Welcome to the Doctoral Mentoring Programme
Embarking on a PhD can be both thrilling and overwhelming. While intellectual curiosity drives many to undertake this journey, the path is often marked by isolation, uncertainty, and a lack of structured support. The Third Degree’s Doctoral Mentoring Programme is designed to change that experience for you.
We offer a practical, focused, and supportive mentoring experience tailored to the key stages of doctoral research. With a mix of monthly group accountability sessions and personalised one-on-one mentorship, this programme provides the clarity, structure, and encouragement you need to move forward with confidence.
Whether you are refining your research proposal, collecting and analysing data, or writing your thesis chapters, we’re here to help you progress meaningfully — with guidance, community, and expert insight.
Programme Overview
The Doctoral Mentoring Programme runs for six months and is offered through three distinct streams:
Stream One | Research Proposal Development
Stream Two | Research Data Collection
Stream Three | Dissertation Writing & Editing
Each Stream Includes
- Six (6) x Monthly Accountability Sessions (2 hours each): These group sessions include expert presentations, Q&A discussions, and structured peer check-ins. They are designed to keep you focused and on schedule.
- Nine Individual Mentoring Sessions: Booked in flexible 30-minute slots, these sessions offer tailored advice on your work, challenges, and goals. Use them when you need specific input or support.
- Targeted Resources: Specific, targeted resources to help you with your journey and research decisions. These include textual and videographic resources.
Delivery Mode Online via Zoom (or similar platform)
Schedule Monthly sessions held on Saturdays (international time zones considered)
Programme Fee USD $200 per person (this special launch pricing applies for the October 2025 cohort)
Participants Minimum 8 participants, maximum 15 participants per stream
Why Join This Programme?
✅ Structured Guidance | No more drifting between milestones. Our six-month structure ensures steady progress, one goal at a time.
✅ Tailored Mentoring | One-on-one support allows you to address personal challenges and get specific, actionable feedback.
✅ Peer Support & Motivation | Engage with others who understand the doctoral journey. Accountability groups help reduce isolation and sustain momentum.
✅ Affordable & Accessible | Designed to be inclusive and value-driven — high quality support at a low cost.
✅ Experienced Facilitators | Mentors are experienced researchers with a track record in supervision, publication, and academic development.
✅ Resources | Access to impactful resources to help with your doctoral journey and research decisions.
Schedule
Dates for all Streams commencing October 2025!
All sessions are held on Saturdays, 8pm-10pm (GMT + 8)
| Stream One Research Proposal Development | Stream Two Research Data Collection | Stream Three Dissertation Writing & Editing |
| 4 October Introduction to Proposal Writing | 11 October Introduction to Data Collection | 18 October Writing Strategies |
| 1 November Literature Review | 8 November Planning & Preparation | 15 November Drafting Chapters |
| 6 December Methodology Design | 13 December Data Collection Techniques | 27 December Editing and Revisions |
| 10 January Drafting the Proposal | 17 January Data Management | 24 January Integrating Feedback |
| 7 February Refining & Finalising | 21 February Analysis Preparation | 28 February Finalising Chapters |
| 7 March Presentation & Defense Preparation | 21 March Analysis & Interpretation | 28 March Presentation and Publication |
Next Steps
Enrolment is now open for the October 2025 cohort!
To apply, please visit here to complete the short registration form.
Terms and Conditions
By enrolling in The Third Degree’s Doctoral Mentoring Programme, participants agree to the following terms and conditions:
1. Fees and Payments
- The full programme fee is USD $200, payable in advance.
- We require a minimum enrolment of 8 participants per cohort to ensure it proceeds. Full refunds will be provided should a cohort not proceed.
- We offer a tiered refund policy should you decide to withdraw for medical or workload reasons. Full refunds are provided if we are advised (with appropriate documentation) fourteen (14) days in advance of programme start date; partial refunds (50%) if we are advised (with appropriate documentation) up to five (5) days in advance of programme start date.
- Transfers to other participants are permitted prior to commencement of programme.
- Special launch pricing is applicable only for the current cohort (October 2025 to March 2026) and may not be extended to future groups.
2. Attendance and Participation
- Participants are expected to attend all scheduled group sessions. These take place monthly on Saturdays and are scheduled in advance.
3. Mentoring Sessions
- Each participant is entitled to nine (9) individual mentoring sessions, booked in 30-minute slots as needed.
- Personal sessions must be scheduled in advance via the online booking system. Missed sessions without 24 hours’ notice may be forfeited.
- Mentoring support is provided within the six-month programme period only; unused sessions do not roll over.
4. Programme Format and Changes
- All sessions (group and individual) are conducted online, typically via Zoom or a similar platform.
- The programme structure and schedule may be adjusted with prior notice to accommodate group needs or unforeseen circumstances.
5. Confidentiality and Conduct
- All participants agree to maintain confidentiality and mutual respect during group sessions.
- The Third Degree reserves the right to remove any participant whose behaviour is disruptive, disrespectful, or harmful to others.
6. Intellectual Property
- Materials shared during the programme (slides, templates, recordings, etc.) are for personal academic use only and must not be distributed or reproduced without permission.
7. Data and Privacy
- Personal information collected during registration will be used solely for the purpose of programme delivery and communication.
- The Third Degree will not share participant information with third parties without consent.
8. Use of Feedback for Promotion
- By participating in the programme, you agree that any feedback you provide — whether via surveys, written evaluations, verbal comments during sessions, or testimonials — may be used by The Third Degree for promotional and marketing purposes.
- This may include the use of anonymised or attributed quotes (first name and country only, unless further permission is granted) in materials such as websites, social media posts, brochures, and reports.
- If you do not wish for your feedback to be used in this way, you may opt out by notifying us in writing at any time during or after the programme.