Editorial: Identity and Roles within the PhD

The role of the PhD student as an ‘emerging scholar’ is multifaceted (Foot, Crowe, Tollafield & Allan, 2014). The PhD process is a transition that involves developing an identity through both sides of the teaching and learning equation. Research aside, the most challenging aspect of the postgraduate journey has been managing scholarly identities. Importantly, there is a real threat of drop out for those who are unable to internalise a coherent identity during this time (Baker & Pifer, 2011). The issue could be considered through two lenses: how much agency PhD students are given and the extent to which their chosen title conveys a positive identity.