Love Letter to Your Thesis Competition

The Love Letter to Your Thesis Competition is run annually in the run-up to 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 five categories by a panel of judges:

  • Best Goodbye
  • Most Uplifting
  • Funniest
  • Most Bittersweet
  • Most Inspiring 

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.

A pink background with yellow heart outlines all over. In front is a letter stamped with a heart and addressed 'Love Letter to Your Thesis'.

Visit the UofG PGR Blog to view the winning letters from past competitions!