Richard Gasparini

PhD in Gender Studies

Faculty: Arts and Humanities

Research centre: Research Centre for Applied Social Sciences

I am doing a full-time PhD distance learning from my home in Toronto, Canada.  My research is in gender studies, looking at gender capital in middle management of Ontario’s publicly funded colleges. I started my PhD in 2017 and expect to complete it in 2021. I am self-funded. 

I’m semi-retired, a lawyer by background and lecture in law at York University.

What motivated you to do a PhD?

During my MBA at the University of Bradford, I wrote an article in the area of gender studies, which was really well received and then went on to be published. I wanted to continue with my studies, not for career purposes, but because I enjoy studying, reading books and writing.  

Why did you choose Manchester Met?

I decided to study my PhD with Manchester Met after being approached by an academic there. I wanted to study with a UK University, as the process is very different from Canada and the United States, where you have to do lots of seminars and courses. I wanted to go straight into my studies, so this seemed like the perfect fit.

What have been the best things about doing your PhD at Manchester Met?

As someone who is semi-retired, I wanted to spend my time feeling challenged and intellectually active. This is my fifth degree. The subject matter is less important, doing my PhD is a way of staying intellectually engaged, alert, alive and curious. I can’t think of anything else I could have been doing that could have challenged me as much as doing this PhD has done. I have to say it has been worthwhile. 

Once I have completed my PhD, I will feel a sense of relief, this is a goal like climbing Mount Everest. It is a challenge, I will feel like I have accomplished that challenge.  

How would you describe the supervision you have received?

I have an excellent relationship with my three supervisors, each one of them is different and has different perspectives. 

What will you do once you have completed your PhD?

Afterwards I will carry on, and either do Postdoctoral work in the same subject area, or pursue a Masters degree in Education.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of doing a PhD?

If you have a spouse or children they have to be prepared to make compromises for you like mine has done for me. Clear it with your family, make sure they understand what you are getting into.  

Stay in good health, eat the right foods, get exercise, keep your spirits up.

Be prepared for the challenge. Doing a PhD is demanding work. Understand that this is a long, arduous journey. And then, once you are into it, never, never, never give up, no matter what happens academically, professionally or personally. Stay right to the end. Sticking with it is what counts. Someone wise once said, “There is no failure except in no longer trying.”.