TUT Accounting Department equips future Doctoral students with skills for academic success

The Department of Accounting recently hosted a Research Day for potential doctoral candidates, offering valuable guidance on how to approach and structure their academic research.

Held early in September 2025, the session aimed to equip aspiring researchers with essential tools for academic excellence. Facilitator, Prof Christina Shuttleworth from the University of South Africa (UNISA), shared her insights into the craft of academic writing and the research process. Topics covered included:

• Different academic writing styles 
• Steps in the writing process 
• Research structure 
• Reporting on another author’s work 
• Avoiding plagiarism 
• The use of artificial intelligence in research 
• Common writing mistakes 
• Time management 

Prof Shuttleworth emphasised that academic writing is not merely about completing a thesis, but about contributing meaningfully to one’s field. She reminded participants that engaging with scholarly sources such as journal articles, books and reports is vital, however their own analytical voice must always come through clearly.

“I do not want to see a thesis filled only with other scholarly voices. The researcher’s own voice must be visible to convince the reader,” she explained. “If you want to write about a particular topic, first explore what has been said about it before - look at previous and current debates, both locally and internationally, then determine the extent to which the topic has been discussed.

Clarity over complexity

Prof Shuttleworth encouraged candidates to use simple words and short sentences to improve readability, warning against the overuse of jargon and complex phrasing.

“Sometimes students use ambiguous or bombastic words that leave readers uncertain about their meaning,” she said. “It is better to write concise, clear and short sentences.”

She also discussed the growing role of AI tools in academic writing, weighing their advantages and disadvantages while cautioning students to stay aligned with their institution’s research ethics and policies.

Balancing passion and research value

In closing, Prof Shuttleworth advised students to select research topics that are both personally meaningful and academically viable. She highlighted the importance of balancing passion with scholarly relevance and encouraged participants to learn from their peers throughout their research journey.

“Choose a topic that contributes to knowledge, not only one that interests you personally,” she concluded.

Top 5 takeaways from Prof Shuttleworth’s ession

• Find your academic voice Don’t rely solely on references - let your own analysis and perspective shine through in your writing. 
• Clarity beats complexity -  Use simple words and short sentences. Avoid jargon that clouds your message. 
• Choose researchable topics -  Balance personal interest with academic relevance. A strong topic contributes to ongoing scholarly debates. 
• Use AI responsibly - AI tools can assist with writing, but researchers must follow institutional policies and maintain academic integrity. 
• Manage your time wisely -  Plan your research and writing schedule carefully to avoid last-minute stress and ensure quality work.