The book provides a grounded, narrative exploration of contemporary qualitative PhD research in the fields of language education and applied linguistics. The chapters are authored by current and former PhD candidates studying in New Zealand, with commentaries from international experts in the field.

The book contains ten chapters in addition to the foreword, introduction and afterword. Each chapter addresses a different stage of PhD candidature: pre-enrolment; the first six months, research design, literature review, data collection, data analysis, drafting chapters, supervision and feedback, publishing and the examination process. Each chapter includes a set of questions for the readers to reflect on issues raised by the authors, and a comprehensive list of references.

The book is intended for an audience of prospective and current PhD candidates, PhD supervisors, academic language and learning advisors who work with PhD candidates, researchers working in the field of doctoral education, and university administrators in pertinent leadership roles.