This paper presents some of the findings from two national research pr
ojects which focussed on Ph.D, research in Britain. Through interviews
with graduate students, supervisors and department heads, it explores
the characteristic structures which index natural science and social
science doctoral study in both single and multi/inter-disciplinary fie
lds. By comparing and contrasting a 'research group approach' to Ph.D,
research with the 'one-to-one' model, the research findings highlight
ways in which doctoral study can be organised to minimise some of the
problems routinely faced by graduate students.