Featured Student: Labeeba Miah

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Labeeba Miah was a student on the MA Philosphy 2022-23. Under the guidance of Dr Christopher Bartley, Labeeba wrote her Masters dissertation, "I Refuse to be Defined by Something Invisible," on the Bengali philosopher Fakir Lalon Shah's intricate relationship with the religions of the Desi region. Labeeba says:

My time at Liverpool was not limited to scholarly pursuits; I was also appointed Democracy and Outreach officer for the British Philosophy Association’s postgraduate wing, British Postgraduate Philosophy Association, BPPA.  In this capacity, I played a pivotal role in establishing the BPPA membership programme and organising a noteworthy conference celebrating Women in Philosophy during International Women’s History Month in the Guild.

Labeeba is about to embark on a new academic chapter. She will be writing a PhD at Durham University on the Ethics of Mental Health Support under the supervision of Dr Katherine Puddifoot and Dr Benedict Smith.

We asked Labeeba what advice she would give to her other students.

I wish everyone wanting to either apply for or complete a PhD in Philosophy the best of luck!  Here’s what I wish I'd known!

  1. Passion gets you Everywhere: You must truly love your chosen area of study because it will require dedication and resilience.
  2. Patience is Key: Progress in philosophical research can be slow. Patience is not just a virtue; it's a necessity.
  3. Seek Guidance Early: Don't hesitate to seek guidance from tutors and peers from the very beginning. They can provide valuable insights and help shape your research.
  4. Secure Funding: Ensure to apply for your funding as soon as possible.
  5. Embrace Uncertainty: There will be moments when you start to question yourself, don’t be discouraged, embrace it! That’s what Philosophy is about!
  6. Reading is Fundamental: Reading is the backbone of Philosophy. Ensure to read widely, including older and contemporary texts.
  7. Balance Matters: Balancing research, coursework, and personal life can be challenging. Implement a balanced routine early on.
  8. Learn to Argue Clearly: Clear and concise argumentation is a must. It is essential that you don’t let your Research Proposal be 10 pages of rambling.
  9. Publish and Present: The more you publish and present your work, the more you learn and grow. Don't wait until your dissertation is finished to start sharing your ideas.
  10. Self-Care Matters: Taking care of your mental and physical well-being is not a luxury; it's essential. 
  11. Embrace Feedback: Constructive criticism is your friend, do not take it personally, use it to propel you forward. 
  12. Networking is Powerful: Building a network in the philosophical community is invaluable. There’s much to learn from fellow students and established philosophers.
  13. Adapt and Evolve: Your research interests might change over time. Don’t give yourself a hard time for that. 
  14. Stay Curious: Never lose your sense of curiosity. Philosophy is a continuous exploration of ideas; keep asking questions. 
  15. It's Okay to Struggle: Everyone encounters challenges during their PhD journey, from the beginning to the end. Struggling at times is normal, and it's a part of growth.
  16. Celebrate Small Wins: Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. Getting a place on a PhD programme is a phenomenal achievement, well done!