Structured PhD, Creativity and Culture in Turin, Italy

Name: Ambra Gatto Bergamasco

Age: 34

Primary degree: BA Anthropology and French, NUI Maynooth (2007)

Postgraduate degrees: Postgraduate certificate in Anthropology (2008); PhD in Creativity and Culture in Turin, Italy, NUI Maynooth (2012)

I decided to do a PhD to pursue my interest in urban studies. I'd loved working on my undergraduate thesis on the urban regeneration of Belfast, and prior to my academic 'adventure' I worked for 12 years in theatre as a performer, practitioner and producer; I felt that pursuing a PhD would allow me to combine my two passions.

Flexibility and lateral thinking

With a structured PhD you have a clear deadline and focused objectives to reach within given timeframes. You take taught masters classes and have the opportunity to share what can sometimes be a lonely research experience with colleagues. The main difference between a more traditional research-based doctorate and a structured one is largely down to time investment and the methods in which research is approached.

The benefits of a four-year PhD are flexibility and a more lateral approach towards the subject and discipline. Unlimited time for research – typically the norm with more traditional PhDs – has its drawbacks: too much time can be distracting. By having compulsory modules to follow you'll hopefully grow into a well-rounded academic, aware of different disciplines and methods of research, and able to take an active part in academic life.

As a researcher, I am left to my own devices enough to see where and when I go wrong, and to find my own way of engaging with the subject itself. At the same time I can advance my knowledge and skill sets in other areas by presenting at conferences and taking part in seminars, which in turn facilitates networking. The structured nature of my course prepares me with the generic skills I'll need to better advance my employability prospects and ultimately help manage my career.

Next steps

I am funded by the Irish Social Sciences Platform – ISSP – on a scholarship basis. Once I've sat my viva I'll reflect on what I have achieved and take it from there. Ultimately I'd love to be a full-time scholar, but I also feel very comfortable working with people, so ideally I'd like a job that bridges both positions.

The most enjoyable part of my course so far has been developing a network of colleagues and being part of a group of PhD students. Together with some colleagues I organised the launch of the 'Visual Participatory Research Network' at a panel session at the Conference of Irish Geographers at NUIM this year. Sharing our projects and seeing them evolve is inspiring; I enjoy the challenge of collaborating with others.

For me, the most challenging aspect of my PhD has been learning how to write in clear, simple English. From a continental point of view this has always been a daily battle. Having said that, facing the challenge has brought more structure into my life and less procrastination!

Top tips

Consider a PhD as a vocation. Most importantly, be sure about your topic and make sure you feel comfortable with your chosen supervisors. These are simple points but they've been crucial for me.