The starting point to achieve your doctorate is to appreciate how examiners examine doctoral theses. The criteria that examiners use, the questions they ask in vivas and their reports provide templates against which theses are judged. 'So, why not start from this end-point to plan, undertake, write and defend your research? This book focuses specifically on how doctoral candidates can raise levels of thinking about their topic, their research process and their contribution(s) to knowledge. It emphasises the nature of conceptualization sought by examiners within theses.Candidates 'start to prepare for their viva' as they plan, undertake and write-up their research so that their text addresses those essential characteristics of doctorateness which examiners look for in a 'good thesis.' Thus, this book is based upon contemporary practice to help candidates achieve their doctorate. The practicality of the book is how it identifies what candidates need to address in order to demonstrate doctorateness. It includes extracts from theses, examiner reports and cameo accounts from examiners, supervisors and candidates of doctoral 'experiences'. Plus, it contains numerous visual models that explain relationships and processes for you to apply and use. This book is suitable for doctoral candidates, supervisors and examiners.