD students, and an editing session to turn your draft into something submission-ready. The average word count is 17,500. Runs quarterly. £195 — double your money back if it’s not worth it.