Online Thesis Boot Camp

March 2026

Put some spring in your writing!

Join programme creator Dr Peta Freestone and a cohort of fellow doctoral students to make meaningful progress on your thesis. With a strictly limited intake of just 16 participants, you’ll access expert guidance, peer support, and the tools and strategies to set you up for writing success.

What you’ll get

  • Planning Resources

    Preparation is key to achieving your Thesis Boot Camp goals. All participants are expected to plan a significant piece of new writing (ie. chapter or paper) prior to the event. You’ll be provided with an induction pack with planning tips and templates to help you get the most out of Thesis Boot Camp.

  • Introductory Seminar

    Want to make sure you hit the ground running on Day 1 of Thesis Boot Camp? Attend this (optional) two-hour online seminar before the main event, including additional planning resources and a live Q&A with the programme creator.

  • Main Event

    Three days live online with programme creator Dr Peta Freestone. Each day will be book-ended with lectures and group discussions to set you up for success. You’ll then spend the bulk of the day applying your learning in energising co-working sessions designed to help you make serious progress on your thesis draft.

  • Workshops & Lectures

    The opportunity to participate in up to ten hours of group workshops and lectures across the programme, each tailored to the later stages of the PhD experience. Learn how to: write efficiently, tackle procrastination, overcome writer’s block, edit towards examination, plan the final months of your candidature, and more.

  • Individual Consultation

    Need extra writing resources or strategies with getting your PhD over the final hurdle? Programme creator Dr Peta Freestone has worked with thousands of PhD students around the world, supporting them to complete their thesis in less time with less stress. Take advantage of the option to have a 30-minute one-to-one online meeting during the main event.

  • Review Seminar

    Reunite with other members of your Thesis Boot Camp cohort for this optional two-hour online session at least a month after the event, including accountability check-ins and strategies for maintaining your own sustainable writing practice long into the future.

‘Sign me up’, you say?

Here’s all the essential info…

  • Cost

    The course fee is £345. This covers all core and optional sessions, including a 30-minute one-to-one.

    A deposit of £100 will be required to secure your place. The balance is due 6 weeks before the first day of the main event.

  • Dates and times

    (all times are GMT/UK/Ireland)

    Closed for applications!

  • How to apply

    Send an e-mail requesting an application form.

    Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the course is full - apply early to avoid disappointment.

    Latest news: Applications for the March 2026 Programme have now closed. Send an e-mail if you would like to join the waitlist.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • In your application, you will need to confirm you are willing and able to attend the full three days of the main event.

    You are highly encouraged to attend the optional Introductory Seminar in order to be best prepared for the main event. Likewise, the Review Seminar is optional but recommended.

  • The application is designed to ensure that you are in a position to get the most benefit from attending a Thesis Boot Camp. It is to ensure that you understand what Thesis Boot Camp entails, and that you are at an appropriate stage in your doctoral journey (usually the final year) for the programme to be helpful for you. The application also gives you an opportunity to communicate why you would like to join the cohort and what you hope to achieve during the programme.

  • Yes. But you wil need to submit an application form to be added to the waiting list.

  • Terms and conditions, including booking, refunds, conduct and copyright matters, are available to view here.

  • You will need a stable internet connection, a web camera, and Zoom video conferencing software.

  • No. Attendees wil be invited to interact in all sessions. As such, none will be recorded, so that everyone feels safe to share.

  • Yes. Up to three places for applicants who are self-funding their fees, and are in an under-represented group and/or experiencing financial hardship, will be awarded a 50% scholarship. There is a section on the application form to indicate whether you would like to be considered for a discounted place.

  • All withdrawals must be received via e-mail.

    A deposit of £100 secures your place. If you withdraw within the 14-day cooling off period after paying your deposit, you will receive a full refund. After the 14-day cooling off period, your deposit will not be refunded.

    Balance payments are due 6 weeks before the beginning of the 3-day Main Event. Balance payments are generally non-refundable. If we can find someone to take your place prior to the introductory seminar, we may be able to return your balance payment, minus your £100 deposit. However, there is no guarantee we will be able to on-sell your place.

    Please note - if we need to cancel the event for any reason, you will receive your choice of:

    • a full refund

    • credit for a priority place in the next (if available) equivalent event.