Love Letter to Your Thesis Competition

The Love Letter to Your Thesis Competition is run annually around Valentine's Day in February. PGRs submit letters (either poetry or prose) which explore the relationship with their thesis. All entries are considered for prizes in different categories by a panel of judges. These categories can change each year depending on the entries recieved, previous categories include:

  • Best Goodbye
  • Most Romantic
  • Funniest
  • Most Bittersweet
  • Most Inspiring 
  • Most Thought Provoking

Entries are judged on creativity, voice, reflection, adherence to topic and structure. They can be submitted anonymously if you prefer.

Why Take Part?

The competition allows PGRs to reflect on the ups and downs of a MRes/PhD. It also allows them to think creatively and express their feelings about their degree.

Prizes

In 2023, the prizes were as follows:

First prize in each category - a £30 National Book Token

Runner up in each category - a £15 National Book Token

 

2023 Awards

"Best Goodbye" Winner Amy Muir

"Best Goodbye" Runner Up Anon

"Most Uplifting" Winner Sam Gates

"Most Uplifting" Runner Up JoAnn Tan

"Funniest" Winner Eleanor Capaldi

"Funniest" Runner Up Anon

"Most Bittersweet" Winner Hanru Yang

"Most Bittersweet" Runner Up Natalia Wright

"Most Inspiring" Winner Perry Gibson

"Most Inspiring" Runner Up Peace Ayegba

 

You can read all the winning entries on the PGR Blog.

How Can I Enter?

More information about next year's competition will be posted in early 2024.