Writing Retreats

Thesis Writing Retreat (PGRs)

Are you nearing the end of your PhD and would like some support with writing up your thesis? 

• Do you put off writing tasks until ‘tomorrow’? 
• Are you finding it tough ‘going it alone’?  

We have just what you need – the Thesis Writing Retreat! Dedicated solely to getting words down on paper (or a computer screen), this once-a-year event is designed to help late-stage doctoral students get over that final hurdle or to kick-start their writing progress if it has stalled.   

• Event details (1-3 July)

  The Thesis Writing Retreat will run in-person at the Old Burgh School from Wednesday 1 July- Friday 3 July, 9.15am-5pm each day.  

  Sign up to join other postgraduate students in a supportive, structured, intensive writing environment. With the help of your peers and an experienced facilitator, Thesis Writing retreat participants will power through final-year blues, writer’s block, and thesis fatigue to achieve significant progress on their dissertation.  

  You are eligible to attend Thesis Writing Retreat if you are a research student at the University of St Andrews and are in the final stages of completing your degree, i.e. you have completed your data collection/archival research and are ready to ‘write up’. This event is not intended  for reading articles, taking notes, editing, or polishing existing material. It is also not designed to offer in-depth advice and support in terms of language and writing style.  

  What it is designed for, is to support and motivate you in moving past writers’ block and procrastination to getting words down on the page. The ultimate aim of the Thesis Writing Retreat is to write a significant amount of first draft material.  

  Important Information 

  The Thesis Writing Retreat is a free event provided by GRADskills which aims to build a writing community based on peer support with access to one-to-one support for each participant when required. As such, spaces are limited and we cannot guarantee participation for all eligible applicants. 
  
  Refreshments and snacks will be provided, but participants will need to provide their own lunch.

  Request a place

• Who can take part?

  To be eligible to attend you must be: 

  • A current Postgraduate Researcher (PhD/DProf/MPhil/MSt(Res)MSc(Res)/MRes) at the University of St Andrews 
  • Have told your supervisor you plan to attend 
  • Be able to attend in person for all three days of the event 
  • Have completed the majority of your research or data collection for the material you are focusing on and be ready to write at the start of the event 
  • Be able to complete pre-work to prepare for the event 

  Priority will be given to students in the final stages of completing their degree and those who have not attended a writing retreat previously. The Thesis Writing Retreat is run annually so please consider attending next year if you are currently in the first or second year of your PhD.  

  Request a place

• How do I sign up?

  I am up for the challenge, where do I sign up? 

  Request a place on PDMS by 19 June. Please note that we will contact you 2 weeks before the event, and you will need to confirm your place.  

  In the event there is more interest than places, these will be offered on a first come first served basis. 

  Request a place

Dissertation Writing Retreat (PGTs)

The Dissertation Writing Retreat offers protected time and space for PGTs to make significant progress on their Masters Dissertations.

You will be working within a focused environment alongside a supportive community of peers. Arrive prepared to write, set ambitious goals, and build your confidence alongside your word count.

Participants benefit from structured activities and meaningful reflection to kickstart the writing process, but the majority of the Retreat is reserved for independent writing.  Members of the Learning and Writing Centre team will be on hand to answer your questions and to provide support and encouragement. 

• Event details (29-30 July)

  It is essential that participants are committed to attending both days and participating fully in this intensive and rewarding process.

  Refreshments and lunch will be provided on both days.

  Dates: 29-30 July (9.15am – 5.00pm)
  Location: The Gateway, St Andrews

• Who can take part?

  The Dissertation Writing Retreat is open to all PGT students who have progressed to the writing stage of their projects.

  Please note: the time is not intended for undertaking research. While you may wish to consult different materials, you should be ready to write.

• How do I apply?

  Limited spaces are available at the PGT Writing Retreat. The short application form asks participants how they would benefit from joining the Retreat, and specifically which sections of their project they will be able to advance.

  The application form will close on Monday 6 July. All applicants will be informed whether or not they have secured a place by Friday 10 July.

  Application form: Dissertation Writing Retreat (29-30 July, St Andrews) – Fill out form

  Apply now