New review links PhD completion to candidate supervision and institution factors
A systematic scoping review published in Frontiers in Education identifies three main categories influencing doctoral graduation rates among candidates worldwide.
Review methodology and scope
Researchers conducted a search across ERIC, Web of Science and Scopus databases to find relevant studies. The process identified 6,927 records before assessing 58 in full text for inclusion. Ultimately, 42 studies met the criteria and were analyzed using thematic analysis methods. These included works published between 2020 and 2024 that mostly used quantitative approaches.
Three key categories found
The analysis grouped factors into candidate characteristics, institutional factors and supervisory characteristics. This holistic approach addresses individual attributes alongside supervisory practices and structural support systems. The findings suggest isolated focus on supervision or mental health is insufficient for success. A mix of all three elements appears necessary to effectively support doctoral candidates.
Gaps in current research
The review noted limited geographic diversity within the existing literature on this topic. There is a clear need for more qualitative and mixed-methods research across disciplines. The study was conducted by Kjersti Velde Helgøy et al from the University of Stavanger. Their work highlights the complexity of the interplay between individual, supervisory and institutional elements.
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